Dean Walston, Data and Analytics Fellow

He/Him/His

Dean Walston, hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, and armed with a data science degree from Fisk University, is not only a passionate advocate for community and family upliftment but also an active contributor to the 100 Scholars Robotics Alliance in Atlanta. During the Summer of Invention and Innovation 2022 Program, Dean served as the Lead Coach, where he played a crucial role in advising and mentoring over 800 students participating in the FIRST programs (FRC, FTC, and FLL Teams). His impact went beyond technical guidance, as he specifically coached young minority scholars aged 7 and above in programming languages like JS and Blocks, enabling them to build FIRST robots and enhance their robotics and programming skills. This hands-on involvement exemplifies Dean’s commitment to using his technical skills to make a positive difference in the lives of the youth within his community. His journey emphasizes academic achievements and the practical application of knowledge for meaningful community engagement. Dean’s work as a Data and Analytics Fellow at the Recycling Partnership underscores his commitment to leveraging data science for positive change in environmental initiatives. His journey showcases a blend of technical expertise, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

Why I Care About Recycling

“I am deeply committed to recycling and advocating for a circular economy due to my extensive understanding of the significant impact of these systems on the environment and society. My motivation stems from my dedication to adopting sustainable practices to combat resource depletion and reduce the harmful effects of waste on our ecosystems. Embracing a circular economy aligns with my values since it emphasizes creating products designed for longevity and recyclability, ultimately reducing our environmental impact and building a more resilient economic structure. This approach prioritizes material reuse and regeneration, rather than the traditional ‘take, make, dispose’ linear model. By actively participating in recycling and advocating for circular economy principles, I contribute to mitigating climate change and promoting conservation.”

Personal Passions and Interests

Dean enjoys traveling, collecting sneakers, spending time with his family and friends, and building Lego Star Wars and Muscle Car sets in his free time.

Highlights

Graduated from Fisk University in 2023 with a degree in Data Science.