Students and Alumni

UBC MDS attracts bright minds from a wide range of backgrounds. Find out more about our students and alumni read about what they were doing prior to joining the program, their experience during the program, and their journey ahead.

Vancouver

Alumni

Employment Status 6 and 12 Months After Graduation

Employment Positions

Data Science Consultant/Contractor Software Engineer
Software Developer/Data Engineer Research and Innovation Intern
Data Scientist Machine Learning Engineer
Data Management Engineer Consultant
Data Manager Technical Business Analyst
Data Engineer Analyst
Data Analyst Faculty, Operations Management
Research Analyst Application Architect
Faculty/Data Analyst in Residence Artificial Intelligence Industry Analyst Intern
Computational Biologist Business Intelligence Engineer
Senior Data Analyst Data Intelligence Platform Analyst
Business Insights Analyst Quantitative Analyst
Manager Finance and Strategy Fraud Modeler
Machine Learning Developer Senior Data Scientist
Director of Data and Technology Specialist of the Department of Analysis and Strategy
Predictive Analyst Machine Learning Developer
Simulation Manager Director, Compensation Data and Research
Associate Director of Marketing Analytics Manager, Visualization and Support
Investigative Trading Analyst Senior Policy Analyst

Job Location

Alumni Incomes

Top Industries Worked In

* Based on MDS Vancouver alumni survey responses 6 months and 1 year after graduation since the class of 2017.

Students

Previous Degree

Where Students Come From

Previous Degree Level

Gender Identification

Years Since Last Degree

Class Size

* Based on all MDS Vancouver cohorts since the class of 2017.

Okanagan

Alumni

Employment Status 6 and 12 Months After Graduation

Employment Positions

Senior Analytics Specialist Data Analyst, Enterprise Business Intelligence Team
Data Science Research Assistant Data Developer
Public Health Epidemiologist Data Analyst
Research Analyst Data visualization analyst
Senior Data Scientist Director Industry AI
Quality Assurance Engineer Machine Learning engineer
Director, Research and Data Science Data Scientist & Engineer
Data Scientist  

Job Location

Alumni Incomes

Top Industries Worked In

* Based on MDS Okanagan alumni survey responses 6 months and 1 year after graduation since the class of 2019.

Students

Previous degree

Geography

Previous Degree Level

Years Since Last Degree

Gender Identification

Class Size

* Based on all MDS Okanagan cohorts since the class of 2019.

Computational Linguistics

Alumni

Employment Status 6 Months After Graduation

Employment Positions

Data Analyst Developer
Agile Developer Data Scientist
Software Developer Data Science Intern
Business intelligence developer NLP/Deep Learning Engineer
Language Engineer Machine Learning Engineer
NLU Language Consultant Data Engineer
NLP Machine Learning Engineer AI Developer
Data Extraction Developer Marketing Data Scientist
NLP Data Scientist Software Engineer - NLP/NLU
Computational Linguist Senior Data Analyst
Senior AI Engineer Prompt Engineer

Job Location

Alumni Incomes

Top Industries Worked In

* Based on MDS Computational Linguistics alumni survey responses 6 months after graduation since the class of 2020.

Students

Previous Degree

Geography

Previous degree

Years Since Last Degree

Gender Identification

Class Size

* Based on all MDS Computational Linguistics cohorts since the class of 2020.

Student and Alumni Profiles

All

Class of 2024

Master of Data Science Computational Linguistics Max Ahluwalia

Max Ahluwalia, MDS Computational Linguistics, Class of 2024

“The capstone project was a key factor in my decision to choose the MDS Computational Linguistics program since it provided a valuable opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. As a professional degree, the capstone perfectly combined academic learning with practical application, allowing us to use what we had learned in a professional context.”

Previous Degree: Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Systems from the University of British Columbia
Program: MDS Computational Linguistics, Class of 2024

During my Bachelor’s degree, I spent one year abroad at Leiden University in the Netherlands where I took several courses from the Digital Humanities program. This was when I was introduced to many topics in computational linguistics and data science, including text mining, data visualizations, database creation, and formal modeling. The crossroads of these two fields began my passion for computational models of language and I later continued this after I returned to Canada to finish my degree.

About Max Ahluwalia

Max completed his Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Systems from the University of British Columbia. Max wanted to pursue a Master’s in Computational Linguistics because he sees the value of preserving languages and how technology provides the opportunity to protect the loss of languages and speakers through lasting, digital models. After completing the MDS Computational Linguistics program, Max i interested in pursuing jobs that focus on working with low-resource languages, machine translation, or developing educational tools to apply his computational linguistics skills to make a meaningful impact in this area. Read Max’s story.

Master of Data Science Vancouver Sandra Gross

Sandra Gross, MDS Vancouver, Class of 2024

"MDS is the optimal choice for anyone looking to delve into data science. Its concise structure and practical focus—rather than theoretical research—opens doors for individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of their prior technical expertise and academic background."

Previous Degree: Bachelor’s of Science in Management and Technology from Technical University of Munich
Program: MDS Vancouver, Class of 2024

For my bachelor's thesis, I used statistical techniques to estimate the costs of diseases—an essential aspect of the German health insurance system. This thesis provided me with a real-life example of the importance of data science. Generally, in healthcare, the potential for data science is immense, with numerous applications ranging from medical imaging and pharmaceutical development to predictive modeling based on historical patterns of disease spread. All these factors undoubtedly steered me towards a deeper engagement with data science.

About Sandra Gross

Sandra completed her Bachelor’s of Science in Management and Technology from Technical University of Munich. While doing her Bachelor’s, Sandra participated in an exchange to UBC and wanting to gain some knowledge in the world of data science, took UBC’s DSCI 100 (Introduction to Data Science). The concrete concepts learned really piqued Gross’ interest in data science and gave her an idea of what all is possible with data science. This led her to apply to the UBC MDS Vancouver program. Outside of MDS, Sandra enjoys running, which helped her manage her stress levels. Read Sandra’s story.

Master of Data Science Computational Linguistics Daniel Jimenez

Daniel Jimenez, MDS Computational Linguistics, Class of 2024

“The program has prepared me well for a career in data science and computational linguistics by providing a solid foundation of knowledge and skills. It has also instilled the discipline necessary to continuously update my expertise, which is crucial given the rapid advancements in these fields.”

Previous Degree: Master’s in Information Technology, Computer Science from Universidad de Los Andes
Program: MDS Computational Linguistics, Class of 2024

I was very interested in pursuing a career in Natural Language Processing and Artificial Intelligence. The UBC Master of Data Science program in Computational Linguistics teaches the last trends in NLP unlike other programs and it has advanced my understanding of NLP.

About Daniel Jimenez

Prior to entering the MDS Computational Linguistics program, Daniel Jimenez was working as a software developer with Amazon. Daniel’s favourite course during the MDS Computational Linguistics program was ‘Trends in Computational Linguistics’ because it taught the advancements in NLP.  Outside of classes, Daniel joined UBC’s Surf Club that allowed him to explore different parts of British Columbia and have fun while meeting new people. Daniel can also be found using UBC’s Aquatic Centre’s hot tub to help him recharge. Read Daniel’s story.

Master of Data Science Vancouver Merete Lutz

Merete Lutz, MDS Vancouver, Class of 2024

“I love my MDS cohort, and I think the greatest benefit of this program is how much time you spend together and how comforting it is to be with this big group of people who are learning and struggling with the same things as you. Everyone here comes from a unique background, and it’s been so interesting hearing about their journey to data science and the unique domain they come from.”

Previous Degree: Master of Science in Epidemiology from Stanford University
Program: MDS Vancouver, Class of 2024

My interest in data science comes from studying epidemiology, which in a way is the data science of medicine. While studying epidemiology you learn lots of statistics, especially causal inference, and you learn how best to set up experiments to investigate research questions. I learned how to code in R, and I wrote my master’s thesis on some models I had created while looking for an association between personal-best mile time and bone stress injuries in collegiate cross-country athletes. I loved all the classes that I took in that program, but I also graduated wishing I had taken more statistics, and that I knew how to code in other languages.

About Merete Lutz

After graduating with a Master’s in Epidemiology from Stanford University, Merete pursued a career as a professional volleyball player playing in leagues in Italy, South Korea, and Japan. After retiring from the sport, Merete wanted to further her education and saw data science as a way to learn more about what she loved about epidemiology. Merete chose the UBC MDS program because it was in Vancouver, only 10 months long, targeted towards those without data science backgrounds, and really seemed to be focused on preparing students for careers in data science. Outside MDS, Merete enjoys playing tennis, doing pottery (hobbies she picked up during the program) and cooking. Read Merete’s story.

Master of Data Science Computational Linguistics Claudia Beth Ong

Claudia Beth Ong, MDS Computational Linguistics, Class of 2024

“The MDS Computational Linguistics program has helped me so much to kickstart my career in NLP, which is something I always aspired to do but didn’t have enough experience when I had just graduated from my Bachelor’s.”

Previous Degree: Bachelor’s in Science, in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence from Nanyang Technological University Singapore
Program: MDS Computational Linguistics, Class of 2024

My interest in data science actually stemmed from my interest in Linguistics. When choosing my Bachelor’s degree, I only chose Data Science because I wanted to do something related to both Mathematics and Linguistics, and in a very convoluted way, I ended up finding out about Natural Language Processing, which then led me to Data Science.

About Claudia Beth Ong

Claudia completed her Bachelor’s in Science, in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence from Nanyang Technological University Singapore in 2023. After finishing her undergraduate degree, Claudia had a dilemma: accept a job offer or accept UBC MDS Computational Linguistics offer. In the end, Claudia chose attending the MDS Computational Linguistics program to further her education in NLP and gain overseas experience. Outside of MDS Computational Linguistics, Claudia enjoys going to spin classes, going to beach and walking around downtown Vancouver as it reminds her of her native Singapore. Read Claudia’s story.

Master of Data Science Vancouver John Shiu

John Shiu, MDS Vancouver, Class of 2024

“Tiffany [Timbers] greatly inspired me during the program. Her enthusiasm and dedication to advancing industry practices in data science are truly remarkable. I was fortunate to collaborate with her on the capstone project, which provided me with invaluable insights into the best practices in the data science field.”

Previous Degree: Master's of Philosophy in Physics from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Program: MDS Vancouver, Class of 2024

Over nearly a decade, I self-taught necessary skills in data science and software development. However, to overcome professional growth limitations and solidify my expertise for long-term success, I decided to strengthen my foundation through another master's program.

About John Shiu 

Before (and even throughout) the MDS program, John worked as a Portfolio Manager at CryptAM.fund, a specialized cryptocurrency hedge fund. This role involved significant data analysis related to financial data, the development and maintenance of in-house trading systems, and business decision-making with senior management. John is taking what he has learned in several MDS courses and applying it back to his organization. When not studying data science, John enjoyed driving, Muay Tahi and skiing around Metro Vancouver. Read John’s story.

Class of 2023

Master of Data Science Vancouver Nabi profile

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.

Master of Data Science Okanagan Vimal Singh

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.

Qurat-ul-Ain Azim, Master of Data Science Vancouver Headshot Square

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.

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.

Class of 2024

Master of Data Science Vancouver Sandra Gross

Sandra Gross, MDS Vancouver, Class of 2024

"MDS is the optimal choice for anyone looking to delve into data science. Its concise structure and practical focus—rather than theoretical research—opens doors for individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of their prior technical expertise and academic background."

Previous Degree: Bachelor’s of Science in Management and Technology from Technical University of Munich
Program: MDS Vancouver, Class of 2024

For my bachelor's thesis, I used statistical techniques to estimate the costs of diseases—an essential aspect of the German health insurance system. This thesis provided me with a real-life example of the importance of data science. Generally, in healthcare, the potential for data science is immense, with numerous applications ranging from medical imaging and pharmaceutical development to predictive modeling based on historical patterns of disease spread. All these factors undoubtedly steered me towards a deeper engagement with data science.

About Sandra Gross

Sandra completed her Bachelor’s of Science in Management and Technology from Technical University of Munich. While doing her Bachelor’s, Sandra participated in an exchange to UBC and wanting to gain some knowledge in the world of data science, took UBC’s DSCI 100 (Introduction to Data Science). The concrete concepts learned really piqued Gross’ interest in data science and gave her an idea of what all is possible with data science. This led her to apply to the UBC MDS Vancouver program. Outside of MDS, Sandra enjoys running, which helped her manage her stress levels. Read Sandra’s story.

Master of Data Science Vancouver Merete Lutz

Merete Lutz, MDS Vancouver, Class of 2024

“I love my MDS cohort, and I think the greatest benefit of this program is how much time you spend together and how comforting it is to be with this big group of people who are learning and struggling with the same things as you. Everyone here comes from a unique background, and it’s been so interesting hearing about their journey to data science and the unique domain they come from.”

Previous Degree: Master of Science in Epidemiology from Stanford University
Program: MDS Vancouver, Class of 2024

My interest in data science comes from studying epidemiology, which in a way is the data science of medicine. While studying epidemiology you learn lots of statistics, especially causal inference, and you learn how best to set up experiments to investigate research questions. I learned how to code in R, and I wrote my master’s thesis on some models I had created while looking for an association between personal-best mile time and bone stress injuries in collegiate cross-country athletes. I loved all the classes that I took in that program, but I also graduated wishing I had taken more statistics, and that I knew how to code in other languages.

About Merete Lutz

After graduating with a Master’s in Epidemiology from Stanford University, Merete pursued a career as a professional volleyball player playing in leagues in Italy, South Korea, and Japan. After retiring from the sport, Merete wanted to further her education and saw data science as a way to learn more about what she loved about epidemiology. Merete chose the UBC MDS program because it was in Vancouver, only 10 months long, targeted towards those without data science backgrounds, and really seemed to be focused on preparing students for careers in data science. Outside MDS, Merete enjoys playing tennis, doing pottery (hobbies she picked up during the program) and cooking. Read Merete’s story.

Master of Data Science Vancouver John Shiu

John Shiu, MDS Vancouver, Class of 2024

“Tiffany [Timbers] greatly inspired me during the program. Her enthusiasm and dedication to advancing industry practices in data science are truly remarkable. I was fortunate to collaborate with her on the capstone project, which provided me with invaluable insights into the best practices in the data science field.”

Previous Degree: Master's of Philosophy in Physics from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Program: MDS Vancouver, Class of 2024

Over nearly a decade, I self-taught necessary skills in data science and software development. However, to overcome professional growth limitations and solidify my expertise for long-term success, I decided to strengthen my foundation through another master's program.

About John Shiu 

Before (and even throughout) the MDS program, John worked as a Portfolio Manager at CryptAM.fund, a specialized cryptocurrency hedge fund. This role involved significant data analysis related to financial data, the development and maintenance of in-house trading systems, and business decision-making with senior management. John is taking what he has learned in several MDS courses and applying it back to his organization. When not studying data science, John enjoyed driving, Muay Tahi and skiing around Metro Vancouver. Read John’s story.

Class of 2023

Master of Data Science Vancouver Nabi profile

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.

Qurat-ul-Ain Azim, Master of Data Science Vancouver Headshot Square

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.

Master of Data Science Lauren Zung Capstone Project

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.

Class of 2022

Christopher Alexander Master of Data Science Vancouver

Christopher Alexander, Data Scientist at Achievers

"The program is intensive. But by the end of the 10-months, you will be confident to face any challenge thrown at you in the real world."

Previous Degree: Bachelor of Engineering, Computer Science from CMR Institute of Technology
Prior Experience: Data Scientist – Marlabs Inc.  
Program: MDS Vancouver, Class of 2022

I was working as a data scientist in India for a software firm based in New Jersey for about 2 years. The ability It holds to provide actionable insight to the businesses. It also helps me explore various industries and see how data can be of vital importance in many sectors such as health and sports.

About Christopher Alexander

Christopher completed his Bachelor’s of Engineering in Computer Science degree from CMR Institute of Technology. Christopher thanks the MDS program for helping him understand the differences between prediction, inference and causal which the industry misinterprets at most times. He also credits the MDS program for providing him the right tools to develop solutions to the data science problems. It has helped him become a more organized data scientist. Outside MDS, Christopher plays table tennis and badminton professionally and his also a food blogger and loves to explore different eateries. Read Christopher’s story.

Jacqueline Chong Master of Data Science Vancouver

Jacqueline Chong, MDS Vancouver, Class of 2022

"I believe this program has equipped me with the technical know-hows to embark on a project whenever I am called upon to do so, and be an effective conduit between data scientists / engineers and the project lead."

Previous Degree: Bachelor of Science in International Relations from the London School of Economics
Program: MDS Vancouver, Class of 2022

Several summer internship stints in the public service in Singapore made me realize that I have a knowledge gap in terms of effectively dealing with large swaths of data. As such, I felt that it was necessary to arm myself with the technical knowledge to solve organizational pain points and drive innovation when I return back home.

About Jacqueline Chong

Before the MDS Vancouver program, Jacqueline received her undergraduate degree in International Relations from London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). While studying about global politics through the lens of major theories, Jacqueline wondered why these major theories were not backed up quantitatively. Thus, the academic pursuit of data science was born for her. When not studying MDS, Jacqueline is an avid triathlete, where she spends her free time either in the pool, on the track/park, or exploring BC by bike. You will also find Jacqueline binging the latest Korean drama. Read Jacqueline’s story,
 

Ruben Master of Data Science Vancouver

Rubén De la Garza Macías, MDS Vancouver, Class of 2022

"The MDS program is one the highest-rated data science programs in Canada. It is a program that prepares you to work in data science as soon as you finish."

Previous Degree: Bachelor of Industrial Engineering from Tecnológico de Monterrey
Prior Experience: SaaS Implementation & Analytics Consultant – Logistics, BTC Business Transformation Consulting
Program: MDS Vancouver, Class of 2022

My job as a consultant made me realize how much I loved analyzing and working with data. I was also able to see how powerful it can be to automate processes to clean, gather summarized statistics and relevant patterns from data, especially when it is big.

About Rubén De la Garza Macías 

Prior to joining the MDS program, Rubén was working as a SaaS implementation consultant, mainly focused on supply chain optimization software. Rubén credits the MDS program for giving him the data science skills needed for him to kickstart his data science career and eventually hopes to start his own data science consulting practice. In his spare time, Rubén enjoys playing music and even brought his guitar with him to Vancouver. Read Rubén’s story.
 

Gautham - Master of Data Science Vancouver

Gautham Pughazhendhi, Software Engineer II – AI Platform at Electronic Arts

"I wanted to find a curriculum that will enable me to add data science skillsets to my software engineering toolbox. The UBC MDS program perfectly matched all these requirements making me want to be a part of this program."

Previous Degree: Bachelor of Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering from Anna University
Program: MDS Vancouver, Class of 2022

My bachelor’s capstone project was based on machine learning in which my team and I built a machine learning model to predict whether an earthquake can cause a tsunami given the earthquake characteristics. During my professional experience, I worked on building conversational AI agents for major multinational retail and financial corporations. All these contributions made me realize my interest in this field, and I wanted to pursue a professional master’s degree to gain in-depth academic knowledge.

About Gautham Pughazhendhi

After graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering from Anna University, Gautham worked as a software engineer as part of a machine learning team at Sirius Computer Solutions, a CDW company. Because of the intense nature of the MDS program, Gautham credits the program for teaching him to manage my priorities efficiently and be productive. When not in class, avid swimmer, Gautham frequented the UBC Aquatic Center. Read Gautham’s story.
 

Class of 2023

Master of Data Science Okanagan Vimal Singh

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 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.

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.

Class of 2022

Saisree Gownipalli Ramanaiah Master of Data Science Okanagan

Saisree Gownipalli Ramanaiah, MDS Okanagan, Class of 2022

"Since data science was my goal, I was looking for a top university that either focused on data science or had a master of computer science program with a thesis option with a hope to research in data science."

Previous Degree: Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication Engineering from St.Joseph’s College of Engineering, India
Program: MDS Okanagan, Class of 2022

Before the MDS Okanagan program, I was working as a Senior Systems Engineer with Infosys and saw firsthand how data driven decisions are impactful. This encouraged me to explore machine learning to optimize businesses. Getting a master’s degree in something that excited me felt like a good start. The University of British Columbia reputation as a top-ranked university with great research support led me to choose the Master of Data Science program and the university. There, I worked on a data science project as a researcher in addition to being a full-time student. Having now completed the program, I am looking forward to applying the knowledge I gained from the MDS program to pursue data scientist and machine learning engineer roles with an interest in data modeling that drive business decisions.

About Saisree Gownipalli Ramanaiah

Originally from India, Saisree obtained her Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication Engineering from St. Joseph’s College of Engineering. Following time as a Senior Systems Engineer with Infosys, Saisree decided to return to school in hopes of pursuing a career in data science. The world-class infrastructure and access to learning resources, along with UBC’s reputation as a top 40 university, convinced Saisree that UBCO was the right place for her. Having now completed the program, Saisree is excited to apply the expertise learned over the course of the program and is planning on pursuing data scientist and machine learning engineer roles in the future. Read Saisree’s story.
 

Gavin Grochowski Master of Data Science Okanagan

Gavin Grochowski, MDS Okanagan, Class of 2022

"The top benefit of the program has been my outstanding peers – I have made lifelong friends that I respect and admire. The network of connections this program offers to previous alumni brings with it a wealth of opportunities to apply for relevant jobs."

Previous Degree: Bachelor of Music in Jazz Saxophone from Capilano University
Program: MDS Okanagan, Class of 2022

Before the MDS Okanagan program, I was working contract-to-contract as a cruise ship musician on international trips. Then, when the pandemic canceled my ongoing contracts, I got more and more curious about programming and data science fundamentals in an attempt to re-skill into a more sustainable and fulfilling career. The MDS Okanagan program is uniquely designed for students with technical abilities and interests, but not necessarily requiring a technical undergraduate degree – students exactly like me. 

About Gavin Grochowski

Originally from Vancouver, Gavin obtained his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Saxophone from Capilano University.  When his working situation changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gavin pivoted to re-skill into a more sustainable and fulfilling career. With a love for coding and problem solving, Gavin began looking for data science programs. UBCO’s reputation for quality of education, along with MDS Okanagan program is uniquely designed for students with technical abilities and interests, made it the right fit for Gavin. Having now completed the program, Gavin is excited to apply the technical skills learned over the course of the program to pursue employment as a Data Scientist or a Data Analyst in order to support key stakeholders in making key business decisions. Read Gavin’s story.
 

Sara Hall Master of Data Science Okanagan

Sara Hall, Data Scientist at riskthinking AI

"One of the best things about MDS is that it’s designed for people from pretty much any background, so you don’t need an undergraduate degree in computer science as you do for a lot of other programs."

Previous Degree: Bachelor of Science, Honours in Neuroscience from the University of Calgary
Program: MDS Okanagan, Class of 2022

During my undergrad, I found that the coursework I preferred was more analytical in nature. After taking a few computer science courses, I realized I wanted to learn how to apply computational methods to real-world problems. The structure of the program, designed for people from almost any educational background, along with the opportunity to learn in a small cohort, really tipped the scales in MDS-O’s favour. Now that I have come through the program, I have far more technical data science experience and the skills to continue learning on my own.

About Sara Hall

Sara obtained Bachelor of Science in in Neuroscience from the University of Calgary, before moving directly into the MDS Okanagan program. It was during her time completing her undergraduate degree where Sara fostered a desire to learn how to apply computational methods to real-world problems.  Situated in beautiful city of Kelowna, the MDS-O program, with its small cohort size and real-world experience through its capstone projects, caught Sara’s attention. Sara will look to apply the expertise taught in the MDS program on the Okanagan campus to pursue a career related to climate risk management. Read Sara's story.
 

Class of 2021

Rain Shen

Rain Shen, Data Scientist at Axine Water Technologies

“The accelerated 10-month learning period will equip you well to get started in a career in data science.”

Previous Degree: Bachelor of Science in Food Science, from UBC Vancouver
Program: MDS Okanagan, Class of 2021

I realized I needed to learn new data analytical techniques to analyze large amount of data. I found myself becoming really interested in data analysis. I was amazed how the data can help solve complex problems in the real world. UBC’s reputation and the opportunity to learn in immersive environment really appealed to me and now that I have come through the program, I have developed the data science skills and learning techniques that will help me step into a data science career.

About Rain Shen

Rain obtained Bachelor of Science in Food Science from UBC Vancouver, before moving into a quality assurance coordinator position with a major manufacturing company specializing in geosynthetic and medical products. It was during her time there working with historical data where she fostered a desire to learn new data analytical techniques in order to analyze large amount of data.  Situated in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, the MDS-O program, with its accelerated learning program and intimate cohort, caught Shen’s eye. Having now completed the 10-month program, Shen will be utilizing the knowledge and technical expertise taught in the MDS program on the Okanagan campus to pursue a career related to the health and food industries. Read Rain's story.

Nathan Smith MDS Okanagan

Nathan Smith, Data Scientist at TerraSense Analytics Ltd.

“The program was able to quickly get me to a point that would have taken much longer working away on my own time. It provided me with a better understanding of data science in areas I was familiar with and also exposed me to new concepts.”

Previous Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from UBC Vancouver
Program: MDS Okanagan, Class of 2021

I started using interactive data analysis tools and machine learning to support my work. Much of the data science aspects that I had been incorporating in my work were learned during evenings and weekends. I felt that I wasn’t going to get where I wanted to be without diving into a program. Having now completed the program, I feel it has provided me with a strong understanding of concepts that can be better applied in my work.

About Nathan Smith

A resident of Squamish, B.C, Smith obtained a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from UBC Vancouver. It was during his time working as a senior water resources engineer where he fostered an interest in further developing his technical skills.  Situated in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, the MDS-O program, with its accelerated learning program and intimate cohort, caught Smith’s eye. Having now completed the 10-month program, Smith will be utilizing the knowledge and technical expertise taught in the MDS program on the Okanagan campus as he continues his career. Read Nathan's story.

Samuel Velez

Samuel Vélez, Data Scientist at Square

“The capstone project is the biggest positive point for the program. It makes you work directly with an industry partner on a real-life project, but you get the program’s supervision and support throughout. It makes you feel prepared for the future.”

Previous Degree: Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the National University of Colombia
Program: MDS Okanagan, Class of 2021

Working in the finance industry, I realized how data can shape the future of industries and companies. I wanted to be part of that and help as much as I could. Having now moved through the MDS-O program, I can say the quality of the program is world-class, the students come from many different industries and backgrounds, and the campus and surrounding areas are beautiful. I recommend it completely.

About Samuel Velez

Samuel obtained Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the National University of Colombia, before moving into a career in the world of finance. It was during his time where he discovered how data can shape the future of industries and companies. The MDS-O program, located in in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, offered an accelerated program and intimate cohort, caught Velez’s attention. Now that he has successfully completed the 10-month intensive program, Velez feels more than ready to begin a career where he can help to shape the future. Read Samuel’s story.
 

Class of 2020

Christian Hluchy

Christian Hluchy, Data Scientist at Irwin's Safety and Industrial Labour Services Ltd

“The smaller cohort in the Okanagan makes it more personable and it makes me feel more connected to the program."

Previous Degree: Master's of Business Administration, University of British Columbia
Program: MDS Okanagan, Class of 2020

While I was born and raised in Kelowna, I always knew I wanted to pursue an education in a different city. After obtaining my undergraduate degree from the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus, I worked for seven years before returning to UBC, where I obtained my master’s degree. I then moved to Calgary where, in my operations role using large data sets to inform drilling locations, I began to see the importance and value of data analysis. When it came time to return to the Okanagan while also pursuing a master’s degree in data science, the more research I did about the MDS program at UBCO, I knew it was the right fit.  Now I’m combining my business acumen and technical background with working knowledge taught in the MDS program.

About Christian Hluchy

A Kelowna native, Christian relocated to Vancouver where he received his undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of British Columbia.  Christian then obtained a Master’s degree in Business Administration nearly a decade later, also from the University of British Columbia, before moving to Alberta to pursue a career in the oil and gas sector. After a successful stint as an operations manager that exposed him to the value of statistical analysis, Christian began looking for different career options that would help him find employment in the Okanagan. His research into the best data science program led him directly to MDS program on the UBCO campus, where he has excelled in the smaller learning environment. Christian hopes to combine his business background with the working knowledge taught in the MDS program to pursue a data related role in the Okanagan.

Class of 2024

Master of Data Science Computational Linguistics Max Ahluwalia

Max Ahluwalia, MDS Computational Linguistics, Class of 2024

“The capstone project was a key factor in my decision to choose the MDS Computational Linguistics program since it provided a valuable opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. As a professional degree, the capstone perfectly combined academic learning with practical application, allowing us to use what we had learned in a professional context.”

Previous Degree: Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Systems from the University of British Columbia
Program: MDS Computational Linguistics, Class of 2024

During my Bachelor’s degree, I spent one year abroad at Leiden University in the Netherlands where I took several courses from the Digital Humanities program. This was when I was introduced to many topics in computational linguistics and data science, including text mining, data visualizations, database creation, and formal modeling. The crossroads of these two fields began my passion for computational models of language and I later continued this after I returned to Canada to finish my degree.

About Max Ahluwalia

Max completed his Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Systems from the University of British Columbia. Max wanted to pursue a Master’s in Computational Linguistics because he sees the value of preserving languages and how technology provides the opportunity to protect the loss of languages and speakers through lasting, digital models. After completing the MDS Computational Linguistics program, Max i interested in pursuing jobs that focus on working with low-resource languages, machine translation, or developing educational tools to apply his computational linguistics skills to make a meaningful impact in this area. Read Max’s story.

Master of Data Science Computational Linguistics Daniel Jimenez

Daniel Jimenez, MDS Computational Linguistics, Class of 2024

“The program has prepared me well for a career in data science and computational linguistics by providing a solid foundation of knowledge and skills. It has also instilled the discipline necessary to continuously update my expertise, which is crucial given the rapid advancements in these fields.”

Previous Degree: Master’s in Information Technology, Computer Science from Universidad de Los Andes
Program: MDS Computational Linguistics, Class of 2024

I was very interested in pursuing a career in Natural Language Processing and Artificial Intelligence. The UBC Master of Data Science program in Computational Linguistics teaches the last trends in NLP unlike other programs and it has advanced my understanding of NLP.

About Daniel Jimenez

Prior to entering the MDS Computational Linguistics program, Daniel Jimenez was working as a software developer with Amazon. Daniel’s favourite course during the MDS Computational Linguistics program was ‘Trends in Computational Linguistics’ because it taught the advancements in NLP.  Outside of classes, Daniel joined UBC’s Surf Club that allowed him to explore different parts of British Columbia and have fun while meeting new people. Daniel can also be found using UBC’s Aquatic Centre’s hot tub to help him recharge. Read Daniel’s story.

Master of Data Science Computational Linguistics Claudia Beth Ong

Claudia Beth Ong, MDS Computational Linguistics, Class of 2024

“The MDS Computational Linguistics program has helped me so much to kickstart my career in NLP, which is something I always aspired to do but didn’t have enough experience when I had just graduated from my Bachelor’s.”

Previous Degree: Bachelor’s in Science, in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence from Nanyang Technological University Singapore
Program: MDS Computational Linguistics, Class of 2024

My interest in data science actually stemmed from my interest in Linguistics. When choosing my Bachelor’s degree, I only chose Data Science because I wanted to do something related to both Mathematics and Linguistics, and in a very convoluted way, I ended up finding out about Natural Language Processing, which then led me to Data Science.

About Claudia Beth Ong

Claudia completed her Bachelor’s in Science, in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence from Nanyang Technological University Singapore in 2023. After finishing her undergraduate degree, Claudia had a dilemma: accept a job offer or accept UBC MDS Computational Linguistics offer. In the end, Claudia chose attending the MDS Computational Linguistics program to further her education in NLP and gain overseas experience. Outside of MDS Computational Linguistics, Claudia enjoys going to spin classes, going to beach and walking around downtown Vancouver as it reminds her of her native Singapore. Read Claudia’s story.

Class of 2023

Master of Data Science Computational Linguistics Kai Maurin-Jones Headshot

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.

Michelle Yun, Master of Data Science in Computational Linguistics

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.

Meiyu Zheng, Master of Data Science in Computational Linguistics

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.

Class of 2022

Nihal D'Souza MDS Computational Linguistics

Nihal D’Souza, MDS Computational Linguistics, Class of 2022

"The UBC MDS Computational Linguistics program was lucrative as it covered a breadth of topics from computer science, statistics, and linguistics within a relatively short time frame of 10 months, allowing me to go back into the industry as soon as possible."

Previous Degree: Bachelors of Computer Science and Engineering from The National Institute of Engineering
Program: MDS Computational Linguistics, Class of 2022

I was fascinated by the advancements in human-machine interaction through natural language and how this field was developing. Some of these advancements are the applications of machine translation, sentiment analysis, and computational morphology. To be able to understand these topics and be equipped to apply them in the real world, it made sense to pursue my higher education in this field. 

About Nihal D’Souza

Prior to joining the MDS Computational Linguistics program, Nihal completed his bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering from The National Institute of Engineering. Nihal worked for almost three years as a Software Engineer at Cisco. Nihal applied to the MDS Computational Linguistics program because of UBC’s great reputation, its vast resources, and its incredible faculty. In his down time, Nihal enjoys running, swimming and the occasional hike as well as grabbing drinks with friends on the weekends. Read Nihal’s story.
 

Saffrin Granby, MDS Computational Linguistics

Saffrin Granby, Decision Support Advisor at Vancouver Coastal Health

"I felt that this program really combined my love for linguistics and my previous experience in computer science. I like using my technical skills and my ideal career involves me working with language data so I felt like the MDS Computational Linguistics program was a good match."

Previous Degree: Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Systems from the University of British Columbia
Program: MDS Computational Linguistics, Class of 2022

I think data science is being used to solve a lot of really cool problems. Natural language data that can be used for really impactful applications such as improving health care or flighting climate change. It feels like a really important field right now. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in data science but a lot of the positions required or strongly preferred a Master’s level education. I liked that the program was only 10-months long and that I would be able to focus specially on state-of-the art NLP techniques.

About Saffrin Granby

Saffrin completed her Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Systems at UBC where she specialized in Computer Science. During her undergraduate degree, Saffrin worked at the CANARY lab at UBC where she worked on using linguistic features to detect the presence of Alzheimer’s disease. When not studying, Saffrin enjoys long bike rides and hanging out with friends by going on walks or trying restaurants together. Read Saffrin’s story.
 

Oksana Kurylo Computational Linguistics

Oksana Kurylo, MDS Computational Linguistics, Class of 2022

"I chose MDS Computational Linguistics as it offered a unique combination of data science and NLP courses. Also, a significant role in selecting MDS Computational Linguistics was the capstone project, where you can work on a real business problem with a company."

Previous Degree: Masters of Applied Linguistics from Lviv Polytechnic National University
Program: MDS Computational Linguistics, Class of 2022

As I was not from a Computer Science background, I wanted to get missing technical fundamentals and broaden my skill set to the data science toolkit. Also, it was essential to learn more about the state-of-the-art techniques in Natural Language Processing, namely Deep Learning for NLP.

About Oksana Kurylo

Before joining the MDS Computational Linguistics program, Oksana worked as a Computational Linguist and Natural Language Processing Researcher at several start-ups in her native Ukraine. It was while doing her first master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the Lviv Polytechnic National University, Oksana took a course on Computational Linguistics by Andriy Romanyuk, which opened a new world of Natural Language Processing for her. Outside of MDS Computational Linguistics, Oksana enjoys travelling. Read Oksana’s story.
 

Class of 2021

Celine Liu Computational Linguistics

Celine Liu, Applied Scientist at Amazon

“The MDS-CL program offers a strong focus on applied NLP, a perfect match for what I was looking for.”

Previous Degree: Bachelor of Computer Science, University of British Columbia
Program: MDS Computational Linguistics, Class of 2021

While working with intelligent systems in the industry and conducting research in the public health domain with text mining techniques, I witnessed the tremendous impact and potential that modern AI could have over solving global societal and business challenges, coming to the realization that NLP models are the foundation towards building a strong AI.

About Celine Liu

Celine obtained her Bachelor’s of Computer Science degree from the University of British Columbia. It was during an undergrad internship at Microsoft and Hootsuite that exposed Celine to the world of NLP and machine learning techniques. During the internship, Liu had the opportunity to build Natural Language Processing (NLP)-based machine learning (ML) systems and participated in a text mining research project with a group of public health researchers from UBC and BC Center for Disease Control to understand the landscape of digital public health. With the MDS-CL program now complete, Liu believed it offered here a holistic view of the classic ML models and a variety of language models as well as a great number of skillsets to her toolbox working with not only in NLP but machine learning in general. Read Celine's story.