Jennifer Tsang
MDS Vancouver, Class of 2026
Even though Jennifer Tsang, UBC Master of Data Science (MDS) Vancouver student, class of 2026, fell one episode short of reaching the finale of season 9 of CBC’s “The Great Canadian Baking Show” (GCBS), she still called the experience “Crazy. Fun. Stressful. Rewarding. Unforgettable.”
A personal highlight of Tsang’s time on the show was being named Star Baker during Cake Week.
It was Tsang’s second time applying for the show and was encouraged to apply by her first-year UBC roommate who saw the casting call on Instagram. What attracted Tsang to be on the show was being surrounded by fellow bakers.
“Growing up, I didn’t really know many people who baked, so I never had anyone to nerd out with about baking. I always felt that the baking community was incredibly supportive and kind, and I really wanted to be a part of that,” she noted.
Tsang’s most challenging week was Maple Week’s showstopper that required her to make a variety of baked goods, some of which she never attempted before. “The tent taught me so much about different kinds of baking.”
When it comes to her favourite bake, Tsang names her Indulgence week cake-wrap layer cake showstopper.
“I created a porcelain vase cake using a hand-designed cake wrap. I spent a long time designing the pattern, and porcelain holds a special meaning for me, so it felt very personal,” she explained.
While Tsang was in the midst of applying for GCBS, she also did her interview for the MDS program.
Tsang’s interest in data science stemmed through her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering from UBC as well as through her various research roles such as a volunteer research assistant in the Cognitive Neuroscience of Schizophrenia Lab at BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute where she processed, analyzed, and visualized fMRI brain imaging data.
“I decided to apply to the UBC MDS program because it aligns perfectly with my passion for using data to address real-world healthcare challenges. Through my Biomedical Engineering degree and research roles, I discovered how meaningful insights can be drawn from complex clinical datasets, strengthening my interest in data science,” she added. “UBC MDS stood out for its practical, hands-on curriculum, especially courses like DSCI 511/512 and DSCI 573, and its strong emphasis on industry collaboration through the capstone. I am confident that the program will equip me with the technical and applied skills needed to contribute to impactful healthcare research and innovation.”
During her time in tent, Tsang applied some of her data science skills during Pastry Week. “I made ten trials of puff pastry and recorded each attempt in a spreadsheet. I analyzed variables like oven temperature, rack placement, baking method, and pastry size to determine which ones to keep constant and which to adjust to get the best result.”
And what is more intense? The MDS program or the GCBS tent? Tsang said they are both equally intense but in different ways.
“The tent felt like a 100-metre sprint, while MDS is more like a marathon. Both are challenging and demanding, but also incredibly rewarding,” Tsang explained.
Her time in the tent helped prepare her for the intensity of the MDS program. Tsang explained that filming the show helped her build important skills like multitasking and staying focused under pressure, which have proven useful in MDS.
As well, Tsang added her time in the GCBS tent that she brought with her to the MDS program was how to build meaningful friendships even in intense situations, and truly enjoy the moment.
Tsang’s cohort and MDS teaching staff has been treated to some of her bakes such as tiramisu cupcakes and lemon macarons.
And what do her fellow cohort think of her time on the GCBS? Tsang said they have all been supportive and they would watch the episode each week and share their thoughts with her the following Monday and cited it has been fun sharing this experience with them.
You can watch Jennifer’s journey on season 9 of CBC’s “The Great Canadian Baking Show” streaming now on CBC Gem.