Learn more about the great individuals within Arts ISIT and the wide range of services we support.
Details
Name
Sanam Shirazi
Job title
Senior Data Analyst
Pronouns
She, Her, Hers
Team
Learning Analytics
Interview
What year did you begin to work at Arts ISIT?
2017
Describe what you do at Arts ISIT
In my role as Senior Data Analyst within Learning Analytics team, I partner with units across the Faculty of Arts to identify data and reporting needs and lead analytics projects that provide insight into what is happening in our courses and programs.
By analyzing patterns and trends across existing sources, I translate data into clear, actionable information that informs planning and strategic decision making.
I also design and maintain dashboards and reports that make information more accessible, enabling faculty and staff in administrative role to use data effectively in both planning and day-to-day work.
What is the best thing about the work you do at Arts ISIT?
The most rewarding part of my work is being part of a community where I can make a small contribution to positively impact teaching and learning by turning data into insights that can support meaningful outcomes.
I also value the balance my role provides, engaging daily with faculty and staff to understand needs and perspectives, while also rolling up my sleeves to solve the technical and practical challenges of data projects.
I am also inspired by our collaborative team culture, where new ideas are welcomed, colleagues support one another, and continuous improvement is part of how we work.
What are your areas of expertise?
My areas of expertise include data preparation, analysis, and visualization, with technical experience in SQL, Tableau, Python, and R.
I bring strengths in critical thinking and problem solving, particularly in approaching questions and needs and finding ways data can help address them.
I also have experience leading data projects from gathering requirements, preparing and analyzing data, developing sustainable solutions and reporting frameworks, validating results, communicating insights to stakeholders, and ensuring regular maintenance and continuous improvement.
My educational background in information technology, computer engineering, and graduate studies in Learning Analytics provides domain knowledge that helps connect technical analysis with the realities of higher education.
Which services does your work relate to?
Please list some related projects/tools/resources you work on
- Reconstruction of Arts Data Reporting service products following the transition to Workday
- Section Meeting Patterns standard report
- Grade Distribution Trends standard report
- Arts Tableau
- Arts KPI Reports
- Arts Alumni Survey Analysis
- Continuous improvement of SEI reporting to align with revised guidelines
- Various custom data analytics projects
Can you share some of your personal interests or hobbies?
Outside of work, I spend much of my time chasing after my 5- and 3-year-olds at playgrounds and hopping from one activity to the next.
I find calm in practicing yoga and baking pastries, and I enjoy unwinding at the end of the day with adventure series or reality shows.
Data even finds its way into my daily life—I often catch myself tracking, organizing, or analyzing data points well beyond work. One might say I can’t resist finding patterns in just about everything!
