On this page: Overview • Current Ambassadors • 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 fall 2024 ambassadors. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them with any questions you may have.

Juan Alvarado
Juan Alvarado is a second-year MS student at CDS, with four years of experience as a Data Scientist at a financial tech startup. He joined the program with the objective of diving deeper into the inner workings of the state-of-the-art ML and AI models. In his free time he enjoys running in New York’s beautiful parks and exploring the many coffee shops around the city. He is eager to connect with prospective students, share experiences, and offer assistance on how to make the most of the program and the city.
Contact Email: jra8666@nyu.edu

Ojasa Chitre
Ojasa Chitre is a second-year MS student in Data Science. She has worked as a Software Engineer for a year after completing her undergraduate degree in Computer Engineering. She is pursuing her masters to gain expertise in the field of Data Science which has become an integral part of the human experience and to be at the forefront of innovation. Her other passions include YouTube rabbit holes about Tudor England and fiction on Indian Mythology. She values forming meaningful connections and hopes to be a helping hand for aspiring NYU data scientists.
Contact Email: oac2035@nyu.edu

Jovita Gandhi
Jovita Gandhi is a first year MS student of Data Science at CDS. Through this program, she aims to seamlessly blend her economics and finance background with the technologies and models driving Data Science today. In her free time, she loves to read, cook, dance, listen to music and find new spots of exploration around NYC. With about 3 years of work experience, and a deep curiosity to explore the field, she is eager to meet students of varied backgrounds and aid anybody in the journey of experiencing this program.
Contact Email: jg8316@nyu.edu

Vidhi Manek
Vidhi Manek is a first-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. Throughout her undergrad, she indulged in extensive research work that further solidified her goals. At NYU, she aims to combine her love for math with data analytics to solve real-world problems when she steps into the industry. Outside of academics, she enjoys dancing, reading, 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

Rebecca Rinehart
Rebecca Rinehart is a first-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 Women in Data Science and the Graduate Community Building Group at CDS. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing, 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

Catherine Zhang
Catherine is a second-year MS student at CDS, diving into the program right after completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Finance with Business Analytics track at New York University Shanghai. She is eager to combine quantitative financial analytics with data science in her career. Having spent a year and a half in New York City during her undergraduate years, Catherine not only got acquainted with the city but also fueled her passion for exploration. As an ambassador, she aims to share her unique journey and assist students from diverse backgrounds in grasping the essence of data science.
Contact Email: yz5609@nyu.edu
Resources
Contact
To reach out to all of the ambassadors, please email cdsmsambassadors@nyu.edu.