Rich McKnight: Cultivating a passion for data science at UNC Charlotte

Rich McKnight, a Master’s student in the Data Science & Business Analytics program, exemplifies what it means to be a Niner with a passion for learning. Regardless of the classes he takes, Rich makes the effort to be involved and learn from his fellow students. 

Graduating in May 2025, Rich’s degree from the School of Data Science will be his second Master’s degree. In 1982, he received his Master’s in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan and has had a well-rounded career since.

However, in 2023, Rich chose to study data science at UNC Charlotte because of new trends in data. His position as a software systems architect at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory led him to pursue it further.

“There was a lot of data science going on there, and I saw that and said, ‘Hmm, there’s something more there,'” said Rich. “That interest led me to study it. As things developed [in data science], it felt like I caught a wave without knowing I was catching one.”

Studying data science while working at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory has shifted Rich’s responsibilities and positively altered how he views tasks at work.

“Data science has given me the opportunity to expand out of what I originally came in as a subject matter expert in,” said Rich. “Now, I’m expanding and using things adjacent to it, but thinking of how it ties into the things I’ve been learning, like large language models.”

While Rich has been thinking about the application of data for some time, he has a greater understanding of its importance as he finishes his studies.

“With the amount of data we have, people can start to understand things about their communities. And if people don’t understand how data impacts them, it’s going to be a rough road for them,” said Rich. “Data science, and all the different things that can be done with data, will overtake those who don’t understand its importance.”

To Rich, taking classes with those younger than him and passionate about data has been a learning experience that will carry on into the rest of his professional career.

“I will probably do consulting in the future, and a lot of the people who would be customers and business leaders are going to be Millennials and Gen Z,” said Rich. “I’ve worked with a lot of them in projects as peers, so there’s at least a little bit of understanding of what their experiences have been.”

Rich reflects on his group projects and how each has been a learning experience in thinking differently, but has also let him see younger students grow.

“I want to make sure that students see me as a fellow student and that we need everybody’s input in projects,” said Rich. “I may have experience in industry, but I am a fledgling data scientist, and there’s a lot to learn. So, I want to make sure that people don’t defer to me just because I am older.”

Outside classes, Rich has volunteered to support the School of Data Science in additional ways, such as sitting on a panel for incoming students at orientation. He has also represented the DSBA program during Graduate Student Appreciation Week in the College of Computing and Informatics student highlights.

Rich also brings his passion for music into his studies, blending the two in projects and study methods. He also incorporates data science into his music, especially for the local band he is in.

“I play the keyboard and do backup vocals in a local band, and it’s been fun,” said Rich. “Most of us are Boomers, but we have one Millennial and Gen Xer. All of us are from completely different professional backgrounds. There’s a bit of a fellowship aspect: getting together to play music.”

As he completes his studies, Rich thinks fondly of the faculty who have supported him and created an environment where he can belong.

“All of the Charlotte professors care deeply about the success of their students,” said Rich. “Through Charlotte’s program, there’s a sense of wanting people to be successful and trying to create that environment.”