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Meet the 2024-2025 Graduate Data Science Council
The Graduate Data Science Council (GDSC) represents all graduate students at the School of Data Science. Its mission is to enhance the experience of graduate students by building a sense of community among residential graduate data science students and facilitating interactions with students in other graduate programs at the University of Virginia as well as the Charlottesville community.
The GDSC is committed to being a national leader in the creation and sharing of data knowledge within a culture that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion. Their engagement is vital in shaping our community and ensuring that every voice is heard.
Our graduate students are poised to make a lasting impact on the field of data science. With their dedication to innovation and collaboration, they will shape the future of the School.
Interested in learning more about GDSC? Email Student Affairs for more information.
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Jonathan Swap, President
Hometown
Charlottesville, VA
Q: What does your council position entail?
My position entails meeting with SDS leaders to represent students' experiences, feelings, and perspectives. Additionally, I’ll lead and support the executive team in executing their ideas and goals.
Q: Why did you choose the Master's in Data Science (MSDS) program at UVA?
I originally chose the MSDS program because of the condensed timeline, high academic rigor, and opportunity to apply the knowledge I learned in undergrad in a new and interesting way.
Q: What GDSC event are you most looking forward to this year and why?
I am extremely excited to organize a tie-dyeing event for the graduate cohorts. I can’t wait to see the vibrant blue and orange all across the SDS!
Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your time on the GDSC?
I’m hoping to create a larger presence for GDSC on Grounds. Whether we’re going out into Grounds and the Charlottesville community or welcoming them in, I’m hoping to have a school without walls where anyone feels safe and excited to learn about what data science is!
Q: What is a fun fact about you that most people don't know?
A fun fact about me is that I was very interested in pottery/ceramics, and even got a piece of mine into a national exhibit my senior year of high school.
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Finn Mokrzycki, Vice President
Hometown
Woodbridge, VA
Q: What does your council position entail?
As the Vice President of the Council, I organize meetings and work with other schools at the University for event planning.
Q: Why did you choose the MSDS program at UVA?
My undergraduate statistics experience at UVA cemented my data science vision, so the master’s was the natural next step.
Q: What GDSC event are you most looking forward to this year and why?
Besides classes, I look forward to engaging with other students in my programs through the Council's social events, whether tailgates or building hangouts!
Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your time on the GDSC?
I hope to integrate our school in social and professional events with other schools at the University, such as Medicine, Darden, and Law.
Q: What is a fun fact about you that most people don't know?
I am an avid paper crafter. I build large paper sculptures (such as a three-foot-long bear) and small crafts (such as cards and posters). It allows me to work with my hands in a way that is not typing on a computer.
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Akaash Kamdar, Treasurer
Hometown
Virginia Beach, VA
Q: What does your council position entail?
My roles and responsibilities include: creating a budget with information from the other officers; applying for funds from various university opportunities; executing fundraising opportunities; managing a disbursement and reimbursement process for funds properly approved and feasibly spent
Q: Why did you choose the MSDS program at UVA?
Attending UVA my first four years, I studied Commerce at our undergraduate business school with a second major in Economics. With a foundation of business knowledge, I realized I lacked a technical skill set and more importantly, a technical perspective to approach complex problems in a manageable manner. I came to the MSDS program to learn new skills that can allow me to access more knowledge and create deeper insights to aid in decision-making.
Q: What GDSC event are you most looking forward to this year and why?
I am most looking forward to the formal later in the year to celebrate all the future experiences and accomplishments with our tight cohort.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your time on the GDSC?
I hope as Treasurer and as a general GDSC officer that we can put together a series of events throughout the year that can build our community and reflect the excitement of the UVA student experience as much as possible.
Q: What is a fun fact about you that most people don't know?
I have been dancing most of my life, and I was on a club competitive dance team here at UVA called Virginia Di Shaan. The dance style was Bhangra, a South Asian and traditionally North Indian energetic style of dance.
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Hilde Younce, Communications Chair
Hometown
Centreville, VA
Q: What does your council position entail?
As communications chair, I am responsible for disseminating information among students and advertising GDSC events. I’ll be the point person for responding to emails and managing GDSC’s newsletter.
Q: Why did you choose the MSDS program at UVA?
I graduated from UVA with a Bachelor's in Math and I chose to pursue data science because I wanted to combine my knowledge of math with my passion for statistics and computer science to help solve real-world problems. I wanted to continue my education at UVA specifically because of the strong sense of community I felt as an undergraduate here.
Q: What GDSC event are you most looking forward to this year and why?
I would love to help plan a formal in either the fall or spring semester! I think it would be so fun to get dressed up and spend a night out with the other students.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your time on the GDSC?
This year I hope to plan events and create opportunities that encourage students to get to know one another and grow together. I hope that by the end of the year, each person will feel connected to the data science community both as a scholar and peer.
Q: What is a fun fact about you that most people don't know?
I have never broken a bone.
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Courtney Hodge, Student Activities & Events Chair
Hometown
Newport News, VA
Q: What does your council position entail?
As the Student Events & Activities Chair, my responsibilities are 1) to plan social functions for SDS graduate students, including those with students in other UVA graduate programs; 2) to create an organized calendar to promote to our entire membership; and 3) to serve as a liaison for other chairs when planning events for logistics and best practices.
Q: Why did you choose the MSDS program at UVA?
I chose UVA because of the amazing opportunities the MSDS residential program had to offer. The 11-month program was definitely a key factor in my decision, but the diverse faculty in the School of Data Science was what convinced me to accept. The professors here are not only experts in their fields, but they also bring a wealth of real-world experience to the school that I found extremely valuable. Getting to know them and their research was a must!
I also love that UVA is close to Washington, D.C., which is perfect since I’ve always wanted to work in the federal government. I am excited about the career prospects in Washington, D.C., and the strong network that UVA has established in the nation’s capital.
Q: What GDSC event are you most looking forward to this year and why?
I’m hoping that the School of Data Science can have a block party at some point this year. Inspiration for this idea came from the new building’s grand opening in April 2024. I was lucky enough to be in attendance and was surprised by the community’s energy, conversations, and laughter that filled the space.
As the newest school to UVA, I believe that we can continue to honor this new building as a place of gathering for all data science students, faculty, and staff, and the greater UVA community for data science-centric events and celebrations. I also believe we should continue to make ourselves known as the “School Without Walls” that’s grateful to be here.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your time on the GDSC?
By serving in this role, I hope to foster a sense of community among our MSDS students, especially as many of us approach our final year of school. I aim to organize activities that bring us together and create lasting memories beyond our academic journey.
Additionally, I want to set a high standard for future GDSC and BDSC students, showcasing the possibilities of what a cohesive, engaged community can achieve. Ultimately, my goal is to leave a positive and lasting impact that inspires continued tradition and camaraderie in the years to come.
Q: What is a fun fact about you that most people don't know?
Something that people don’t know about me is that I shot archery from 9th to 12th grade of high school. I joined the sport because I was fascinated by the 2016 Rio Olympics. At the time, the Hunger Games franchise was extremely popular and everyone wanted to be like Katniss Everdeen, but I wanted to be like the Olympians I saw on TV.
For someone who was right-handed, I was a natural lefty shooter, and I also won several city archery tournaments for my age range. I love archery, and after nearly five years of “retirement”, I still do. Who knows, maybe I’ll get back into the sport and start competing again.
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Christine George, Inclusive Excellence Chair
Hometown
Pleasant Hill, CA
Q: What does your council position entail?
I am responsible for promoting the inclusion of diverse perspectives within the School and the broader community, which involves connecting with organizations both on and off-Grounds. I also help plan events for MSDS and Ph.D. students to come together and celebrate our cultural diversity.
Q: Why did you choose the MSDS program at UVA?
I chose the MSDS program at UVA because of the school's interdisciplinary approach to data science and the well-rounded curriculum. I was also drawn to the fact that it is a cohort-based, accelerated program.
Q: What GDSC event are you most looking forward to this year and why?
I am most excited about International Night! We have a lot of talented home cooks in our cohort, and I can't wait to try all the delicious foods!
Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your time on the GDSC?
I hope to foster a sense of community in the SDS and emphasize the importance of inclusivity. I am committed to listening to our community's needs and wants, and going the extra mile to make our school the best that it can be.
Q: What is a fun fact about you that most people don't know?
I got back into running this year by training for a 10k! I hope to run a half-marathon sometime soon.
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James Siegener, Professional Development Chair
Hometown
Duxbury, MA
Q: What does your council position entail?
The job of the Professional Development Chair is to be a liaison between the student body and both career services and alumni groups. My goal is to plan events that prepare us to lead successful careers and fulfilling lives!
Q: Why did you choose the MSDS program at UVA?
I chose the MSDS program at UVA because I enjoyed my time at UVA as an undergraduate and felt getting an MSDS degree would be a great way to jumpstart my career while staying at the school I love.
Q: What GDSC event are you most looking forward to this year and why?
One event I am excited to plan is a dinner series featuring members of the MSDS faculty so we can learn about their careers, hobbies, and paths to data science.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your time on the GDSC?
During my time at GDSC, I hope to work with my fellow leaders and plan events that bring the school closer together and create a community of successful data scientists.
Q: What is a fun fact about you that most people don't know?
I eat with a fork and knife left-handed, even though I’m right-handed.
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Brett Castro, School Spirit Chair
Hometown
Mililani, Hawai'i
Q: What does your council position entail?
As the school spirit chair, I hope to work alongside my classmates to create a culture of belonging and school pride through events and activities. “Wahoo Wednesday” is an example of a new initiative that I hope will strengthen our UVA community.
Q: Why did you choose the MSDS program at UVA?
The UVA MSDS program is an incredible opportunity to learn about the foundations of Data Science along with cutting-edge techniques in the industry which aims to set us up to make a positive impact in our future jobs.
Q: What GDSC event are you most looking forward to this year and why?
I am most looking forward to establishing and growing Wahoo Wednesday. UVA is filled with rich history and traditions and I think it would be fascinating to establish a new tradition to further enrich student culture and pride, helping our Data Science school to be at the forefront of what it means to be a "school without walls."
Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your time on the GDSC?
If I could accomplish one thing on the GDSC this year, it would be to create a sense of belonging in our new Data Science School. I want people to know that they are not alone, that they are part of a community that is willing to help them when in need.
Even if it's just a small thing like wearing UVA merchandise on Wednesdays, I want people to have the opportunity to feel like this is their school and this is their home away from home. It is an honor and a privilege to serve our community. "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it's not." –The Lorax by Dr. Seuss.
Q: What is a fun fact about you that most people don't know?
I can say the alphabet backwards both verbally and through sign language.
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Disha Trivedi, University Judiciary Representative
Hometown
Richmond, VA
Q: What does your council position entail?
As the University Judiciary Representative for the GDSC, my role involves acting as a liaison between the student body and the University Judiciary Committee. I ensure that student concerns and issues related to academic integrity and community standards are effectively communicated and addressed.
Additionally, I work closely with the council to organize events, foster community engagement, and promote a positive and supportive environment for all students.
Q: Why did you choose the MSDS program at UVA?
I chose the MSDS program at UVA because of its strong emphasis on both technical skills and community engagement. The program’s focus on real-world applications and partnerships with local organizations aligns perfectly with my passion for using data to drive positive social change. UVA’s collaborative environment and the opportunity to be involved in interdisciplinary projects were major factors in my decision.
Q: What GDSC event are you most looking forward to this year and why?
I'm most looking forward to the Women in Data Science event. It’s an incredible opportunity to connect with and learn from inspiring women in the field, share experiences, and discuss the unique challenges and opportunities we face. The event also highlights the importance of diversity in data science, which is something I’m passionate about.
Q: What is a fun fact about you that most people don't know?
A fun fact about me is that I love to read books! I particularly enjoy genres like fantasy, dystopian, and romance, but overall, I find reading to be a really fun and relaxing activity. It’s one of my favorite ways to unwind and escape into different worlds.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your time on the GDSC?
During my time at the GDSC, I hope to foster a strong sense of community among my peers, ensuring that every student feels supported and heard. I also aim to contribute to organizing events that not only enhance our academic experience but also create opportunities for us to apply our data science skills in meaningful ways, particularly in projects that benefit the broader community. Ultimately, I want to help make our program an even more inclusive, collaborative, and impactful space for everyone involved.
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Andrew Cornfeld, Honor Committee Representative
Hometown
Ashburn, VA
Q: What does your council position entail?
As an Honor Committee Representative, I am the connection between the University's Honor Committee and the School of Data Science. This means that I will help the Honor Committee understand the unique circumstances of our School, while helping the School uphold the University's honor standards.
Q: Why did you choose the MSDS program at UVA?
I studied Computer Science at UVA for my undergrad and I wanted to continue my studies here. I liked the practice-based approach and I'm interested in diving deeper into topics like machine learning and large language models, which I believe will be a big part of the future in this industry.
Q: What GDSC event are you most looking forward to this year and why?
I'm looking forward to Datapalooza this year! I'm excited to hear about what professors, industry professionals, and other students are researching. I'm excited to discuss questions about how data science will impact the future!
What do you hope to accomplish during your time on the GDSC?
I hope that this year we can create a great community with exciting events for students in the data science community. Since we are the first group in the new building, I hope we can lay a good foundation for future cohorts, students, and citizens of Charlottesville who will interact with the data science community.
Q: What is a fun fact about you that most people don't know?
I can solve a Rubik's Cube in under 45 seconds!
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Rachel Fellman, Honor Committee Representative
Hometown
I was born in Philadelphia, PA but have lived in Charlotte, NC for the majority of my life.
Q: What does your council position entail?
As an Honor Representative on the Graduate Data Science Council, I am tasked with upholding UVA's community of Trust. This involves attending weekly Honor Committee meetings, collaborating with fellow committee members to conduct thorough investigations and trials, and disseminating vital information about the honor system to the UVA community. I am dedicated to fostering a culture of integrity, academic excellence, and collaboration within the university, promoting an environment where students can thrive and grow.
Q: Why did you choose the MSDS program at UVA?
I selected the University of Virginia's MSDS program due to its unique strengths. The presence of a dedicated School of Data Science, a rarity among institutions, was a significant factor. Additionally, I sought a program that would equip me with practical skills and expedite my entry into the workforce. UVA's program aligns with these goals, and I was drawn by the welcoming nature of the faculty and students, solidifying my decision to join the MSDS community.
Q: What GDSC event are you most looking forward to this year and why?
I'm looking forward to the formal because I think it will be a nice chance to relax and unwind with my fellow students and it's fun to see everyone dressed up!
Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your time on the GDSC?
During my time on the Graduate Data Science Council, I will aim to make a positive impact on my fellow data science students by fostering collaboration, promoting a sense of community and belonging, and supporting their needs. I am committed to effectively representing their interests within the council and the broader UVA community, ensuring that our voices are heard and valued.
Q: What is a fun fact about you that most people don't know?
I am SCUBA certified, but I've only ever gone scuba diving in an old rock quarry.
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Gia Smith, Ph.D. Delegate
Hometown
Newport News, VA
Q: What does your council position entail?
As a council representative, I advocate for the interests and needs of Ph.D. students within the GDSC and the broader School of Data Science. This involves attending key meetings and forums to ensure that the concerns of Ph.D. students are heard and addressed.
I also work closely with the Student Events & Activities Chair and the School Spirit Chair to foster a strong sense of community between master’s and Ph.D. students. Additionally, I help facilitate clear communication between Ph.D. students and the GDSC, making sure everyone stays informed and connected.
Q: Why did you choose the Ph.D. program at UVA?
The Ph.D. program provided me with the opportunity to delve into cutting-edge Machine Learning techniques and collaborate with outstanding researchers on impactful projects. What attracted me to the program—and continues to inspire me—is the perfect blend of brilliant minds and genuinely kind individuals.
Q: What GDSC event are you most looking forward to this year and why?
I'm most excited about our group hike! It's a great opportunity to connect with both new and returning students while exploring some of Charlottesville's hidden gems. I can't wait to create lasting memories together!
Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your time on the GDSC?
- Represent Student Interests: Advocate for Ph.D. students in the Graduate Data Science Council, implement anonymous feedback channels, and promote a more inclusive environment.
- Foster Greater Integration: Organize joint events and academic initiatives to strengthen collaboration between master's and Ph.D. programs, building a unified community.
- Enhance Funding for Social Events: Secure increased funding for diverse social activities, including hikes, movie nights, and potential spring events like pickleball.
- Expand Networking Opportunities: Increase networking events with academic and industry leaders, and strengthen ties with the industry Advisory Board for Ph.D. mentorship.
Q: What is a fun fact about you that most people don't know?
Put on any Hamilton song, and I’ll be singing along in no time. "Obsessed" doesn’t even begin to cover it!
