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When Manasa Vuppu looks back on her graduate journey at UNC Charlotte, she doesn’t just see classes and coursework — she sees transformation. This August, she graduated with her Master of Science in Data Science and Business Analytics, carrying with her a story defined by curiosity, resilience, and innovation. Originally from Hyderabad, India, Vuppu chose […]

After nearly three decades away from the classroom, Mitu Banerjee made the bold decision to return to higher education—and in August 2025, she proudly graduated with her Master’s in Health Informatics and Analytics from UNC Charlotte. Mitu began her academic journey in healthcare as a chiropractor, graduating from Logan College of Chiropractic in 1998. Over […]

When Annie Illing first stepped onto UNC Charlotte’s campus, she couldn’t have imagined just how much the university would shape her future. From internships with Fortune 500 companies to research with a women-led academic journal team, Annie embraced every opportunity to grow as a data scientist and as a leader. A Charlotte native, Annie transferred […]

Associate Professor Abbey Thomas, Ph.D., is a certified athletic trainer with a passion for studying knee injuries, a background in biomechanics, and a devotion to creating new opportunities for Charlotte’s students. This unique blend of expertise makes her the ideal fit for her new role as the co-director of the UNC Charlotte Sports Analytics program, […]

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 […]