Faces of ICPSR: Sandra Tang

What is your ICPSR Job Title?

Assistant Research Scientist

What is a favorite memory or instance you have working at ICPSR? What makes ICPSR a great place to work?

As cliché as it sounds, the people are what make ICPSR a great place to work. My ICPSR colleagues are not only smart and creative, but also kind and generous in sharing their time and knowledge with others. I also really appreciate how often I see leadership and colleagues acknowledging each other’s work and celebrating wins across the organization. It’s great to work in such a collaborative and supportive environment.

Where are you from?

I grew up in NJ, but I spent most of my adult life living in Boston and DC, so now I just say I’m from the East coast.

What is your favorite part of your job?

One of the perks of working at ICPSR is that I am able to connect with so many different people across disciplines (working in the field of social science data broadly and in early childhood and education specifically) that I probably wouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet much less work with if I was in a traditional academic faculty position. Every project I work on is with an interdisciplinary team so I’m always learning something new and I’m grateful for that opportunity.

How long have you worked here?

Just over three years.

What do you do when not at work?

I really enjoy food and eating at restaurants, so I’m always on the lookout for new places to try. Recently I also have gotten into watching K-dramas. My friends and I started a K-drama watch group as a way to pass the time during the pandemic. Now I’m hooked!

What have you read/viewed/listened to/etc. recently?

I recently finished the book Educated and I am just about to start Pachinko. I hear the show is really good so I am trying to read the book before I watch the series.

What might surprise us about you?

As a kid, I was part of a youth choir. I’m not a great singer, but because I was part of this group I had some incredible experiences like performing at Carnegie Hall, traveling abroad to participate in an international choir festival, and even auditioning for a Broadway musical. Proof that teamwork makes the dream work!

Photo captions (left to right, top to bottom): Sandra and goat; Sandra headshot

Thanks, Sandra!