When Fernando Rubio Garcia first arrived at Newman University in 2016, he was a student-athlete from Spain chasing a dream of balancing competitive soccer with academics in a way that wasn’t possible back home. Less than a decade later, Rubio Garcia has returned to Newman, not as a student, but as a professor shaping the next generation of data scientists.
Home away from home
Rubio Garcia’s journey to Newman began alongside his brother, Carlos. The duo first came to the U.S. to study at Sheridan College in Wyoming. After a year, the pair were eager for a new opportunity. Newman men’s soccer coach Cliff Brown offered them both the chance to transfer and continue playing together — a proposition that was hard to pass up.
“It was great,” Rubio Garcia said. “I got to live on campus with my brother, my teammates and my friends. I could just walk to the soccer field and to classes, and I knew most people I walked by. Faculty and staff were always supportive.”
As a student at Newman, Rubio Garcia pursued two undergraduate degrees — mathematics and information technology. The two programs intersected more than he realized.
“The first class where I combined mathematics with programming was Dr. (Lori) Steiner’s statistical modeling class. That experience made me want to apply my programming skills directly to math,” Rubio Garcia said.
That moment sparked his passion for data science, even before it had become the booming field it is today.
Building a career in data science
After graduating in 2019, Rubio Garcia started a master’s program in mathematics. But he quickly missed the applied, hands-on nature of programming.
Teaching himself the emerging tools of data science, he found a new professional calling.
He began his career at Emprise Bank, where he applied his curiosity and creative problem-solving.
“I was given the freedom to share ideas and research solutions,” he said.
Later, Rubio Garcia started working with Chatterbox, an open-source voice cloning AI model, where he continues to work. Chatterbox is where he gained a new perspective on teamwork.
“We are all experts in our own fields, so learning to work and communicate effectively is an excellent experience,” he said.
Both positions shaped the way he now approaches teaching.
“It made me realize that teaching theory without connecting it to real challenges is not useful,” Rubio Garcia said. “I try to blend theory with practical situations that students can relate to.”
Returning to Newman
When the opportunity arose to return to Newman as a professor, Rubio Garcia admitted he was hesitant at first. After all, he had found stability in his professional career. Conversations with his family and his former advisor, Dean of the School of Business & Technology David Cochran, shifted his perspective.
“The chance to help grow a data science program — something I didn’t have as a student — was very appealing,” he said. “When I came back to campus during the application process, it felt like home, and I knew it was the right choice.”
Now, walking the same halls he once did as a student, Rubio Garcia said he feels a unique connection to those he teaches.
“I can relate a lot to the struggles that students go through, especially student-athletes. When I hear students talk and share their thoughts, I remember how I felt as a student facing similar issues, and I have been through most of them.”
Preparing students for the future
In his classroom, Rubio Garcia emphasizes bridging theory and practice. He often begins with a real-world scenario before diving into the theoretical underpinnings, helping students understand how lessons apply in industry. His dual role — as both a professor and an active data scientist — keeps him closely aligned with the latest trends.
“Working in data science pushes me to stay current with the latest technologies,” he explained. “Having that experience helps me teach students about the latest trends. On the other hand, working with students helps me see the challenges that non-technical people face when dealing with data science.”
He is particularly energized about Newman’s role in preparing students for a rapidly evolving field.
“We face big challenges with AI, and Newman is becoming a regional leader in it. Our students will graduate with a strong understanding of data science and AI, and they will be competitive in the job market. Contributing to that is very rewarding.”
Advice for future Jets
For students interested in following a similar path, Rubio Garcia emphasized the importance of curiosity and initiative.
“Stay curious and build something during your free time,” Rubio Garcia said. “With more college graduates than ever, what sets you apart is what you do beyond class. Start a project you care about. You will ask and answer real questions, sharpen your research skills, and develop the critical thinking needed to find the best solutions.”
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