Data Science For Dummies

About the Author

Lillian Pierson, P.E. is an entrepreneurial data scientist and professional environmental engineer. She’s the founder of Data-Mania (www.data-mania.com), a start-up that focuses mainly on web analytics, data-driven growth services, data journalism, and data science training services. Apart from her technical and entrepreneurial work, as a (data) journalist, Pierson has been covering the topics of data science, analytics, and statistics for prominent organizations like John Wiley & Sons, Inc.; IBM; and UBM. Be sure to check out Pierson’s data blog at the Data-Mania website.

When Lillian isn’t working at the computer, she’s generally out exploring and experiencing the beauties of the foreign places and cultures in which she lives. As a datapreneur, Pierson lives somewhat of a nomadic lifestyle. Between international events, travel for work, and seasonal migrations, she tends to travel often and far. She’s currently residing on the island of Koh Samui, in the southern seas of Thailand. She plans to make a permanent, seasonal home of the island.

Dedication

I dedicate this book to my parents — Nan Rawson, Russ Pierson, and Scott Carruth. I know and understand the supreme advantage (and responsibility) I’ve inherited through the gifts they so generously shared with me. I am eternally grateful.

Author’s Acknowledgments

I extend a huge thanks to all the people who’ve helped me produce this book. Many thanks to David Taylor for all the time, energy, contributions, ...