Field of Interest

Plant biology! I have always loved spending time in nature and learning about plants, and throughout my time at Brown I've been able to dive into that interest through various courses and research opportunities. I also love learning about evolution and will talk about it with anyone who will listen.

How have your academic interests changed over the course of your time at Brown?

I came to Brown thinking that I would be a literary arts or environmental studies concentrator. I then realized that my passion for the environment is tied to biology and my love of nature, so I shifted to biology and have sought out classes and research that focus on conservation, preserving biological diversity, or using nature to try to mitigate the climate crisis. I also utilized the freedom of the Open Curriculum to take literary arts and comparative literature classes to fulfill my interest in creative writing. 

What drew you to pursue the Data Fluency Certificate?

After taking CS111 in my freshman spring, I realized that data fluency is extremely important in biological research and developing fluency through the program would be a big asset in my career. I enjoyed CS111, but didn't think that continuing with the computer science sequence would be right for me, so the certificate was a good middle ground. 

What has been your favorite course at Brown? 

Diversity of Life is one of my favorite courses at Brown. I took it in the fall of my first year and liked it so much that I went on to TA for the course every year since then. 

What kinds of research experiences have made an impact on your time at Brown?

I've spent the past three summers at three different universities doing plant science research with the help of the SPRINT and CHAI fellowships and the NSF REU program. During my freshman summer, I studied sunflowers and how they can be used to clean up sites contaminated with heavy metals. My sophomore summer, I studied how nitrogen and water interact in different plants and used photosynthetic capability as a measure of plant health. Last summer, I studied the impact of two genes on vascular differentiation in tomatoes to better understand plant grafting. 

My first biology research course, my sophomore spring, was the first of many tomato research projects I've participated in, and has tied in nicely to my thesis. That course also gave me a lot of wet lab skills that I've continued to use and master over the years. This year, I've been working on my thesis looking at tomato grafting from multiple perspectives and it has been very exciting, challenging, and gratifying to work on this research independently. 

I also did a project that made up the experiential component for my Data Fluency Certificate: examining people's perceptions of the health impacts of GMOs. I was able to walk through the entire process of social science research from writing an IRB proposal to deriving conclusions from my survey transcripts and putting them into context with my literature review. 

Throughout all my research experiences, I've learned a lot more about the research process and connected with really great mentors. 

Outside of the classroom or the lab, what has shaped your time at Brown?

One of my main extracurriculars is Gift of Life which is an organization that recruits people for the bone marrow registry. I have recruited over 200 students to join the registry and in the process of stopping busy students and asking them if they are interested in joining the registry, I've received a lot of nos. This experience has made me a lot more comfortable with walking up to strangers and starting a conversation and with facing rejection, an unavoidable part of life. 

I've also run a few fun events over the years related to breast cancer and childhood cancer awareness. 

My sophomore year and this year, I ran a Pink Shabbat where everyone showing up to Shabbat dinner was encouraged to wear pink, the menu was all pink, and there were speeches and resources about the importance of breast cancer awareness within the Jewish community. The best part of planning the event was designing giveaway stickers that capitalized on current campus trends (my sophomore year the sticker was a pink Blueno and this year it was a pink Birb). The other related events I ran were two hair donation drives last year. Across the two events, I managed to convince over fifteen people to let their friends cut off 8 or more inches of their hair to be made into wigs for children facing hair loss. At both events, someone decided to shave their head!

Who has inspired you throughout your degree? Is there anyone in particular that you’d like to thank, or advisors that you have had a particularly good relationship with? 

I would like to thank Professor Mark Johnson who has been an incredible professor and thesis advisor. He gave me the encouragement I needed to pursue my thesis, even while I wasn't following the standard timeline. His office hours were extremely helpful for his genetics and plant biology courses, and he also has helped me overcome the inevitable hiccups of research.

My siblings have been super supportive throughout my degree. They were always available, even very late at night, to give another pair of eyes to an essay. My sister always gave advice regarding course registration (especially freshman year when I couldn't register for a single course that I intended to take). My brother was always a phone call away for coding or math explanations. They also both served as inspirations for how to work hard while successfully making room for fun.  

What has been your favorite part of being a student at Brown?

Without a doubt, the best part about being a student at Brown is the culture and community on campus. Everyone is dedicated to their studies, but that doesn't stop anyone from being extremely kind and friendly, and always up for a last minute adventure. There's an amazing balance between the academic seriousness and taking advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of spending four years as a Brown University undergraduate. 

What advice would you give to incoming students?

I would encourage all students to take advantage of as many of the amazing opportunities on campus as they are interested in, but also to remember that they don't need to prove themselves to anyone. They should try to be as self-motivated as possible to get the most out of their time at Brown.

Fields of Interest

I’m most interested in health equity, access, and challenging one-size-fits-all models of healthcare through digitalization. 

Why did you pursue the Data Fluency Certificate? 

The Data Fluency Certificate seemed like such a perfect opportunity to improve my hard skills in data science and analysis while focusing my interest still within the domains of biology and public health. The certificate also gave really great opportunities to apply our class knowledge to the real world, and I loved taking advantage of these experiential opportunities. 

What has been your favorite course at Brown? 

My favorite course at Brown has been BIOL 0940D Rhode Island Flora and Fauna: Understanding and Documenting Local Plant Diversity. In this class, we went on field trips to local coastal wetlands and uplands, freshwater wetlands, peatlands, upland forests, and disturbed areas—from there we collected plants and preserved them in lab, learned how to identify organisms based on their taxidermy, and developed intimate relationships with the natural landscape of Providence. 

How have your academic interests changed over the course of your time at Brown?

My interests have only been augmented as I’ve been at Brown, especially when it comes to understanding how data intersects with health ethics and inequity that arises as a result. Furthermore, getting to explore more areas in anthropology, archaeology, and creative nonfiction have become integral pillars to my interdisciplinary learning in really surprising ways. 

What research and extracurricular activities have shaped your experience at Brown?

I’ve been really lucky to have a multitude of experiences at Brown from being an Editor-in-Chief for VISIONS Magazine (Brown-RISD’s only AAPI literary and visual arts publication) to being a Minority Peer Counselor Co-Coordinator at the BCSC for two years. I’ve also had really awesome internship experiences doing clinical research work at Edwards Lifesciences and Intus Care, a Brown-student start-up that is doing amazing things now!

What has been your biggest challenge and your biggest accomplishment during your time in college?

I believe my biggest challenge since coming to college has actually been acclimating myself to the struggles that come with going to school so far away from home, since I’m from California, and dealing with things like homesickness, moving by myself, and not being able to see my family regularly. My biggest accomplishment was probably being recognized at the 2024 State of Rhode Island Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration.

Who has mentored you throughout your degree? 

Jennifer Pellowski was my professor for PHP 0700 and I also TA-ed her class—but she really instilled in me a clear vision of what a passion for global health surmounts to and her care for what she does is something I want to emulate. Additionally, Dr. Neil Sarkar and Dr. Therese Zink have been incredibly supportive in the process of writing my thesis, and they’ve definitely nuanced, complicated, and improved my work. 

What has been your favorite part of being a student at Brown?

Being a student at Brown is such a special experience because everybody has such a deep passion for what they are studying and holds a personal stake in the fields that they seek to enter. I love how learning is authentic and that my curiosity is constantly being inspired by the communities I’ve been privileged to enter here. 

What advice would you give to incoming students?

It becomes so easy to get swept up in our tasks, responsibilities, and everything else that comes with being a college student. Don’t let the speed of life overwhelm you—remember to take the scenic path, make calls instead of text, and enjoy the sun as much as you can.

What has been your favorite course at Brown?

From my history courses: World of Byzantium, from data science: Data Visualization and Narrative 

How have your academic interests changed over the course of your time at Brown?

I think the Data Fluency Certificate played a huge role in changing my academic interests at Brown. I came into Brown really having no confidence in my STEM skills - I was convinced I was a pure humanities student. The certificate really helped me not only build up my practical computer skills, but also to see how STEM and the humanities can interact. I realized that data and coding is more about problem-solving and creative thinking than memorizing syntax, and those skills are really what I love best in the humanities as well.

Why did you decide to pursue the Data Fluency Certificate? 

I stumbled across the certificate almost by accident, but I am so glad I did! I took DATA0080: Data, Ethics, and Society purely out of interest, and from there, learned about the certificate. Before I took DATA0080, I felt like I was hearing so many data-related terms thrown around with no real knowledge. I saw headlines weekly that we were “living in the age of big-data” and I wanted to actually find out what that meant and how that applied to me and my education!

What academic and research experiences have shaped your time at Brown? 

Learning data science has really opened up so many opportunities for me at Brown. In addition to serving as a TA for DATA0080 and DATA0200, I have had two amazing data-based research positions at Brown. Last summer, I served as an Undergraduate Research Fellow for Social Science and Public Policy. I worked with a team of students on a historical economics project under Professor Anna Aizer - examining the effect of New Deal policies on wealth in the American South. This was a lot of true data work - really getting into the individual cells of very long tables! I really learned the value of teamwork in research through this project and sharpened many of the skills I learned through the certificate. 

Last fall semester, I worked with Professor Ahsan Ashraf on redesigning the project management structure and curriculum for his master’s practicum course. I learned so much more about the data science pipeline and the more practical operations and communications side of the field. This was a project for the Data Fellows program at Brown - being a part of this cohort and seeing everyone else’s projects develop was an especially rewarding part of this experience. 

What has been your biggest accomplishment during your time in college?

One of my favorite accomplishments at Brown was the work I completed with Professor Damien Mahiet and fellow student Kate Hardy on Andrews House. Last year, Andrews House was renovated and turned into the new hub for the Cogut Institute for the Humanities. Before it re-opened its doors, our goal was to research the history of the building and all of the ways it served the Brown community before its new role for the Cogut. Kate and I got to examine century-old documents and blue prints in the John Hay library, and even helped produce a Wikipedia page about one of the previous inhabitants, Alfred Coats. It was such an incredible history-in-action experience for two history students, and it was so fun to attend the opening of the new Andrews House and see the history we learned about all around us!

Who has inspired and mentored you throughout your degree?

I would really like to thank Dr. Linda Clark. I know I am one of many many students that can say she absolutely transformed my Brown education. She has always encouraged me to reach for every opportunity available and has been endlessly supportive throughout all of my experiences at Brown - data science related or not. She really has a passion for making sure that anyone who wants to learn data science can. Dr. Clark has been instrumental in making me believe in myself as a data science student. I cannot thank her enough for adding a whole new dimension to my time at Brown.

What has been your favorite part of being a student at Brown?

My favorite part of Brown has definitely been my work with the Brown Opinion Project. I have been in the club since I was a freshman and have been Co-President for the past two years. We run campus-wide polls to understand what students really think about anything from campus policies to pop culture. It has been a joy to not only work with such a talented team, but to put data analysis skills into action to uncover some really cool findings about our campus.

What is next for you? Starting this summer I will be working as a paralegal in Boston!

What advice would you give to incoming students?

As a Meiklejohn Peer Advisor, I always encourage students to explore, explore, explore. That can mean anything from showing up to a class one time during shopping period to taking four semesters of a new language just for fun. As fast as time flies at Brown, you have much more time than you think. In addition, put yourself out there - apply to every internship, job, or club you are interested in and see what happens. You might surprise yourself!

In addition: do the Data Fluency Certificate ! :)

Why did you pursue the Data Fluency Certificate? 

As I pursued my coursework and extracurricular activities at Brown, I realized everything I did was facilitated by the knowledge of Data Science. The world around us is made up of data, and that data tells a story. I wanted to be able to understand that story—to take all of the information around me that seemed like just numbers and transform it into something meaningful. I believe my work in the Data Fluency certificate allowed me to not only gain a deeper understanding of data science but to fully make sense of the way data science is used in Cognitive Science and other fields as well. 

What has been your favorite course at Brown?

One of my favorite courses at Brown was CLPS 0500 Perception and Mind. This is the first course I took within the Cognitive Science concentration, which inspired me to pursue the concentration. The course is all about how we see and perceive the world—I found it fascinating! Another one of my favorite courses was CLPS 0220 Making Decisions. This course talks about the mechanisms behind why we make the choices we do. I find myself thinking about it often, even to this day. 

How have your academic interests changed over the course of your time at Brown?

My academic interests have changed a lot over the course of my time at Brown. I began my time here thinking I was going to concentrate in International Relations. However, after taking a few courses in the CLPS department, I realized I was fascinated by the way the human mind works. I also had no idea I was going to pursue the Data Fluency Certificate. But as I moved through my coursework, I came to understand how important it is to be able to look at data and understand what it is trying to say—a skill necessary in so many of my courses. As soon as I began to pursue the certificate, I loved it. Each course taught me something important about the world of data—whether that was the ethics of working with data or more technical skills in Python. I even worked as a Teaching Assistant for one of the courses in the DATA department. I know these skills will be applicable in whichever path I take after graduation.

What has been your favorite part of being a student at Brown?

One of my favorite parts about being a student at Brown is the ability to pursue absolutely any interest. I don’t think I would have discovered my passion for Cognitive and Data science had it not been for the opportunity to take classes in any department. Because of the flexibility of the open curriculum, I was also able to engage with many other passions of mine—taking classes in the arts and languages departments as well. 

What research experiences have shaped your time at Brown? 

During my time at Brown, I worked in two laboratories within the Cognitive and Psychological Sciences department. The first was the Perception, Action, and Cognition lab led by Dr. Joo-Hyun Song—where I assisted in experiments using eye and hand movement tracking to examine cognitive processes like goal selection, visual attention, and decision-making. For my last two years at Brown, I worked in the Aging and Cognition Lab led by Dr. Elena Festa. During my time in her lab, I assisted in experiments using an Electroencephalogram (EEG), which records signals from the brain using an electrode cap. My work in research allowed me to have real experience in the field of Cognitive Science—gaining deeper insight into the ways of the human mind and behavior. Additionally, it also allowed me to see the role of data science in action—observing how scientists gather and analyze data to make conclusions about their hypothesis.  

Who has inspired and mentored you throughout your degree?

I would love to thank Dr. Joo-Hyun Song and Dr. Elena Festa, as well as each member of their labs, for allowing me to participate in their research. Not only did they give me incredible insights into the world of research, but they also offered me immense mentorship and guidance during my time at Brown through thoughtful conversations and advice. Additionally, I would like to thank Professor Bill Warren, my concentration advisor, for his mentorship as I navigated my courses. I am also very thankful for Professor Linda Clark, my certificate advisor, with whom I also worked closely during my time as a Teaching Assistant for her class. This list is surely not exhaustive of all the incredible mentors and professors I have come across during my time at Brown, whom I am extremely thankful for. 

What is next for you? 

After graduation, I will be in the electronic health records field as a Project Manager—at a software company aiming to consolidate and integrate health data so that it can become more accessible to patients, doctors, and medical institutions. This job directly speaks to my work in the Data Fluency Certificate, and the way the certificate interacts with my studies in Cognitive Science. 

What advice would you give to incoming students?

One piece of advice I would give to incoming students is not to limit their studies to any preconceived notions of what they think they may be interested in studying. It is so beneficial to utilize the open curriculum and try out classes in a wide variety of departments because who knows what passions you might discover. Keep an open mind and follow through with curiosities!

Fields of Interest

I'm particularly interested in data science applications to healthcare

What drew you to the field of data science?

I have always enjoyed statistics, and then I learned about data science, the intersection of computer science and statistics, during my junior spring in undergrad. I wanted to learn more about the field, which led me to pursue this degree.

What has been your favorite course at Brown? 

I think data engineering was the most interesting to me because it taught crucial skills of data scientists in industry. This course also touched upon the rapid evolution of data science tools and techniques in the tech industry which was also cool to learn about.

What research and extracurricular activities have shaped your experience at Brown?

This past summer, I was a Health Data Science Fellow at the School of Public Health, where I conducted a natural language processing project on reviews of healthcare facilities. This was my first time web scraping and dealing with textual data, which was invaluable and really interesting. 

Since the fall, I've been a data science intern at a biotech start-up in the Boston area, where I've been able to get hands-on industry experience with various tools and collaborate with engineers and clinicians. 

Lastly, I've been on the executive board of the Brown Graduate Muslim Student Association, which helped establish a great community and connect with people from entirely different academic domains.

What is next for you? 

I plan to transition from an intern to a full-time role as a clinical data scientist at my current workplace. I'm excited to grow professionally and apply what I've learned to improve healthcare!

Fields of Interest

Fairness and accountability in machine learning

How have your academic interests changed over the course of your time at Brown?

My interests originated from a broad fascination with data-driven methods, and evolved into a passion for leveraging AI to address ethical issues regarding fairness and justice.

What drew you to these fields?

I am drawn to data science because of its foundational relevance across multiple disciplines. During my time at Brown, I wanted to build on the quantitative foundation established during my undergrad while engaging with the ethical considerations surrounding AI deployment. Working with the Center for Technological Responsibility, Re-imagination, and Redesign (CNTR) provided an ideal interdisciplinary research environment that matched this ambition to combine rigorous analytical approaches with socially responsible AI practices.

What has been your favorite course at Brown?

APMA 1690 (Computational Probability & Statistics) taught by Prof. Kun Meng

What experiences have made an impact on your time at Brown?

Participation with campus organizations like the Brown AI Safety Team (BAIST), Every Vote Counts (EVC), and Brown University Community Council (BUCC) has broadened my perspective on AI's societal implications and offered valuable opportunities to collaborate on diverse, impactful projects. 

I worked on other meaningful projects during my internships at Lightspeed Commerce and BRAC, where I deepened my technical expertise while grasping the ethical dimensions of real-world data science applications. 

Additionally, my research involvements with the CNTR and Watson Institute have strengthened my ability to deliver meaningful, data-driven insights within the context of responsible technological innovation. These multifaceted experiences will inform my approach to future research goals and professional challenges.

Who has inspired you throughout your degree?

I'd like to thank my thesis advisor, instructor, and SRC project collaborator, Prof. Suresh Venkatasubramanian, whose guidance and insights have been instrumental during my degree program. I'm also deeply grateful to Senior Fellow Malika Saada Saar, whose mentorship has profoundly shaped my approach to ethical AI.

What has been your favorite part of being a student at Brown?

I've valued the opportunity to engage with Brown's interdisciplinary community, which encourages collaboration across departments and allows students like myself to explore complex, real-world challenges from different perspectives.

What advice would you give to incoming students?

Be relentless about seeking opportunities outside the classroom.

What is next for you?

I'm excited to be joining TD Bank's Financial Crime Risk Management Department this summer as a full-time data scientist.

Fields of Interest & Expertise 

That's a tough one—I’m not sure I have a definitive answer just yet. One thing I’ve come to recognize through my coursework at Brown is how incredibly talented my peers are. It’s been inspiring. That said, in every group I’ve been a part of, I’ve consistently contributed by making complex data science outcomes accessible and understandable to a wide audience. My experience with the Coast Guard has given me countless opportunities to present and brief technical material, and I think that’s translated well to this field. I’ve found real value in bridging the gap between technical detail and clear communication.

Why did you decide to pursue the Data Science Masters? 

I graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) in 2018, where I studied Operations Research and Computer Science. I loved every part of that program. After graduation, I served as a Deck Watch Officer aboard the USCG Cutter JUNIPER, a 225-foot Seagoing Buoy Tender, for two years. I then transitioned to a planning and logistics role at the Coast Guard district headquarters overseeing operations in New England.

While I learned a great deal in both roles, I missed using the analytical side of my brain every day. In 2021, I applied for the Coast Guard’s continued education program to pursue graduate studies in a math-focused field. I chose Data Science specifically because I’m fascinated by the insights that can be extracted from data. I wanted to equip myself with stronger tools to tackle the growing datasets within the Coast Guard and beyond. 

Upon completing this degree, I’ll return to USCGA to teach Operations Research and Data Analytics—an opportunity I’m truly excited about.

How have your academic interests changed over the course of your time at Brown? 

I came in thinking I had a solid understanding of what Data Science was. But my time at Brown really broadened that perspective. I now see the wide-reaching impact of data science across so many sectors of society. One topic that particularly grabbed my attention, introduced during a deep learning course in Spring 2024, was the environmental impact of large-scale computational models. It sparked a growing interest in finding more sustainable approaches to machine learning.

What has been your favorite course at Brown? 

I really loved Data 1030. It was our introduction to the master’s program and set the tone for the two years ahead. Professor András Zsom, who taught the course, was an exceptional instructor: engaging, clear, and passionate. His teaching made the subject not only digestible but genuinely exciting.

What has been your favorite part of being a student at Brown? 

The DSI faculty has been phenomenal. The level of support and encouragement they offer has made a huge difference throughout my experience.

What is a highlight from your curriculum or time at Brown?

One of the highlights was working with Citizens Bank on a project to detect fraudulent checks, whether submitted through the app or in person. It was incredibly rewarding to work on something that has real-world business impact. It also helped me understand the differences between academic research and practical, business-oriented problem-solving, something that will definitely influence how I approach future projects, both in and out of uniform.

What has been your biggest challenge and your biggest accomplishment during your time at Brown? 

My biggest challenge, and also my proudest accomplishment, was becoming a mom while pursuing my master’s. I had my first child between the first and second year of the program. Balancing coursework and caring for my son, Crew, has been a true test of time management and resilience, but it’s also been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. It’s something I’ll carry immense pride in long after graduation.

Who has inspired you throughout your degree? 

I’ve been deeply inspired by my two older sisters and my mom, each of them incredible mothers and hardworking people. Their example has grounded and guided me through this program and into motherhood. I also want to thank my husband, who has been my rock throughout these two years. His support for both me and our son has made this journey possible. And finally, a huge thank you to my academic advisor, Professor Andras Zsom. His guidance and encouragement have meant the world to me.

What is next for you? 

After graduation, I’ll report to the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, where I’ll serve as an instructor in Operations Research and Data Analytics. I’m incredibly excited to give back to the institution that started my journey and help shape the next generation of Coast Guard officers.

What advice would you give to incoming students? 

These two years will fly by, make the most of every moment. Brown has a beautiful campus and an incredible atmosphere, so take time to look up from your computer screen and enjoy your surroundings. And most importantly, soak up every bit of knowledge you can, opportunities to learn are everywhere.