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Introducing the 2025-26 Data Science Student Ambassadors
2025-26 BSDS Admissions Ambassadors
Meet this year's BSDS Admissions Ambassadors! They represent the B.S. in Data Science (BSDS) classes of 2027 and 2028 and hail from a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and interests.
Admissions Ambassadors are here to answer your questions and be an additional resource as you consider the data science major and minor. Feel free to email one directly with questions about the program and student life. You can also meet ambassadors in person at the following weekly events (during the academic year):
- Ambassador-hosted Drop-In Hours: Newcomb Hall, Tuesdays from 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM; outside the 2nd floor dining hall
- Ambassador-hosted Drop-In Hours: School of Data Science, Fridays from 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM.; Student Affairs/Admissions Suite on 1st floor
- Ambassador-led School Tours: School of Data Science, Friday at 12:00 PM; 1st floor lobby
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Helen Bedsole
(she/her)
Major: Data Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2028
Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama
Q: Why did you choose to study data science?
Data scientists are communicators just as much as they are programmers. They are leaders and problem solvers. While I enjoy programming, I know my purpose isn’t just to sit behind a computer.
When I attended the School of Data Science information session during Days on the Lawn, I realized that data science involves design, ethics, and society as much as it involves systems and analytics. Data science doesn’t limit me to one specific domain. It's interdisciplinary by nature, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow as the field evolves.
Q: How do you plan to use responsible data science for the common good?
Technology is not neutral. I plan to use ethical data practices when both sourcing and applying data. Human behavior fascinates me, but so does the importance of informed consent. In today’s world, surveillance capitalism is something to be mindful of, and I believe people’s data should never be exploited for profit. To me, technology should serve people, not use them.
Q: What are you looking forward to this academic year?
I’m most excited to be living with my best friends this year! From movie watch parties to cooking dinners, I can’t wait to spend the year making memories together. Beyond that, I’m really looking forward to exercising my leadership skills both within and outside the Data Science community.
Q: What is a fun fact about you?
My car is older than I am.
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Matthew Benson
(he/him)
Major: Data Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2028
Hometown: Montross, Virginia
Q: Why did you choose to study data science?
I chose to study data science because of the vast implications it can have across time and disciplines. Regardless of the field, the skills and knowledge within data science can be applied to address, organize, and predict the problems and crises we face every day.
Personally, my inspiration behind pursuing this major comes from my environmental interests. When I learned there was an environmental science concentration, I was drawn to the BSDS program as a way to venture into the technical side of understanding environmental systems.
Q: How do you plan to use responsible data science for the common good?
I plan to collaborate with other members of the environmental community to create solutions and models that will address pressing ecological issues. By using data responsibly and ethically, I hope to produce practical insights that can assist communities in making informed decisions and support sustainable actions.
Q: What are you looking forward to this academic year?
I’m looking forward to participating in passionate group projects and presentations with fellow students in my cohort, collaborating on ideas, and learning from different perspectives.
Q: What is a fun fact about you?
Over the summer I worked as a zip line guide, spending most of my days up in the air.
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Minu Choi
(he/him)
Major: Data Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2027
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
Q: Why did you choose to study data science?
During one of the lectures of DS 1001: Foundations of Data Science, I learned that more data is available than we know what to do with. I interpreted this as “It is up to our generation to discover new ways to make great use of it.” If data is everywhere, and I study it and master it, I expect my skills to enable my adaptation to whichever field I desire.
Q: How do you plan to use responsible data science for the common good?
Growing up, I was particularly interested in astronomy: telescopes, space missions, exoplanets, celestial events, and rocket launches. I could perhaps learn how to optimize the search for exoplanets or help detect signs of extraterrestrial life by processing vast amounts of radio signal data. Overall, I plan on contributing to further understanding of our universe, potentially changing how we explore, inhabit, and interact with space.
Q: What are you looking forward to this academic year?
I am particularly looking forward to starting the process of mastering data engineering. As many professors have told me, “There is no data science without data engineering.” I wish to double down on the basics, which I believe will help me in the long run.
Q: What is a fun fact about you?
After graduating high school, I enlisted in the South Korean Navy where I served for 20 months. This is when I had my first encounter with data science as I was tasked with improving operational potency using data.
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Madeleine Cummings
(she/her)
Major: Data Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2027
Hometown: Madison, Connecticut
Q: Why did you choose to study data science?
Throughout my first year, I explored a variety of subjects, however, there was none that I found quite as interesting as data science. As I began to understand the subject more, I found it to be an intersection of many of my interests as it uses mathematical logic and technology to break down large-scale problems and find cohesive solutions. I felt that studying data science would provide me with a well-rounded perspective of this innovative field and explore ways it can be used both in and out of the industry.
Q: How do you plan to use responsible data science for the common good?
It's undeniable that data science will soon become a part of all our futures whether we like it or not. Data has become an abundant and powerful force, with the potential to create a very large negative or positive impact on society. This means there will need to be people who understand and manage it, develop and ensure that the stories being told are ethically conscious and reliable. I would like to be one of those people.
I plan on using data science within the finance/business industry to gather insights and ensure we are always pushing forward in a way that evolves with technology’s capabilities while safeguarding the impact on the consumer and society.
Q: What are you looking forward to this academic year?
I am looking forward to exploring data science and its applications further both in and out of the classroom. I am also excited to utilize the variety of resources the School of Data Science offers to make connections, advance my learning and forge my path as a BSDS student and future professional.
Q: What is a fun fact about you?
My favorite kind of movies are early 2000’s rom coms!
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Rudra Dave
(he/him)
Connect on LinkedIn
Major: Data Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2028
Hometown: Chantilly, Virginia
Q: Why did you choose to study data science?
I chose data science because it is a flexible field that can be applied to almost any area of interest. I enjoy working with data to uncover patterns and solve problems, and I like that the skills I’m learning can be used in many different ways. Every data set tells a story, and I want to learn how to uncover it.
Q: How do you plan to use responsible data science for the common good?
I want to use data in ways that make a positive difference, especially in areas like healthcare and aviation. Ethics and accountability are also important to me, and I want to make sure the work I do with data is responsible and impactful.
Q: What are you looking forward to this academic year?
I am excited to dive into research projects, collaborate with other BSDS students and faculty, and explore new opportunities on Grounds. I also can’t wait to try new food and enjoy some UVA traditions along the way.
Q: What is a fun fact about you?
I am a licensed Private Pilot!
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Dishitha Dhakshin
(she/her)
Major: Data Science and Cognitive Science (Linguistics Concentration)
Expected Graduation Year: 2028
Hometown: Chantilly, Virginia
Q: Why did you choose to study data science?
As an avid enthusiast of interdisciplinary learning, I chose to study data science because it grants me the intellectual freedom to pursue niche intersections of practice rather than confining me to conventional paths. With so much still unknown in this rapidly growing field, I am eager to contribute to its innovative potential in uplifting humanity.
Q: How do you plan to use responsible data science for the common good?
Underlying my endeavors in data science is the belief that understanding how humans think is essential for optimizing machine behavior to serve the common human good, motivating my double major in cognitive science. Employing this background, I hope to practice creative means of data storytelling that equitably contextualize and humanize complex data, since even the most revolutionary insights render meaningless if not accessible to all.
Q: What are you looking forward to this academic year?
I am eager to get to know my BSDS cohort and build friendships through School of Data Science events and my classes! I am also looking forward to growing as a researcher, furthering my academic and professional development, and experiencing more of UVA and Charlottesville with my friends. One of my many goals this year is to perfect my go-to coffee order!
Q: What is a fun fact about you?
I am a children’s picture book author!
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Max Farnham
(he/him)
Hometown: Sunnyvale, California
Major: Data Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2028
Q: Why did you choose to study data science?
I have always been interested in data. From a very young age, I obsessed over my own little projects involving sports statistics and since then, my love for data has only expanded. BSDS at UVA seemed like the perfect opportunity for me to develop skills that will allow me to analyze and interpret data in ways that I didn’t know were possible, and considering the industry is currently growing at such a rapid rate, data science felt like it was made for me.
Q: How do you plan to use responsible data science for the common good?
I would love to be involved in overseeing ethical data practices. While data science can often feel strictly factual and quantitative, I want to focus on its human aspects. I hope to solve problems that benefit communities by consistently recognizing the effect my work has on people while leveraging data to inform others and guide ethical decision-making.
Q: What are you looking forward to this academic year?
This academic year, I am looking forward to traveling and competing at College Club Swimming Nationals with the UVA swim club. In the School of Data Science, I am looking forward to getting to know my cohort as well as developing a data science specific skillset.
Q: What is a fun fact about you?
I have performed in two separate productions of The Little Mermaid, once as Sebastian and once as King Triton.
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Tara Ghose
(she/her)
Major: Data Science and Economics
Expected Graduation Year: 2027
Hometown: East Hanover, New Jersey
Q: Why did you choose to study data science?
When deciding what course of study to pursue, I wanted to engage in a field that fostered curiosity, creativity, and innovation. After taking DS 1001, it became clear that data science undoubtedly fulfills these requirements. I began to notice everyday uses of data science like receiving news article suggestions or movie recommendations and found myself more interested in the inner workings of their implementations. Data science has endless applications and is a field fueled by wonder and imagination.
Q: How do you plan to use responsible data science for the common good?
As data analysis becomes even more vital to various sectors such as finance, marketing, and consulting, I hope to explore the intersections of data science with other industries in an ethical yet meaningful manner. There is still much to uncover regarding the role data science will play in our future world, and I hope to be a part of discovering its future capabilities.
Q: What are you looking forward to this academic year?
I am looking forward to learning more technical skills and applications of data science in the two major-specific classes this year. I am also excited to engage with the data science community at UVA and make new connections!
Q: What is a fun fact about you?
I talk in my sleep!
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Jackson Haiz
(he/him)
Major: B.A. in Economics
Minor: Data Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2026
Hometown: Purcellville, Virginia
Q: Why did you choose to study the data science minor?
I chose to do the data science minor because of the recent boom in AI and data analytics in many corporate settings. I hope to complement my education in economics with an understanding of AI to further my career goals
Q: How do you plan to use responsible data science for the common good?
Being an economics major, I am naturally curious about how AI and machine learning applications will insert themselves in the future of the economy and labor. My goal is to work with such applications to ensure an efficient and equitable outcome for all of society. My aim is to enter the AI consulting sector to aid corporations in this period of AI-spurred adjustment.
Q: What are you looking forward to this academic year?
I look forward to meeting new people and their diverse perspectives. I'm also eager to further reinforce my understanding and knowledge of machine learning and programming languages. I’m also pumped to watch the return of UVA basketball dominating college hoops!
Q: What is a fun fact about you?
I love working out! I also love watching football and hockey (go Commanders and Capitals!)
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Elaine Liu
(she/her)
Major: Data Science and Computer Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2027
Hometown: McLean, Virginia
Q: Why did you choose to study data science?
I chose data science because I love how interdisciplinary it is. With the vast amount of data being generated nowadays, you can combine data science with virtually any field. Industries like healthcare, finance, energy, etc. are all beginning to utilize data to produce innovative solutions - there’s no doubt data science will become a significant part of our everyday lives.
Q: How do you plan to use responsible data science for the common good?
Personally, I am interested in the intersection between environmental science and data science. The quantity of environmental data is exponentially increasing, so the demand to handle all this data is also rapidly growing. In the future, I hope to use data science to help tackle sustainability/conservation challenges and help shape future environmental guidelines.
Q: What are you looking forward to this academic year?
In my classes, I’m looking forward to learning more about the full scope of the data science pipeline and how we can apply our skills to real-world problems. Outside of classes, I’m excited to join new clubs like ceramics and scuba diving!
Q: What is a fun fact about you?
My go-to boba order is jasmine milk tea!
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Alka Link
(she/her)
Major: Data Science and Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies
Expected Graduation Year: 2027
Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
Q: Why did you choose to study data science?
I chose to study data science because of how applicable it is to any field. In DS 1001, every week we talked about a different facet of data science and how it related from the tech world to the medical field to our everyday lives. A data science major ensures a well-rounded education that will leave me equipped to enter the work force
Q: How do you plan to use responsible data science for the common good?
I plan to double major in data science and women, gender & sexuality. After I graduate, I hope to merge my passion for both fields and shape my career around helping to eliminate certain biases that take place within the data science field to ensure more inclusive algorithms and methods of data analysis that can create positive social change.
Q: What are you looking forward to this academic year?
I am looking forward to gaining more technical skills from my data science classes and more critical thinking skills from my WGS classes, as well as settling into being a BSDS major and getting to know everyone within the school!
Q: What is a fun fact about you?
I am on the UVA Cheerleading team!
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Ruth Melese
(she/her)
Major: Data Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2027
Hometown: Alexandria, Virginia
Q: Why did you choose to study data science?
I chose to do the data science major because of my love for problem-solving and interest in unraveling the stories hidden in vast amounts of data. Whether it's through analyzing trends, developing data-driven policies, or creating innovative technological solutions, my skills in data science will allow me to work across various domains. This degree will enable (or empower?) me to create meaningful change in unique ways, and I look forward to pursuing that in the future!
Q: How do you plan to use responsible data science for the common good?
Through my work, I hope to advocate for transparency, inclusivity, and accountability, ensuring that data is used to drive positive, equitable change. The ethical implications of data collection within marginalized communities is a problem that has persisted for decades, and addressing it requires efforts to challenge biased systems and implement practices that prioritize fairness and justice. By focusing on transparency and accountability, I aim to contribute to building data-driven solutions that empower vulnerable populations.
Q: What are you looking forward to this academic year?
I am looking forward to experiencing more of college! Trying new things, exploring different parts of Charlottesville, and making more memories with my friends are all things that I am excited about this year. I am also excited to continue my involvement with organizations on Grounds like the Black Student Alliance and Class Council, and to discover new opportunities!
Q: What is a fun fact about you?
I was prom queen in high school!
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Mason Nicoletti
(he/him)
Major: Data Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2027
Hometown: King George, Virginia
Q: Why did you choose to study data science?
I was hooked on data science last year immediately after hearing that the major was starting up. Foundations of Data Science was a spectacular class; I found myself becoming increasingly more interested in the subject matter as the semester went on. Data science gives me the freedom to apply a diverse set of skills to a wide range of disciplines. I’m excited about the doors that will open through choosing to study data science.
Q: How do you plan to use responsible data science for the common good?
I am passionate about the overlap between data science and medicine/public health. In particular, the medical field will see vast improvements with the implementation of machine learning, big data management, and repetitive task automation. Models can be used to discover new drugs and analyze current health trends. I believe the use of data for precision medicine will drive better patient outcomes and public health improvements across society.
Q: What are you looking forward to this academic year?
I’m looking forward to taking advantage of the resources UVA and the School of Data Science have to offer. I’m excited to continue making connections and building my network. Outside of school, I look forward to trying different restaurants in Charlottesville.
Q: What is a fun fact about you?
I like to make music with friends. Sometimes we jam, and sometimes we record original songs.
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Jia Park
(she/her)
Major: Data Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2027
Hometown: Fairfax, Virginia
Q: Why did you choose to study data science?
After taking DS 1001, I realized how versatile the gained skill set within data science is, and how overwhelmingly prominent data science will continue to be within the developing technology world. I found myself becoming increasingly passionate about how much thought and care went into every single part of the data life cycle, and how vast the possibilities were depending on what the data is being used for.
Overall, I realized that data science is what makes it possible for humans to share life and develop tools to progress forward, and so I decided that this was the field I wanted to dedicate myself to.
Q: How do you plan to use responsible data science for the common good?
I believe that the future of human development relies on strong and reliable data to guide decision and policy making. Using the skill set that we will gain within the School of Data Science, I hope to be able to harness developing tools such as AI to propel advancement within both technology and the larger society surrounding it.
Q: What are you looking forward to this academic year?
Academically, I am looking forward to gaining the tools I need so that I can make sense of the professional world a little bit more. I am also looking forward to exploring the data science community and all the opportunities that lie inside of it! Socially, I am excited to branch out and explore more Asian organizations and try more of the restaurants near grounds.
Q: What is a fun fact about you?
When I was a kid, I had such an intense seaweed addiction that I would sneeze, and seaweed would come out of my nose. :)
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Rachel Seo
(she/her)
Major: Data Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2027
Hometown: Clifton, Virginia
Q: Why did you choose to study data science?
I had the opportunity to be one of the first undergraduate students at UVA to study data science as an official major, and I took it. I loved the way that data science was presented in DS 1001; it is deeply involved in every facet of our lives, and I found myself wanting to learn about how I could understand the technical world of data science to support the ethics behind it.
Q: How do you plan to use responsible data science for the common good?
My background in data science will help me understand and contextualize data used in legal climates. There are many cases where civilians and companies alike are blindsided and unaware of the full picture that the data is painting. Whether it be at public institutions, private companies, hospitals, or government, I hope to analyze data accurately to equitably disseminate information.
Q: What are you looking forward to this academic year?
This academic year, I am looking forward to getting to know my BSDS cohort through more events that the School of Data Science hosts throughout the semester and during our class times. I am also excited about going to sports events, upcoming concerts, and exploring a little more of Charlottesville with my friends again this year!
Q: What is a fun fact about you?
I was born in California!
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Audrey Stelle
(she/her)
Major: Data Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2028
Hometown: Leesburg, Virginia
Q: Why did you choose to study data science?
I chose to study Data Science after learning that the final project for DS1001 would be to answer one question: “What is Data Science?” I was immediately drawn to the idea of exploring a field that cannot be easily defined or put into a box. This challenge encouraged each member of our class to reflect on what data science truly meant to them.
For me, data is information that can be known and understood, and data science is the practice of taking that information, organizing and refining it, and transforming it into a tool that can be applied in meaningful ways. Whether in hospitals, museums, laboratories, or courtrooms, data scientists are essential to making sense of the overwhelming sea of information that surrounds us. The ability to take values, insights, numbers, or even sounds and turn them into something useful feels like magic to me.
Q: How do you plan to use responsible data science for the common good?
As a cadet in the Army ROTC program at UVA, I plan to use responsible data science for the common good by focusing on interpretation and design as I work toward becoming an All-Source Intelligence Officer in the Army. In that role, success depends not just on gathering information, but on making it understandable and actionable for decision-makers.
Data science gives me the tools to uncover insights, while design allows me to communicate them clearly and effectively. I believe responsible data science means presenting information in a way that avoids bias, prevents misinterpretation, and supports ethical decision-making. By combining analysis with thoughtful design, I hope to provide intelligence that helps leaders make informed choices that protect and serve others.
Q: What are you looking forward to this academic year?
I’m really looking forward to getting to know my professors and classmates on a personal level. I value being part of a supportive community, and I’m excited about the chance to collaborate in teams, share ideas, and problem-solve together. I know that learning in this environment will not only help me grow but also allow me to contribute to the success of others.
Q: What is a fun fact about you?
My middle name is Virginia… so clearly, I was born to be a Wahoo!
