The Stephenson Scholars Program proudly welcomes its inaugural cohort at the University of Virginia (UVA) School of Data Science. These scholars were selected for their academic promise, demonstrated financial need, and unwavering commitment to using data for the public good.
Thanks to the generosity of Scott and Beth Stephenson — and the University's Bicentennial Scholars Fund — each Stephenson Scholar recipient receives a scholarship that meets 100% of their demonstrated financial need, eliminating the need to take out loans and work-study. Scholars also gain access to individualized mentorship, internship funding, academic support, and exclusive enrichment opportunities throughout their undergraduate journey.
Class of 2029 Scholars
Eissa Albathigi
A second-year student from Richmond, Virginia, Eissa Albathigi has quickly become involved in campus leadership while pursuing his interest in data science. He serves as treasurer for Students Who Advance in Technology, helping coordinate the donation of thousands of dollars in refurbished technology to the Charlottesville community. He is also active in the Arab Student Organization, the Muslim Institution for Leadership, and UVA's Middle Eastern/North African Mentoring Program, while mentoring prospective first-generation and low-income students through Hoos First Look.
With programming experience in Python, Java, and R, Albathigi is interested in combining technical skills with service, education, and community engagement.
Junhee Sim
Junhee Sim has already built an impressive portfolio of applied data science experience. As a data intern with Mackdata and ESB Advertising, he has developed machine learning forecasting pipelines, media mix models, and cloud-based data engineering workflows that support business decision-making for multiple clients. His work has dramatically improved forecasting efficiency while giving him experience presenting technical findings to both technical and nontechnical audiences.
At UVA, Sim is pursuing data science coursework while continuing to explore machine learning, computer vision, and user experience research. His combination of technical depth and real-world application reflects the interdisciplinary approach that defines the School of Data Science.
Leah Ye
Leah Ye brings a passion for the intersection of technology, design, and communication. As content lead for Human x Design x Data, she helps connect industry partners, faculty, and students through technical programming and outreach. She also serves as a designer for the Organization of Young Filipino Americans, applying user-centered design principles to improve digital communication and accessibility.
Beyond campus, Ye has demonstrated leadership through years of operational experience in her family's business while remaining active in organizations including Girls Who Code, Women in Computer Science, the Data Science & Analytics Club, and the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers. Her interests reflect the growing importance of combining technical expertise with thoughtful design and effective communication.
The Inaugural Scholars
We’re proud to introduce the 2025-2026 Stephenson Bicentennial Scholars, future data scientists already making a difference with their impact and excellence.
Khalid Bakhit
Bakhit's recommender describes him as a creative, collaborative, and highly motivated student with great leadership potential. In his first year at UVA, he co-founded the Sudanese Student Organization, engaged in the Muslim Institute for Leadership and Empowerment, and worked on a capstone project regarding Financial Literacy in Islam.
In the field of data science, he plans to develop AI tools by "incorporating marginalized perspectives into the design... [to] broaden inclusivity and minimize partiality," underscoring his recommender's assertion that he has a true passion for projects that have a positive impact on society. Learn more about Bakit here.
Huda Mohmand
Mohmand's recommender describes her as a perceptive and engaged student who enriched classroom discussion for all. He said that her work showcased her "commitment to the dignity of all people" and that in decades of teaching, he's "never encountered a student more likely to improve the world."
During her first year at UVA, Mohmand co-founded and is vice president of the Young Feminist Party at UVA, tutors local elementary school children, volunteers with the Waden Worldwide NGO supporting Afghan refugees, and is involved with several student organizations. She plans to double-major in Sociology to support her dream of using data science to improve global social systems. Learn more about Mohand here.
