Xue is the Principal Data Scientist at YourMechanic. As a kid, she wanted to become a fashion designer, and she loves the 60's and 70's music.

Find out more about Xue’s role at YourMechanic:

Can you tell us more about what you do at YourMechanic?

I am the Principal Data Scientist at YourMechanic. I optimize mechanic scheduling to maximize their utilization, identify anomalies in daily operation stats, predict appointment completion rate, research on strategies for mechanic growth and retention, visualize data for different stakeholders, etc. Our data team never run out of exciting projects. We are currently working on building intelligence in the diagnostic booking funnel. If you are interested in the models we use, you can check them out in our engineering blogs!

Why did you join YourMechanic?

Before I joined YourMechanic in 2016, I worked as an Assistant Professor in Missouri. To stop being long distancing from my family, I started looking for a job in the San Francisco Bay Area. Among all the companies I talked to, I felt that people at YourMechanic were the most passionate about what they were doing and the business model attracted me a lot. I also found that I could apply both of my machine learning and operations research skills in this role, which was a rare opportunity. I have been thrilled that I joined YourMechanic and worked with all these fantastic people.

What was your first car and what do you love or hate about it?

My first car was a 2012 Honda Civic. I loved the fuel efficiency of this car.

Who has had the most influence on you growing up?

My Grandpa is my role model. He kept learning new things. He self-taught Russian and became an interpreter after he retired. He never ignored my questions and curiosities about any topic. When I was small, he taught me riddles, and we won a lot of prizes at various riddle competitions in the lantern festival. I grew a habit of learning from him. I dedicated my Ph.D. Dissertation to my Grandpa.

What kind of music do you like to listen to?

My soul is at least 20 years older than my age. I love the 60's and 70's music. My favorite artists are Bee Gees, America and Rod Stewart. While driving, I love to listen to the radio station “the Breeze”, where you can find a lot of good oldies.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grow up?

When I was in primary school, I wanted to become a fashion designer. I drew dresses on sketchbooks and designed pattern prints on a computer. I was featured in a kids tv show (The Dragon Club) in 1998, not because of my design, but because of how well I drew on the computer.

What’s your favorite place you’ve ever visited and why?

I visited Yosemite last February with my parents, my husband and my two kids (one in my belly). We witnessed the Fire Fall two days in a row. The scenery was breathtaking! I felt very blessed :)