Coding, Community, and the Common Good: Michelle Jargalan Is Shaping the Future of Data Science

Kirsten Samuels

August 7, 2026

Topics

Admissions

BSDS

Data Ethics

Health and Medicine

Student Spotlight

Michelle Jargalan

Education
B.S. in Data Science and B.A. in Statistics 2028, University of Virginia

Hometown
Vienna, VA

From leading one of UVA's largest student data science organizations to exploring the intersection of technology and healthcare, Michelle Jargalan is building the technical skills and leadership experience to make data-driven decisions that improve lives.

A rising third-year student pursuing both data science and statistics degrees, she's drawn to solving real-world problems while creating welcoming communities for others to do the same. Read on to learn what inspires her, how she's making an impact beyond the classroom, and what she's looking forward to in the upcoming academic year.

Q: Why did you choose to study data science?

I've been interested in computer science ever since doing Hour of Code in elementary school, but I was especially drawn to the novelty and interdisciplinary nature of UVA's School of Data Science. I like that data science isn’t just about coding, it’s also about using data to better understand and solve problems in fields like healthcare, business, public policy, and more. The opportunity to combine coding with other fields and use data to solve real-world problems really aligned with what I was looking for.

Q: How do you plan to use responsible data science for the common good?

I'd love to apply data science in healthcare or public health because it has so much potential to improve people's lives. Whether that be in health policy, neuroscience, epidemiology, or another area, I think healthcare is the perfect example of the intersection between people and technology, so I hope to use data science to find trends and help improve patient care. Just as importantly though, I want to prioritize protecting patient privacy and building models that are fair, transparent, and work well for diverse populations all over the world.

Q: How are you involved in data science outside the classroom?

As a data analyst intern for an AI startup focused on company and social media outreach, I learned about more technical, backend work that I hadn't been exposed to prior to joining and how a data analyst fits into a team environment. Tasked with mainly reports and automations, I was able to practice my extraction and analytical skills that I learned inside the classroom.

The Data Science and Analytics Club (DSAC) at UVA has also had a meaningful impact on me. Through workshops, speaker panels, and networking events, I've seen how technical skills translate into real careers and met numerous talented industry professionals addressing real world problems. Now, as president, I hope to continue building the same immersive and welcoming community that helped me grow.

The combination of interning and being involved with DSAC has given me a well-rounded perspective on how data science is applied beyond the classroom.

Q: What are you looking forward to this academic year?

I'm looking forward to continuing to grow as a leader this year. Although I held leadership roles in high school, my current positions as president of DSAC, captain of Club Volleyball, and an executive member of the Mongolian Student Union will help me become a more confident servant leader who fosters student connection. I'm excited to support my members and teammates, collaborate with other student leaders, and help create welcoming communities where everyone feels encouraged to get involved. That's one of the best things about UVA.