January 28, 2025 By: David Apilado Jr.

Meet Celestie, who grew up in Abuja, Nigeria, and discovered her passion for statistics and data science during her academic journey. Drawn to the diversity of thought, she pursued her undergraduate degree at Huston-Tillotson University in Texas, earning a bachelor's in Computer Information Systems with a minor in Mathematics. While always interested in business and technology, it was during her sophomore year that she discovered the exciting career opportunities in data science and statistics, igniting her determination to excel in these fields.

To become more competitive in the data-driven tech industry, Celestie set her sights on earning a master's degree in statistics. Berkeley’s one-year MA Statistics program stood out as the perfect fit. “Berkeley is the top school in the world, and I knew I wanted to be in the Bay Area,” she shares. She was also drawn to the program's focus on both theory and application, appreciating how it provides a strong foundation in understanding not just how statistical methods work but why they work. She noted that she was “drawn to the intricacies and engines of statistics and data science” and aims to delve deeper into understanding them. ​​​​

One of her favorite aspects of the program is the cohort model. She values the sense of community and shared goals among her peers. “Everyone here is motivated and open to engaging in meaningful conversations,” she says, contrasting it with her undergraduate experience, where students often came from diverse majors and varied levels of interest in the coursework. She also appreciates the intentionality her peers bring to their studies and interactions, noting that everyone is purposeful in their efforts to succeed and contribute meaningfully to the program.

Looking ahead, Celestie is eager to make a meaningful impact in the tech industry, contributing to novel solutions that push the boundaries of what's possible. She is particularly inspired by tech's role in shaping the future and creating tools and technologies that didn’t exist before. Beyond her aspirations in tech, Celestie envisions bringing tech and education together to inspire the next generation. She hopes to work with nonprofits to share her love for math and statistics, helping today’s youth discover the field much earlier and explore its real-world applications. By doing so, she aims to spark curiosity and empower young minds to see the transformative potential of statistics and data science.

In her free time, Celestie is a true adventurer and creative. She enjoys recreating dishes from her favorite restaurants, playing badminton, exercising, traveling, video games, and is currently learning to play the piano. Her diverse interests and vibrant energy reflect her curiosity and drive, both in and out of the classroom.

We’re proud to have Celestie as part of our Berkeley Statistics community and can’t wait to see all she accomplishes in the future!

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