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From unraveling the laws of physics to tackling the complex challenges of misinformation and online fraud, Keith Burghardt’s academic journey reflects a deep curiosity about how systems—both physical and social—work at their core. Today, his research sits at the intersection of data science, machine learning, and social impact, with a focus on understanding and reducing […]
Dr. Michael Schuckers has built an impressive career at the intersection of statistics, data science, and real-world application—ranging from sports analytics to biometric security. His journey into the field began with a natural affinity for mathematics and early inspiration from both family and educators. Growing up, his father encouraged a probabilistic way of thinking about […]
After a successful 15-year career in fintech operations in India, Geetha Marri made a life-changing decision: she moved to the United States to pursue a new path in data science and business analytics. The choice meant leaving behind her family—including her 10-year-old daughter—a sacrifice she describes as the most difficult of her life. Yet she […]
Sushma Akula, a native of Hyderabad, India, and a December 2025 graduate, now holds a master’s degree in health informatics and analytics from UNC Charlotte. An international student navigating a new country, Sushma has transformed challenges into opportunities, combining her background in healthcare with cutting-edge data science skills. “I shifted from pharmacy to data science […]
When Kassandra Poole first visited UNC Charlotte, she knew she had found the right place. Coming from Raeford, North Carolina, she was drawn to the university’s diverse and welcoming community—an environment she felt would help her grow both personally and professionally. Now pursuing a graduate degree in health informatics & data analytics, Kassandra graduated in […]
For Savanah Manns, choosing UNC Charlotte meant finding the perfect balance between strong academics, natural surroundings, and career opportunity. A Charlotte native who also spent a semester at Appalachian State, Savanah wanted to study in a growing city where she could build meaningful professional connections while continuing to explore her interests. Now a graduate at […]
The UNC Charlotte School of Data Science is pleased to highlight Professor Ilieva Ageenko’s leadership, industry knowledge, and educational influence. Her work places SDS at the forefront of applied data science education. Bringing executive expertise from driving digital transformation at top U.S. financial institutions, Professor Ageenko plays a significant role in bridging corporate strategy, artificial […]
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is reshaping our world faster than ever imagined. From medical offices and banking institutions to universities and beyond, AI is now used as a tool to accelerate and streamline processes across industries. But is it really simplifying or enhancing our lives – and who gets to be a part of the […]
Director and Professor, School of Data Science | UNC Charlotte The School of Data Science at UNC Charlotte is proud to highlight the leadership, scholarship, and impact of Dr. Dongsong Zhang, whose work continues to shape SDS as a national leader in data science education, research, and community engagement. As Director and Professor, Dr. Zhang […]
Sijia Qian, new this fall to UNC Charlotte’s School of Data Science, is blazing trails – in the classroom and her lab. For the University’s inaugural cohort of students pursuing a Ph.D. in data science, Qian is teaching a research design course that is eliciting “aha moments” over the connection of quality design to meaningful insights from […]
When Natarajan Ravikumar arrived in the United States from India in 2010, he carried with him a vision that would later define a remarkable career at the intersection of technology, leadership, and innovation. Today, he stands as a Distinguished Technology Leader at Honeywell, celebrated globally for his transformative contributions to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud […]
For Mirsad Hadžikadić, who played a pivotal role in the school’s inception and now leads the Data Science and Business Analytics program, that mission remains as essential as ever. “The School of Data Science arose from a clearly identified need of businesses in the region to have access to a highly skilled data science talent […]