Professional comic book artist (and part-time children’s entertainer) Suzanne LeGrand has found a new path. Twenty years after earning her bachelor’s from the Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art in Dover, New Jersey, she’s made a 180-degree turn. She is working on a BS in Data Science through IU Online. Her journey from cartoon art to data science makes for an interesting story.
“I’ve always been fascinated by archaeology,” says LeGrand. “And I love data. I look it up and collect it just for fun.” Not surprisingly, the work of National Geographic explorer Albert Lin caught her imagination. Lin uses drones, sonar, and satellite technology to explore, and collect data about, archaeological sites.
LeGrand realized that she could pursue her dream of using drone technology in archaeological exploration. Her first step? A bachelor’s in data science, along with a minor in environmental science. As a student digging into geology, biology, physics, and other sciences, LeGrand finds herself in a whole new realm. “My life has revolved around comic books and art; but today, I’m no longer drawing 10 to 12 hours a day! I’ve done a complete career change, combining my love of data with my interest in archaeology.” Her background in graphics will serve her well when it comes to charting maps.
Why online?
Flexibility. LeGrand is candid about having an anxiety disorder. She maintains a regular schedule of medical appointments and needs the freedom to make other appointments as necessary. Thanks to the flexibility IU Online offers, she can schedule coursework, discussions, and homework when it works best. She can take the time she needs to complete her program. She predicts graduating around 2027.
Supportive staff. LeGrand has high praise for her success coach, Shohn Beeson. “I can be candid with him about my limitations. We collaborate to find classes that work academically but that aren’t overwhelming. He’s been super supportive! I can message him any time. He tells me where to take problems.” She also praises her academic advisor. “I love hearing him talk about his field of study,” she says. “He uses data science in researching Alzheimer’s and has good recommendations for books. He adds breadth to my general knowledge.”
Veteran’s benefits. As with most students, cost was a consideration in LeGrand’s decision to return to school. She completed the FAFSA and receives financial assistance as the spouse of a veteran. “The veterans’ benefits help a lot. IU South Bend [LeGrand’s home campus] has a super veterans department where you can request help. Resources are available online. People are always there to help.” LeGrand and her spouse live near the campus, so they can take advantage of university clubs. LeGrand is active in the botany club and enjoys her personal interactions with other students while walking in nature and planting native wildflowers.
Professors. Two professors have made a great impact on LeGrand. “Associate Professor Yu Song is rigorous and very good at explaining complex math solutions. Questions? He gets back to you so quickly, even on weekends. I applied some of the tools we used in calculus to make a front yard garden! He thought that was very cool.”
Associate Professor Jie Wang gave LeGrand an entirely new way to understand programming—a field completely new to her. “I was so frustrated. I had all the components, but it just wasn’t working. I didn’t understand how spacing and indentation issues can completely mess up a program. Wang’s videos showed how to write out a program and gave me a whole new way to understand programming.”
Electives. LeGrand is supplementing her data science program with a minor in environmental science, a program she “super enjoys.” With environmental science, she is building skills that will help her conduct archaeological surveys.
LeGrand feels she is still on a learning curve, especially after being away from school for so many years. Given her anxiety issues, she occasionally finds it challenging to take part in discussion boards, but she is making progress.
To other students considering returning to school after some time away, she advises: “Make sure you have goals, and a good idea of what you’d like to do.”
