Johanna Laina Fischer, PhD
About Johanna Laina Fischer, PhD
Johanna Laina Fischer, PhD, is a Data Scientist at ActBlue with a background in astrophysics and extensive experience in data science roles at various organizations.
Current Position as Data Scientist at ActBlue
Johanna Laina Fischer, PhD, has been working as a Data Scientist at ActBlue since 2022. ActBlue is a nonprofit technology organization that provides online fundraising tools. In her role, she utilizes her extensive background in Python, SQL, and data analysis to support the organization's mission. Her transition to this role marks a significant step in her career, leveraging her computational and analytical skills developed during her academic and previous professional experiences.
Former Data Scientist at Edward Jones
Before joining ActBlue, Johanna worked at Edward Jones as a Data Scientist from 2021 to 2022. At Edward Jones, she applied her expertise in data science to improve decision-making processes within the company. This position was her first major transition from academia into the corporate world, setting the foundation for her career in data science.
Experience at Comcast
Johanna held multiple positions at Comcast in the Greater Philadelphia Area. She started as a Sr. Analyst from 2019 to 2020, transitioned to Data Scientist II from 2020 to 2021, and then quickly moved up to Senior Data Scientist in 2021. Across these roles, she honed her analytical skills, focusing on developing complex data models and providing strategic insights. Her time at Comcast allowed her to gain valuable experience in a highly competitive and fast-paced industry.
Educational Background in Astrophysics
Johanna earned her Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of Pennsylvania, studying from 2013 to 2018. During her doctoral studies, she focused on galaxy light profile modeling using Python, SQL, and IDL. Prior to her Ph.D., she completed her Bachelor's degrees in Space Sciences: Astronomy and Astrophysics and Physics from the Florida Institute of Technology from 2009 to 2012. Her strong academic background provided a solid foundation for her analytical skills used in her current data science roles.
Early Research and Teaching Experience
Johanna's early career includes significant research and teaching roles. She worked as a Teaching Assistant/Grader and Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Pennsylvania from 2013 to 2018. She also accumulated research experience as an Undergraduate Student Researcher at NASA in 2013 and participated in a Research Experience for Undergraduates at the University of Michigan in 2012. These experiences enriched her research capabilities and teaching proficiency, all of which contribute to her current data science expertise.