Image
Meet the 2024-2025 Undergraduate Data Science Council
The Undergraduate Data Science Council (UDSC) represents all undergraduate students at the School of Data Science. Its mission is to represent the voice of the undergraduate student body, work collaboratively with school administration, and improve the overall student experience. The UDSC supports the creation of programs that uplift the undergraduate Data Science community and makes important and lasting contributions to the School of Data Science.
The UDSC 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 undergraduate students are prepared to leave a lasting mark on the field of data science. Driven by a commitment to practicing responsible data science for the common good, they will help shape the future of the School.
Interested in learning more about UDSC? Email Student Affairs for more information.
Image
Mason Nicoletti, President
Hometown
King George, VA
Q: What does your council position entail?
It is my responsibility to represent my undergraduate peers in the BSDS. I plan to build relationships with students, faculty, and partners of the School of Data Science while also overseeing the administration of the council.
Q: What UDSC event are you most looking forward to this year and why?
I’m looking forward to upcoming data science conferences hosted by the SDS.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your time on the UDSC?
I’m inspired to set this council up to be a lasting institution within the School of Data Science. My vision is to deepen the sense of community within our class through shared experiences that will bring us closer together as a cohort. I also aspire to expand opportunities for professional and academic development by organizing networking events and increasing access to industry connections. Ultimately, I would like to effectively allocate the resources that UDSC has been given to improve the undergraduate experience here.
Q: Why did you choose the B.D. in Data Science (BSDS) program at UVA?
When I found out that the major in Data Science was getting started for my class, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t afford to miss. I was immediately intrigued by the subject matter in the introductory data science class, and I knew I wanted to dedicate the rest of my undergrad to learning about the potential of this emerging field.
Q: What is a fun fact about you that most people don't know?
My first job was in construction.
Image
Ryan Ermovick, Vice President
Hometown
Arlington, VA
Q: What does your council position entail?
The role of the Vice President primarily entails supporting the President and serving as a liaison between the Students and the School. I hope to also facilitate bonding amongst our cohort so that everyone can feel included as a BSDS student.
Q: What UDSC event are you most looking forward to this year and why?
I am most excited for forums where BSDS students can give their thoughts on the program and see direct change from that! Since the School of Data Science is newly opened, this is the perfect opportunity for students to continue in the tradition of student self-governance. Through this we can work to ensure our voices are heard in the development of the program.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your time on the UDSC?
I hope to foster a community where everyone is willing to help their peers. To me this means that everyone will wave when walking passing on the sidewalk or being willing to help out with homework for others.
Q: Why did you choose the B.S. in Data Science (BSDS) program at UVA?
The BSDS program was my top choice at UVA because it is an intersection of so many interesting and applicable fields. With this degree I will be able to have a competitive advantage in many fields, especially since it is such a interdisciplinary major.
Q: What is a fun fact about you that most people don't know?
I have a CAD license!
Image
Rebecca Vanni, Treasurer
Hometown
Ridgefield, CT
Q: What does your council position entail?
As Treasurer of the Undergraduate Data Science Council, I oversee the allocation and management of the Data Science Student Activities Fee, ensuring funds are used effectively to support student events and initiatives. I also maintain accurate financial records and collaborate with council members to plan budgets for future projects.
Q: What UDSC event are you most looking forward to this year and why?
I am excited to help draft the constitution for the Undergraduate Data Science Council, setting a strong foundation for its governance and future growth. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the council and support the data science community at UVA for years to come.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your time on the UDSC?
I hope to create a positive and social environment for the upcoming classes in the school of Data Science. As well as establish a plan and raise money for the future of UDSC.
Q: Why did you choose the B.D. in Data Science (BSDS) program at UVA?
I chose the Bachelor of Data Science (BSDS) program at UVA because I wanted to be part of something new and innovative, contributing to the growth of a cutting-edge field. Additionally, I love problem-solving and saw this program as the perfect opportunity to apply analytical thinking to tackle real-world challenges.
Q: What is a fun fact about you that most people don't know?
I am Scuba Certified!
Image
Crystal McEnhimer, Communications Chair
Hometown
Richmond, Virginia
Q: What does your council position entail?
I'm responsible for keeping us all connected! I'll be making sure the student body is aware of what the council is working on, advertising any events we're hosting, and ensuring that every student knows about all the resources that student affairs has made available to them. Additionally, like the rest of the council, I serve as a voice for the student body to student affairs and administration.
Q: What UDSC event are you most looking forward to this year and why?
Our program is brand new, so we don't have any traditions to look forward to yet! I've already started speaking to some of my peers for ideas about programming we can implement and I'm excited to see how these ideas come to fruition and enrich the culture of our program.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your time on the UDSC?
I'm most excited to begin establishing unique traditions and support programs that set our program's culture apart from the other schools. My main priority as a council member is to help foster a sense of community within our program that makes our school feel like home. My time on the council will be focused on bringing our class together and facilitating spaces for us all to grow together as a cohort!
Q: Why did you choose the B.S. in Data Science (BSDS) program at UVA?
I was initially planning to pursue a commerce degree with a double minor in DS and CS, but I didn't feel at home in my major. I wasn't enjoying the classes I was taking, and I didn't feel a strong sense of community. My time in Foundations really sold me on this program. Professors Wright and Alonzi were both so enthusiastic about the program and the subject matter, and I found that to be infectious. Everything I heard about the program in information sessions and in that class made it feel like I could find my home here and be in classes that I can truly look forward to attending. Being here has already far surpassed my expectations, and I'm so glad I decided to apply!
Q: What is a fun fact about you that most people don't know?
I have a rare hereditary blood disease called sickle cell anemia. Under certain circumstances, my blood cells can decide to shrivel up into a banana shape. Though it's not typically a fun experience, I can appreciate the comedic value of having banana shaped blood cells.
