David Dai '26 - Partner
David Dai '26 works on a computer at RoundHouseOne
Details
This summer, David Dai '26 worked with RoundHouseOne, a company that provides data support for MKThink, an architectural design and planning firm. Read more about David's Whitehead Partner summer experience!
Discovering a Future in Research: My Internship Experience at RoundHouseOne
This summer, I had the opportunity to intern with RoundHouseOne, a company that provides essential data support for MKthink, an organization dedicated to improving building quality. My role involved delving into two significant projects focused on indoor environmental quality and energy consumption in K12 schools across Hawaii. As an intern, my primary responsibility was to analyze extensive data from our database and translate my findings into comprehensive research reports.
The projects I worked on were instrumental in honing my statistical skills and deepening my understanding of how theory translates into practice. I became proficient in implementing statistical models to uncover patterns within the data and testing hypotheses that guided our research. This experience taught me the crucial connection between developing hypotheses based on domain knowledge and applying statistical methods to verify them. I learned that understanding the results requires critical thinking—evaluating why certain hypotheses hold or fail and iterating new ones to gain deeper insights into the issues at hand.
Beyond the technical skills, this internship also introduced me to the world of academic research. I learned to navigate through related work, which is essential in writing and publishing papers. This experience is directly aligned with my major in statistics and has given me a glimpse into what it takes to contribute meaningfully to my field.
Perhaps the most significant takeaway from this internship was the realization that my passion lies in research. While I initially considered entering the workforce immediately after graduation, I now see the immense value in continuing my education. There are numerous advanced models and methods in statistics—like hierarchical models and temporal analysis—that were not covered in my undergraduate studies but are highly valuable in practical applications. This internship has inspired me to pursue graduate school, where I can further explore these areas and refine my expertise.
In sum, my time at RoundHouseOne was not just about gaining work experience; it was a journey of self-discovery that has set a clear direction for my future career in research.
