MASDS Peer Ambassadors
The Peer Ambassador Program provides current MA Statistics & Data Science students with meaningful leadership opportunities to support the program through outreach, community building, or both.
Ambassadors represent the program at recruitment events, connect with prospective students, and help create activities that strengthen connections within the current cohort. Each ambassador’s focus area is identified on their profile below.
Click on any active ambassador to learn more about their background and contributions.
Peer Ambassador Reflections
See where our ambassadors went, what they learned, and how they’re representing Berkeley across conferences and events.
Current Peer Ambassadors
Jiahui Chen
Bella Chen is a Master’s student in Statistics at UC Berkeley with a strong interest in using statistics alongside machine learning and data science. Before joining the programme at Berkeley, Bella earned a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Economics, and Finance from University College London in the UK.
Email: bella.jh.chen@berkeley.edu
Donjhai Holland
Donjhai Holland is a Master’s student in Statistics at UC Berkeley with a background in business, data analytics, and public health research. Before coming to Berkeley, she participated in the Pathways into Quantitative Aging Research (PQAR) program at NYU and worked on projects ranging from Alzheimer’s detection using multi-view data analysis to 3D digital twin modeling. She is passionate about using data to uncover meaningful insights and is especially drawn to work that centers equity and real-world impact. Donjhai has also served as a tutor, peer mentor, and academic coach, and she’s excited to now support students as an Outreach Ambassador. She looks forward to connecting with prospective students and helping make the statistics community feel more accessible and inclusive.
Email: donjhaih@berkeley.edu
LinkedIn: View Profile
Xinru Lin
Hello! I am Xinru. I have a background in Computer Science and 5 years of industry experience. I am passionate about tackling health inequalities within my local communities through utilizing statistics to analyze public health data and creating data informed solutions. As a Peer Ambassador, I am excited to both share my experiences and encourage others to pursue higher education and to organize community building events for the MA Statistics and Data Science cohort. I am always eager to meet and chat with new people!
Email: xinrulin@berkeley.edu
LinkedIn: View Profile
Yi Ren
Yi Ren is a Master’s student in Statistics & Data Science at UC Berkeley. She earned a B.S. in Data Science and a B.A. in Business from the University of Rochester, where she worked as a teaching assistant, workshop leader, and research assistant. She is interested in pursuing a career in data science and enjoys exploring how statistics can be used to solve real world problems. As a Peer Ambassador, Yi looks forward to connecting with students and contributing to a supportive community!
Email: yi_ren@berkeley.edu
LinkedIn: View Profile
Abhishek Sai Shukla
I'm Abhishek, a Master's student in Statistics who recently moved from Bangalore to Berkeley. When I'm not working through datasets, I'm usually doing improv, exploring new neighborhoods, or getting into conversations about movies, culture, or whatever random topic comes up.
I'm excited to help create a community where people feel comfortable being themselves—whether that's sharing study tips, grabbing food together, or just having those spontaneous conversations that make everything feel a bit more connected.
Z Skigen
Z (they/them) is thrilled to join the Berkeley community this year, bringing a background in causal inference, Bayesian statistics, statistical modeling, and data engineering. During their time at Pomona College, they interned with the Philadelphia Phillies, conducting quantitative research at the major league level on the newly implemented ABS Challenge System. At Berkeley, they hope to continue developing quantitative approaches to center communities that are underrepresented in data, particularly queer and transgender communities. They are so excited to connect with prospective students from non traditional backgrounds and share all the wonderful ways statistics and data science can empower us.
Email: z_skigen@berkeley.edu
LinkedIn: View Profile
Neha Suresh
Hi! I’m Neha, a 5th-year Master’s student in Statistics and Data Science (MASDS) at UC Berkeley. I’m interested in machine learning, product development, and fintech. I’ve had the opportunity to explore these interests through a Technical Product Management internship at PayPal, a SWE internship at Blackhawk Network, and several data science-based research opportunities at Berkeley. I’m especially passionate about ethical AI policies and data governance, and I’m interested in how technology can be developed responsibly and equitably. Outside of academics and industry interests, I enjoy tutoring students in statistics and probability, trying out new recipes, learning new things, and doing yoga. I love meeting new people interested in statistics and data science, and am always happy to connect, answer questions, or chat about anything. Looking forward to meeting you at events!
Email: neha_suresh@berkeley.edu
LinkedIn: View Profile
Maximilian Van Zandt
I'm a Master's student in Statistics at UC Berkeley, with a background in Statistics and Philosophy from the University of Virginia. My interests are in causal inference, graphical models, and experimental methodology, especially the design and statistical thinking behind clinical trials and applications in tech. In industry, my experiences center around statistical and machine learning internship work for satellite communications and IoT connectivity in aviation, along with statistical consulting for healthcare nonprofits. Statistics has always been my way of asking deep, curious questions about the world, and I want prospective students to know that there are many ways for them to find value in statistics. Having been a teaching assistant and tutor throughout my undergraduate education, I enjoy being the person who makes something hard feel approachable. Outside of stats, I've played percussion for 16 years and love finding ways to bring statistics into my understanding of music and drumming techniques. I'm looking forward to meeting people at conferences and events, and want to help however I can.
Email: maxvanzandt@berkeley.edu
LinkedIn: View Profile
Rachel Xu
I recently graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.A. in Statistics and am passionate about using data to address real-world challenges, particularly in public health and social impact. During my undergraduate years, I served as a CDSS Transfer Mentor and participated in student outreach events, where I enjoyed supporting fellow students and helping build a welcoming and connected community.
Email: rachelxu25@berkeley.edu
LinkedIn: View Profile
Sumeng Xu
I’m a Master’s student in Statistics at UC Berkeley with a background in Statistics & Data Science and Economics. I have experience applying data science in both academic and professional settings, with a focus on finance. I’ve been supporting students—especially international students—since high school. I’m excited to connect with others through outreach and share everything this amazing program has to offer!
Email: sumeng@berkeley.edu
LinkedIn: View Profile
Conference Reflections: NDiSTEM 2025
📁 View Past Peer Ambassadors (2025-2026 Cohort)
We are deeply grateful to our past cohorts of Peer Ambassadors for their exceptional leadership, foundational community building, and dedication to growing the MA Statistics & Data Science network.
Past Outreach Members
Past Community Building Members
Hannah Aguilar
Hannah is a scientist with a deep interest in combining her passions for computation, statistics, and health in the development of precision medicine diagnostics and therapeutics through harnessing big data from genomics, wearable devices, and electronic health records. She loves meeting new people interested in statistics and data science and looks forward to meeting you at events!
Email: hannahmarieaguilar@berkeley.edu
LinkedIn: View Profile
Conference Reflections: GMiS 2025, NDiSTEM 2025
Sharazad Ali
Sharazad Ali is a Master’s student in Statistics at UC Berkeley with a background in Statistics, Psychology, and Data Science from Rice University. She is primarily interested in exploring how data science and machine learning modeling can be adapted to address contemporary challenges in healthcare and social equity. She has gained industry experience through internships at HP and P&G, where she worked on large-scale data engineering, data science/analytics, and predictive modeling projects. In the past, she has held various leadership positions to foster inclusive environments for underrepresented communities in the tech space. As an Outreach Peer Ambassador, she’s incredibly excited to connect with future applicants, share her journey, and help others feel confident and supported as they navigate their path to graduate school!
Email: sia3@berkeley.edu
LinkedIn: View Profile
Conference Reflections: Tapia 2025, AFROTECH 2025
Ryann Alvarez
Ryann is a Master’s student in Statistics at UC Berkeley with a background in psychology and institutional research. She is passionate about using statistics to support data-informed decision-making in higher education and to foster actionable change. Ryann enjoys connecting with others interested in statistics — especially those from nontraditional or interdisciplinary backgrounds — and is excited to support both prospective and current students in the program.
Email: ryannalvarez@berkeley.edu
LinkedIn: View Profile
Conference Reflections: Tapia 2025
Jasmine Khamuani
Jasmine Khamuani is a Master’s student in Statistics at UC Berkeley with a strong passion for data analysis, actuarial science, and teaching. Her experience includes serving as a Graduate Student Instructor for introductory statistics courses and teaching community college students through CalTeach. She has also gained industry experience through an actuarial internship at Delta Dental of California. Jasmine holds a B.Sc. in Actuarial Science from the UK and is committed to building supportive learning environments and contributing to her community through education and applied statistical work.
Email: jasmine.khamuani@berkeley.edu
LinkedIn: View Profile
Maddie MacDonald
Madison (Maddie) MacDonald is a Master’s student in Statistics at UC Berkeley with a strong passion for using statistical methods to address real world challenges, particularly in the areas of mental health, political science, and environmental science. Before pursuing graduate studies, Maddie earned her Bachelor of Science in Applied Statistics with a minor in Psychology from Purdue University. Her undergraduate research included contributing to a longitudinal study on the well-being of Latine youth in rural communities, as well as leading the Data Analytics sub team for a semester-long Data Mine Corporate Partners project with the American Mathematical Society. She also worked as a private tutor throughout high school and college, known for her ability to explain complex topics clearly and adapt to a wide range of learning styles. Thus, she is excited to bring that same support and approachability to her role as an Outreach Ambassador. Overall, at Berkeley, Maddie looks forward to strengthening her skills in applied statistics and data science, collaborating on meaningful data driven projects with her cohort, as well as exploring advanced topics in statistical modeling, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
Email: madisonmacdonald@berkeley.edu
LinkedIn: View Profile
Conference Reflections: Tapia 2025
Wengel Semma
Wengel is a Master’s student in Statistics at UC Berkeley with a background in statistics with an emphasis in statistical data science from UC Davis. She is passionate about public health equity and promoting data accessibility for marginalized communities, especially in research and policy decisions. At UC Davis, she supported students as a peer advisor and student ambassador, helping them with academic planning and resources. She has also participated in several undergraduate research programs and looks forward to using data science to tackle real-world problems. As an Outreach Peer Ambassador, she’s excited to share her journey and help others feel supported and welcomed in the statistics community.
Email: wengelsemma@berkeley.edu
LinkedIn: View Profile
Conference Reflections: NDiSTEM 2025
Akanshaa Borgohain
Hi, I'm Akanshaa! Here to turn up the good vibes and help build a welcoming, connected MA Stats community. I love meeting new people and organizing fun gatherings, especially if there’s coffee involved!
Email: akanshaa_borgohain@berkeley.edu
LinkedIn: View Profile
Junya Tsuneishi
Junya Tsuneishi is a Master’s student in Statistics at UC Berkeley. Born and raised in Japan, he spent over eight years at a Japanese life insurance company, where he was responsible for structuring and managing quantitative and data-analysis projects focusing on investment, finance, ESG, and healthcare. As a company-sponsored student, he is passionate about leveraging data-science methods to tackle business challenges and create value for stakeholders and society.
Email: junya_tsuneishi@berkeley.edu
LinkedIn: View Profile
Connect with a Peer Ambassador
Ready to Join the MA Statistics & Data Science Community?
Learn more about admissions, financial aid, and how you can be part of our next cohort of ambassadors and changemakers.
