Class of 2023

Vimaljeet Singh, MDS Okanagan, Class of 2023

“Learning MDS in the Okanagan has provided me a high-quality education combined with a well-rounded experience, including nature, industry connections, community support, and cultural exploration. It was an enriching and memorable journey.”

Previous Degree: Bachelor of Technology in Electronics and Communication from Lovely Professional University
Program: MDS Okanagan, Class of 2023

During my pursuit of a Post Baccalaureate Diploma in International Business in 2019, I delved into the field of statistics for business and economics. Additionally, I dedicated a summer day to participate in a workshop focused on Arduino programming, where I had the opportunity to create a line-following robot. These experiences collectively revealed my profound interest in both statistics and programming. Through further exploration, I discovered that data science seamlessly merged the domains of mathematics, statistics, and programming, igniting my passion for this interdisciplinary field.

About Vimaljeet Singh

Prior to joining the MDS Okanagan program, Vimaljeet pursued professional certifications in Python and Google Data Analytics. Vimaljeet was already residing in the Okanagan when he discovered that UBC’s Okanagan campus had a master of data science program. Studying MDS in the Okanagan has been an incredible experience for Vimaljeet. The region's natural beauty offers a refreshing break, allowing Vimaljeet to find balance and recharge amidst intense studies. The thriving tech ecosystem provided ample networking, internship, and job opportunities in data science for Vimaljeet. The close-knit community and smaller cohort size fostered strong connections and collaborations with classmates and professors, enhancing Vimaljeet's learning experience. When not in the MDS program, Vimaljeet listens to TED talks and Bollywood music. As well, Vimaljeet enjoys cooking and cleaning to relax. Read Vimal’s story.

Master of Data Science Okanagan Lili Tang

Lili Tang, MDS Okanagan, Class of 2023

“The MDS program at UBC offers an accelerated 10-month curriculum that covers all stages of the data science value chain, providing me with a comprehensive skill set in a relatively short period of time. Moreover, the program's structure allows me to quickly return to the workforce after completing my studies.”

Previous Degree: Master of International Business, International Trade and Investment and Financing Management from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics
Program: MDS Okanagan, Class of 2023

In today's era, the advancements in computer technology have opened new possibilities for data analysis, leading to the growing significance of quantitative analysis in the financial industry. With a strong desire to explore the optimal synergy between human insights and machine capabilities, I was eager to transition my focus to Quantamental (Quant & Fundamental) analysis. This professional ambition places high demands on my analytical expertise, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. Therefore, pursuing a master's degree in data science had become a pressing priority for me.

About Lili Tang

Prior to joining the MDS Okanagan program, Lili was a fundamental analyst in bulk commodities, focusing on price trend predication and providing arbitrage strategies for trading based on futures and derivatives markets. Lili’s time in the MDS Okanagan program gave her the ability to effectively leverage data science skills to solve practical problems. Outside of MDS, Lili enjoys hiking and cooking. Read Lili’s story.

Master of Data Science Okanagan Ricky Heinrich

Ricky Heinrich, MDS Okanagan, Class of 2023

"I appreciated the fact that the UBC MDS program did not require a statistics or computer science undergrad, but rather accepted interdisciplinary backgrounds. This meant not only I could apply, but my peers were sure to come from varied and interesting backgrounds."

Previous Degree: Bachelor of Science in Physical Science from University of Alberta
Program: MDS Okanagan, Class of 2023

I realized that my favourite parts of my courses as well as my work experience were the data parts: gathering data, analyzing it, getting insights, visualizing trends and results … I liked my analytical chemistry courses the best, where we needed to replicate experiments with high precision and gather data to analyze. I enjoyed the reports that required use of regression modelling. Getting trained in data science would give me skills to go work anywhere and with anybody.

About Ricky Heinrich

Ricky obtained their Bachelor of Science in Physical Sciences (and minor in business) from the University of Alberta. Ricky appreciated that the MDS Okanagan program did not require a statistics or computer science background but accepted those from interdisciplinary backgrounds. The program provided Ricky a great base of skills that are widely applicable and they wouldn’t have been able to learn as many relevant skills to data science in the 10 months without it. Outside of MDS, Ricky loves to go climbing, and in the winter enjoys ice-skating and skiing. Read Ricky’s story.

Michelle Yun, MDS Computational Linguistics, Class of 2023

“I was intrigued by the MDS Computational program because it offered me the chance to step out of my comfort zone and gain new skills in coding and working with data.”

Previous Degree: Bachelor's in Speech Science from the University of British Columbia
Program: MDS Computational Linguistics, Class of 2023

While I’d initially planned on pursuing a masters in speech-language pathology, I was intrigued by the MDS Computational Linguistics program because it offered me the chance to step out of my comfort zone and gain new skills in coding and working with data. After tackling some small projects related to data science and learning about cutting-edge developments in the field of NLP and Computational Linguistics, I realized this was a career I felt passionate about.

About Michelle Yun

Michelle received her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Sciences at the University of British Columbia. During her undergrad, took some graduate level classes in semantics and syntax where she was immediately interested in the way that language could be analyzed in a logical, mathematical way and wondered if there was a way to apply her background in theoretical linguistics to a technical field. This led Michelle to the MDS Computational Linguistics program. Read Michelle’s story.

Qurat-ul-ain Azim, MDS Vancouver, Class of 2023

“The UBC MDS program stood out for many reasons. UBC’s prestige, the breadth of topics covered in the MDS curriculum, and the 10-month duration were on the top of my list.”

Previous Degree: Doctor of Philosophy – PhD. Applied Mathematics from the Imperial College London
Program: MDS Vancouver, Class of 2023

Due to my training in mathematics, I always used to do numbers and analytical work. My work involved looking at applicable problems from a math perspective, and I kept thinking of shifting the lens where I do applications that leveraged math and analytical skills. Data Science was a perfect combination of numbers, analysis and amazing applications that really make a real-world difference.

About Qurat-ul-ain Azim

After obtaining her PhD in Mathematics from the Imperial College London, Qurat-ul-Ain Azim spent six years working as an academic teaching and doing research in Applied Mathematics. Qurat hopes to use all that she has learned to teaching data science skills, or where she can leverage her abilities to benefit people’s life in general. When not in the MDS program, Qurat enjoys spending time with her son. Qurat also bakes for some much needed me time. Read Qurat’s story.

Mohammad Reza Nabizadeh (Nabi), MDS Vancouver, Class of 2023

“MDS is a transformative and comprehensive program that will equip you with a solid foundation in data science and the necessary skills to thrive in the industry. It is intense and requires dedication and commitment to the classes and labs.”

Previous Degree: Master of Business Administration, Marketing from the University of Tehran
Program: MDS Vancouver, Class of 2023

As a data-driven marketer, I implemented marketing and analytics strategies and tactics to interact with users and evaluate their engagement with digital products. Simultaneously, I expanded my skills and understanding of business administration by pursuing an MBA in Marketing in 2017. In a nutshell, my career has consistently intersected with data, making the MDS program a logical next step in my professional and academic journey.

About Mohammad Reza Nabizadeh (Nabi)

Nabi holds an MBA in Marketing from the University of Tehran and believes the MDS program exposed him to a broad range of courses, from causal inference and deep learning to data visualization and communication, that has effectively prepared him for the job market and transitioned him into a data science career. Outside of the MDS program, Nabi co-hosts the "Data Science at Home" podcast, where he delves into new Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence techniques. As well, when not in MDS, you will find Nabi recharging his batteries doing several outdoor activities like road cycling, skiing, and hiking. Read Nabi’s story.

Lauren Zung, MDS Vancouver, Class of 2023

“There is something in MDS for everyone, regardless of where you’re starting from. Some of us were engineers or programmers before the program, while others have backgrounds in STEM, arts, business, all walks of life. At the end of the day, we all brought something different to the table and are now trained technical professionals.”

Previous Degree: Bachelor of Science in Behavioural Neuroscience from the University of British Columbia
Program: MDS Vancouver, Class of 2023

During my undergrad, I signed up for a programming course on a whim and ended up really enjoying it. I decided to take more electives over the years in data structures and algorithms, statistical modeling, database design, and applied machine learning and found a particular interest in data science.

About Lauren Zung

While completing her Bachelor’s of Science Behavioural Neuroscience from the University of British Columbia, Lauren worked as a junior data scientist for the UBC Digital Emergency Medicine lab where she was developing machine learning models to aid in the detection of lung pathologies. It was this experience that made Lauren realize she wanted to learn more in this area and found MDS’ comprehensive curriculum gave her the breadth and depth of knowledge she desired. Outside of MDS, Lauren is a big foodie and loves trying new restaurants around Vancouver. Lauren is also a film buff and gaming enthusiast. Read Lauren’s story.

Meiyu Zheng, MDS Computational Linguistics, Class of 2023

“This program stands out due to its unique blend of data science and NLP courses, serving as a quick refresher and bridges the knowledge gap for students like me who completed their bachelor's degrees years ago and are transitioning from non-STEM fields.”

Previous Degree: Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from Zhejiang University
Program: MDS Computational Linguistics, Class of 2023

I love learning and teaching languages and I’ve also always been passionate about leveraging data to solve business problems at work. This has led me to realize that computational linguistics is the perfect crossroads of these interests.

About Meiyu Zheng

Meiyu has a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from Zhejiang University. Prior to entering the MDS Computational Linguistics program, Meiyu was a curriculum designer at Duolingo where she realized the she wanted to pursue a master’s degree in data science with a focus on Natural Language Processing. When not in the MDS Computational Linguistics program, Meiyu enjoys biking and learning new languages. Read Meiyu’s story.

Kai Maurin-Jones, MDS Computational Linguistics, Class of 2023

“The content covered in the program is specifically chosen by staff to be not just what is fundamental and necessary to the field, but also exactly what is most sought-after in-industry at the moment”

Previous Degree: Bachelor of Arts – Language and Intercultural Relations, French & Language and Cognition from Toronto Metropolitan University
Program: MDS Computational Linguistics, Class of 2023

I’ve always been a very analytical person, and though I came from a qualitative background I wanted to fulfill the part of me that was curious about the quantitative side of things. Combining my interest in linguistics with my interest in quantitative methodologies, MDS Computational Linguistics seemed like a perfect fit.

About Kai Maurin-Jones

Kai completed his Bachelor of Arts in Language and Intercultural Relations, French & Language and Cognition from Toronto Metropolitan University. During his second year, he worked as a Research Assistant working on a project investigating multilingual codeswitching practices in the Philippines, which introduced him to the world of data science. The top benefits of the program for Kai included the diversity of the students coming into the program, the breadth of content covered in such a short time, and the non-academic resources available to the students. In his free time, Kai enjoys keeping active and music, where in another life he was an audio engineer and has recorded music professionally. Read Kai’s story.

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