On this page: Overview • Current Ambassadors • Magazine • Resources • Contact
Overview
The MS Admissions Ambassadors are current MS in Data Science students who serve as a valuable resource for prospective and incoming students. These ambassadors offer insights into the student experience, provide information about the program, and answer questions related to coursework, campus life, career opportunities, and more. They are passionate about the field of data science and are eager to share their personal experiences and knowledge. Whether you’re curious about the application process, want to know what to expect in the classroom, or need advice on transitioning to life at CDS, our Admissions Ambassadors are here to help. Their firsthand experiences make them uniquely qualified to offer guidance and support, ensuring that new and prospective students feel welcomed and informed. Reaching out to an Admissions Ambassador can provide you with a clearer understanding of what it’s like to be a part of the CDS community and help you make a more informed decision about your educational journey.
Current Ambassadors
Below you’ll find their bios and email addresses for our Spring 2026 ambassadors. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them with any questions you may have.
Mehul Goel
Mehul Goel is a first-year MS student at the NYU Center for Data Science. He completed his undergraduate degree in Information Science and previously worked as an ML Engineer in Seattle, supporting enterprise clients in deploying production-grade AI systems. He joined CDS to deepen his expertise in AI and machine learning, with a specific interest in building responsible, fair, and bias-mitigated AI solutions.
At NYU, he is passionate about exploring how data-driven systems can be built with integrity and real-world impact. Outside academics, Mehul enjoys meeting new people, learning from diverse experiences, discovering new cafés across NYC, and playing board games. As an ambassador, he looks forward to connecting with incoming students, helping them transition to graduate life, and guiding them toward the many opportunities and resources available at CDS.
Contact Email: mg8958@nyu.edu
Vidhi Manek
Vidhi Manek is a second-year MS student at the NYU Center for Data Science. With a strong foundation and a fresh undergraduate degree in mathematics, she is passionate about exploring applied concepts in data science to drive effective data-reliant decision-making. During and beyond the summer, she contributed to multiple projects with NYU’s Rory Meyers College of Nursing, using data science to support healthcare-focused research, and continues to do so. In Spring 2026, she will also join United Nations Development Program as a data science intern, further expanding her work in impact-focused data science. She is also a co-president for Women in Data Science and on the leadership team for the Graduate Student Community Building Group at CDS. Outside of academics, she enjoys dancing, reading, pier-hopping, and exploring bookstores and cozy cafes around NYC. Being a people person, as an ambassador, she looks forward to connecting with prospective students, sharing her experiences, and helping them navigate the opportunities at CDS.
Contact Email: vm2725@nyu.edu
Kiet Nguyen
Kiet Nguyen is a first-year MS student at NYU’s Center for Data Science. He graduated with a dual bachelor’s degree in Quantitative Economics and Data Science & Analytics. Kiet is passionate about solving multifaceted problems, and data science is the interdisciplinary field where he thrives. From working with medical imaging data in biomedical labs to being customer-obsessed at a SaaS startup, he has deepened his interest in data science tools and mindset. At NYU, Kiet is involved in AI safety research, collaborating with graduate students and faculty to investigate LLM safety generalization capabilities. Outside of academics, he enjoys collecting data by rating restaurants on Beli and curating an NYC food guide on Google Maps. As an ambassador, he looks forward to having meaningful conversations, supporting prospective students, and sharing his passion for both food and data.
Contact Email: kn2827@nyu.edu
Narayani Pemmaraju
Narayani Sai Pemmaraju is a first-year MS student at NYU’s Center for Data Science. From building her first models as a mechanical engineering undergrad to uncovering fraud patterns in financial data, her path through data science has wound through finance, healthcare, and web-based text analysis. Along the way, she’s come to believe that the old tension between following your heart and following your mind dissolves when you learn to follow the data instead. At CDS, she’s excited to deepen that foundation and explore where rigorous methods meet real-world impact. Outside the classroom, New York keeps her plenty busy. She loves exploring the city’s hidden corners, taking long walks along the riverfront, and cozying up with a book in one of its many public libraries. As an ambassador, she looks forward to connecting with prospective students and sharing how CDS has given her the space to genuinely pursue her love for data science, all while calling New York home.
Contact Email: nsp8383@nyu.edu
Rebecca Rinehart
Becca Rinehart is a second-year MS student at CDS. She received her bachelor’s in Biochemistry and worked in Molecular Biology/Biotech research in Austin, Texas before transitioning to Data Science. She joined the program to build a strong foundation in Data Science, with a goal to build computational solutions that empower informed health decisions. She is also on the leadership team for the Graduate Community Building Group and a co-president for Women in Data Science at CDS. This summer, she interned at EY, building compute-optimized generative AI solutions. In her free time, she enjoys meeting new people at NYC’s many free events, listening to tech news podcasts, and hiking. She is excited to share how the CDS curriculum and community has transformed her career journey.
Contact Email: r.rinehart@nyu.edu
Peter Zhong
Peter Zhong is a second-year MS student at NYU’s Center for Data Science. Before joining CDS, he worked in banking, consulting, and telecommunications, where he focused on data analytics projects in risk management and digital transformation. Originally from New Zealand, he completed his undergraduate studies in Finance and Information Systems. He is passionate about applying data science to drive innovation in finance and sustainability. In his free time, he enjoys exploring NYC’s food scene, traveling, and meeting new people. As an ambassador, he looks forward to connecting with CDS students and supporting them as they navigate their journey at NYU.
Contact Email: fz2411@nyu.edu
Magazine
The MS Admissions Ambassadors are excited to launch the first edition of the CDS Magazine! In this first issue, students dive into their academic works, and show off their creative sides through writing and some extremely beautiful photography. Find some forgotten captured moments that might make you feel nostalgic, hear from our alumni, and finally see what the CDS clubs have been up to this year! Graduating Class, a heads up, there is a small surprise for you all. So join us in celebrating CDS in this very first edition!
Resources
Contact
To reach out to all of the ambassadors, please email cdsmsambassadors@nyu.edu.