2023 REU Cohort

University: Pomona College

Area of Study: Mathematics

I am Elliott Abel. I am from Temple, Texas and a junior at Pomona College in Claremont, California. I am majoring in computer science and mathematics, and I enjoy working as a math mentor. In my free time, I love to hike in the San Gabriel mountains, visit the beach, or try new foods. I am excited to explore the intersection of my two majors in the data science REU, specifically to see how the power of statistics can be harnessed for social good. This summer, I look forward to mathematical collaboration and learning from a team of colleagues with diverse skills and perspectives.

University: Texas A&M University

Area of Study: Applied Mathematics - Economics Emphasis

Howdy! I am Aaron Avila, an applied mathematics major from San Antonio, Texas, and a member of the Texas A&M class of 2025! Outside of mathematics, I have an interest in communications and economics and currently work on the analytics team for Texas A&M's marketing department. I am a member of Freshman Exemplifying Aggie Spirit Together and Sports For Kids. You can usually find me studying outside, or playing sports such as disc golf and tennis. Since my experience with data has mostly been contained in the classroom and workplace, I am excited to work with my mentors and peers to make a real difference in improving the lives of those in the DFW community. With this being my first experience in an REU, I hope to come away with a better understanding of conducting research and what I want to do as a career.

University: Yale University 

Area of Study: Statistics, Data Science 

Hello! My name is Mark Ayiah, and I am a rising junior at Yale University majoring in Statistics & Data Science. On campus, I am involved with the Yale Undergraduate Sports Analytics Group, I dance with Dzana (Yale's Afrobeat dance group), I serve as a tutor and mentor for the Urban Improvement Corps, and I work as an undergraduate teaching assistant in the Statistics & Data Science department along with working as a cluster technician for the Student Technology Collaborative. Outside of school, I am basketball superfan at all levels of the sport and I've more recently began indulging in podcasts more frequently. I look forward to applying my data science knowledge this summer in a way that focuses on addressing social, socioeconomic, and environmental issues, and I am very grateful to SMU for the opportunity to give back to my community in such a unique way!

University: North Carolina State University 

Area of Study: Statistics 

Hey everybody, my name is Jacob Britt. I am from Lumberton, North Carolina and a rising junior at North Carolina State University, majoring in Statistics with minors in Mathematics and Data Science. At NC State, I serve as a quantitative analyst for the baseball team, analyzing opponent data and creating scouting reports. I also work in a data science lab on campus, focused on social media analytics. In my free time, I enjoy working out and playing sports. I’m very excited to participate in research at SMU and look forward to collaborating with a diverse group of researchers to solve pressing issues in the Dallas area. I believe this program will provide me with valuable opportunities to expand my knowledge and gain practical data science research experience.

University: Dallas College

Area of Study: Mechanical Engineering

My name is David Brock. I live near Dallas, Texas, where I am completing an Associate of Mechanical Engineering at Dallas College. I love doing research, and I work part-time at an engineering lab at Dallas College and as a research assistant at UT Dallas. I have also presented at local, regional, and national conferences, including MAA MathFest, the Joint Mathematics Meetings, and the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. When not working on classes or research, I enjoy telling stories and helping care for a donkey, dog, cat, and two goats. This summer, at SMU's REU in data science, I am particularly excited to learn how to apply data science to real-world issues affecting the Dallas area.

University: Rice University 

Area of Study: Statistics 

Hi! My name is Sawyer and I grew up in Dallas, TX, but go to school in Houston at Rice University. I am currently a rising junior studying Statistics with a minor in Data Science and Financial Computation and Modeling. In my free time, I tutor children around the Houston metroplex and work with the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice as an administrative intern. I have also worked in a bioengineering lab for the past year and a half, so I am very interested in the applications of data science to public health issues and the healthcare industry.

University: Southern Methodist University 

Area of Study: Health & Society, Psychology

My name is Natalie Giresi. I am from eastern Pennsylvania and I am a senior at Southern Methodist University. I am majoring in Health & Society and Psychology and I have a minor in Arabic. I love to work out and have enjoyed volunteering for foundations such as Alex's Lemonade Stand, the Buddy Walk, the Ronald McDonald House, and more. I am excited to learn more about collecting and analyzing data and hope to bring what I have learned thus far about communal needs and effective researching into my participation with REU. In studying public health, I have grown a strong interest in helping better the circumstances of those around me and working towards a clinical atmosphere that is equitable to people from varying walks of life; I look forward to learning more about data collection and how it can be used to work towards this goal.

University: Austin Peay State University 

Area of Study: Mathematics

My name is Christine Jator. I was born and raised in Clarksville, Tennessee. I will be a junior this upcoming fall semester, majoring in Mathematics. Aside from school, I attend Pardue Memorial Freewill Baptist church and work at a local car dealership. I enjoy baking, trying new restaurants, and weightlifting. With this excellent research opportunity, I have the pleasure of gaining first-hand experience in data analysis in a group setting. This program will, in turn, prepare me for the future as I plan to pursue data analysis in the mathematical industry.

University: Wheaton College  

Area of Study: Mathematics, Urban Studies

Hi, I’m Katie Lark! I grew up in Colorado Springs and am a junior at Wheaton College (near Chicago). I am majoring in math and urban studies, as well as pursuing a minor in Spanish. I am a member of the Aequitas Program in Urban Leadership and served as Upperclass Council president this past year. In my free time, I love exploring Chicago, going to concerts and cooking! I am beyond excited to participate in this REU as it aligns closely with academic and career interests. I look forward to getting to know and learning alongside everyone in the cohort!

University: Kansas State University 

Area of Study: Statistics, Mathematics 

My name is Ashley Pritchard. I'm from Wichita, Kansas, and I'm a junior at Kansas State University, majoring in statistics and mathematics with a minor in biology. I'm a member of the quiz bowl team and the KAWSE Ambassadors club, an organization encouraging young girls to pursue fields in science, math, and engineering. I'm excited to learn more about data science and gain a better understanding of how it can be used to improve the world.

University: Southern Methodist University

Area of Study: Business Analytics, Data Science, Statistics 

My name is Jake Stavely and I from Plano, Texas. I am a rising junior at Southern Methodist University majoring in Business Analytics and Supply Chain Management, Statistics, and Data Science. I love music, learning about new cultures, and trying new food. I’m eager to use the skills I’ve learned in my data science classes for a good cause. I hope to connect with and learn from my peers and mentors in the REU and gain a better insight into how data science can be used for good.

University: Southern Methodist University 

Area of Study: Computer Science, Data Science

I am Victoria Valdez from Dallas, Texas. I am a rising sophomore at Southern Methodist University, majoring in computer science and data science. I am a member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, Program Council, and I’m a peer leader. I love crafting, especially crocheting and embroidery. I also love to read and bake. I look forward to learning more about both how research is conducted and gaining hands-on experience. I look forward to learning more about my future career and getting the chance to work with data that can help make a positive impact.