Student Spotlight: Maximiliano Medina, MA Statistics, Class of 2024
November 17, 2023 By: David Apilado, Jr.
In the sprawling halls of UC Berkeley's Statistics department, there exists a fervor for uncovering the historical significance of the discipline. Among the bright minds that grace these corridors, Max Medina stands out for his passion and dedication. Max says that, “ I decided to attend UC Berkeley’s MA Statistics program because of the historical significance of the department.”
Hailing from Mexico, Max embarked on his academic journey at Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM), where he delved into the intricacies of applied mathematics. It was during this time in his undergraduate studies that he discovered the power and utility of statistics, sparking a fascination that would drive his aspirations towards becoming a data scientist. Max harbors a profound interest in deciphering the complexities of systems and, more importantly, understanding how they can be enhanced and refined.
The allure of being surrounded by some of the brightest minds in the field drew Max to University of California, Berkeley, where he currently serves as a teaching assistant for Stat 2, and is gearing up to take on the challenge of Stat 134 in the upcoming Spring semester. His commitment to sharing knowledge underscores not only his academic expertise but also his desire to contribute to the education of the next generation of statisticians.
Max's journey through the professional landscape has been nothing short of impressive. Having previously lent his expertise to Twitter, he played a pivotal role in the realm of data science for advertising. His stint at S&P, where he immersed himself in the intricate world of machine learning, further solidified his reputation as a rising star in the field.
Amidst the demanding world of academia and industry, Max takes a moment to express his gratitude for the invaluable support he has received. Being awarded with the Betty Scott Excellence Scholarship by the Statistics Department is not just an accolade; it's a testament to his dedication and potential. As Max stated, “The Betty Scott Excellence Scholarship helps me not have to worry about the program costs and can help me focus more on my studies.”
Max is a trailblazer, a custodian of the discipline's rich history, and a sign of its promising future. Max is an inspiration to aspiring statisticians at UC Berkeley and beyond. We look forward to witnessing his continued success and the impact he undoubtedly will make in the ever-evolving field of statistics and data science. Feel free to connect with Max and learn more about his amazing journey!