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Introducing the 2024-25 Undergraduate Data Science Student Ambassadors
2024-25 Undergraduate Admissions Ambassadors
Meet this year's undergraduate admissions ambassadors. They represent both the Data Science Minor and the B.S. in Data Science (BSDS)—the first undergraduates admitted to the new data science major—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 an ambassador in person as they lead admissions tours held Fridays at Noon during the academic year.
Minu Choi
(he/him)
Major: Data Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2027
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
What is a fun fact about you?
My favorite kind of movies are early 2000’s rom coms!
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Taylor Decina
(she/her)
Major: Global Public Health, Data Science Minor
Expected Graduation Year: 2025
Hometown: Long Island, New York
Why did you choose to study data science?
I chose to do a data science minor because of its applicability to any field of study. The program fosters the development of various skills amongst its students including data analysis, interpretation, and visualization. All three are advantageous in the job market, thus opening the door to many more professional opportunities.
How do you plan to use responsible data science for the common good?
The role data science plays in our current economic, political, and social climates is limitless. I began my study of data science with the intention to catalyze my career in public health research, however since learning more about myself and the world around us, it is being utilized to communicate relevant data/findings for strategic analysis and business development.
What are you looking forward to this academic year?
As a fourth year I have learned to take advantage of every opportunity that UVA presents: academically and socially. Academically, I am most excited to begin my thesis for the global studies program. And socially, I cannot wait to attend more live music performances UVA offers!
What is a fun fact about you?
My favorite TV Show is Grey’s Anatomy!
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Tara Ghose
(she/her)
Major: Data Science and Economics
Expected Graduation Year: 2027
Hometown: East Hanover, New Jersey
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 innerworkings of their implementations. Data science has endless applications and is a field fueled by wonder and imagination.
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.
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!
What is a fun fact about you?
I talk in my sleep!
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Zach Hasan
(he/him)
Major: Commerce (IT and Real Estate Tracks) and Media Studies, Data Science Minor
Expected Graduation Year: 2026
Hometown: McLean, Virginia
Why did you choose to study data science?
I became interested in AI during my studies, and since there was no dedicated data science major available, I decided to pair the Data Science Minor with an IT concentration. This combination complements my degree in Commerce and allows me to develop the technical and analytical skills necessary for understanding AI's broader applications in business and technology.
How do you plan to use responsible data science for the common good?
My goal is to teach people how to use AI to improve their workflows and make data-driven decisions. By harnessing AI's power, I believe individuals and organizations can optimize their processes, enhance productivity, and develop innovative solutions to complex problems. Through my studies, I aim to empower others with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the future of AI-driven technologies.
What are you looking forward to this academic year?
This academic year, I’m especially excited about the Integrated Core Experience (ICE) courses in the McIntire School of Commerce. The curriculum has been engaging so far, and I’m looking forward to diving deeper into the coursework. Additionally, I’m eager to begin taking classes for my IT concentration, which will allow me to explore new technical skills and their applications in commerce.
What is a fun fact about you?
My favorite TV show is Better Call Saul!
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Elaine Liu
(she/her)
Major: Data Science and Computer Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2027
Hometown: McLean, Virginia
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.
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.
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!
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
Expected Graduation Year: 2027
Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
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
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.
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!
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
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!
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 and Media Studies
Expected Graduation Year: 2027
Hometown: Clifton, Virginia
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.
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.
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!
What is a fun fact about you?
I was born in California!
