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At UNC Charlotte, Mary Margaret discovered not just knowledge, but a sense of purpose—where curiosity met confidence, and ambition reached for the stars. From Davidson, NC, Mary Margaret completed both her bachelor’s in Data Science in May 2024 and her master’s in Data Science and Business Analytics in May 2025 at UNC Charlotte. She first […]

Hiza Mbela Mvuendy, a recent Spring 2025 graduate, came to UNC Charlotte from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, drawn by the university’s strong academic programs, welcoming community, and vibrant urban setting. As a student in Data Science with a minor in Sociology, he found the perfect intersection of his analytical mindset and his interest in human behavior. […]

As a legacy student, Blake Costner always felt connected to the university, because his father, Joe W. Costner Jr., graduated in 1989, and his aunt, Barbara Kolatis, followed in 1995. So when it came time to choose a path for higher education, the choice to become a Niner felt natural. His decision to attend UNC […]

Before she ever set foot in a UNC Charlotte classroom, Hayat Naqvi, was already charting a path that defied borders and disciplines. Her story is not just one of academic achievement, but of transformation—of discovering how the language of data can amplify compassion and turn a passion for public health into meaningful change. As a […]

Driven by a passion for uncovering patterns and solving real-world problems, Hiranya Bandi came to UNC Charlotte from Hyderabad, India, to pursue her Master’s in Data Science and Business Analytics. She was looking for more than a degree—she was seeking an environment that would challenge her thinking, strengthen her technical skills, and prepare her to […]

Choosing UNC Charlotte for his Master’s in Data Science and Business Analytics was just the first step in Yash Pradhan’s leap of faith from Mumbai to a new life in Charlotte. Originally from Mumbai, India, and now proudly calling Charlotte home, Yash arrived with a deep determination, a passion for data, and $1000 in his […]

When Jahnavi Patnala arrived at UNC Charlotte in August 2023 to begin her Master’s in Data Science and Business Analytics, it marked not only the start of a new academic chapter but also her first experience living away from home. What followed, she describes in three words: transformative, grounding, empowering. “I chose UNC Charlotte because […]

Bold decisions often lead to the most meaningful transformations. For Treasure Smith, returning to school wasn’t just a step forward—it was a commitment to purpose. A non-traditional student and recent graduate in the Class of 2025, Treasure completed her bachelor’s degree in Data Science at UNC Charlotte while simultaneously pursuing a master’s in Health Informatics […]

For Emilia Gabriela Olivera Hernández, choosing UNC Charlotte was more than a practical decision — it was a meaningful one. A first-generation college student from Concord, North Carolina, Emilia knew that staying close to home would allow her to remain rooted in the support of her family while stepping into an entirely new world of […]

On Wednesday, April 16, the Association for Data Science (ADS), the undergraduate student governance organization for the School of Data Science (SDS), hosted a town hall to discuss the current state of the school and the undergraduate Data Science program. Incoming ADS President Hannah Wilson and Paige Pickett, President of the Graduate Student Council for […]

Meet Arnav Earve, a driven Data Science major with minors in AI and Bioinformatics who is set to graduate in Spring 2027. Originally from Cary, North Carolina, Arnav describes his time at UNC Charlotte as simply “fulfilling, rewarding, and enjoyable.” Arnav’s decision to become a Niner was clear from the start. “I chose UNC Charlotte […]

Rich McKnight, a Master’s student in the Data Science & Business Analytics program, exemplifies what it means to be a Niner with a passion for learning. Regardless of the classes he takes, Rich makes the effort to be involved and learn from his fellow students.  Graduating in May 2025, Rich’s degree from the School of […]