DACSS Student Ambassadors
Leah Dion
Student Outreach Ambassador
My name is Leah and I am a Student Outreach Ambassador and student in the Data Analytics and Computational Social Science. I have a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics and statistics from UMass Amherst along with a minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. I’m particularly interested in applying my statistical knowledge to my passion for social movements and anti-carceral work. I’m here to answer any questions you may have about the program in general, the curriculum, being a 4+1 student, or financial aid. Come chat with me about all things DACSS!
Zutima Tuladhar
Student Outreach Ambassador
Hi – My name is Zutima and I am a Student Outreach Ambassador and first year student in the UMass DACSS masters program. I have a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a double minor in industrial relations and human services. My research interests are organizational behavior, media and technology and decision making. I’m am happy to answer any of your questions about the program in general as well as any questions on student life at Amherst, international student queries or financial aid. Join me in one of the meeting slots, Let’s talk more!
Krishna Chaitanya Rao
International Partnerships Ambassador
Hi – I'm Krishna Chaitanya Rao, a graduate student in Data Analytics and Computational Social Sciences (DACSS) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I come with 3 years of professional experience in Program Management, Product and Technology Consulting. I have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from JNTU and hold Network Management Specialization from Vinod Gupta School of Management, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur. My research interests are at the intersection of Learning Sciences/Analytics, Computer Science, educational/cognitive psychology. I'm here to answer any questions you may have about the program in general, internships/career opportunities, and share my experience as an international student. Don't hesitate to reach out to me in you have any questions.
Current Students
Learn more about current DACSS students presenting at events throughout the week.
Lissie Bates-Haus, Ph.D.
Lissie has a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Northeastern University and worked as a practicing psychologist for many years.
Research Interests: mental health policy, impact of social media on adolescent development, health data science
Kristina Becvar
Kristina worked in private law firm management for many years. She is transitioning to more academic pursuits with her DACSS degree.
Research Interests:
peace studies, international relations, environmental justice, and climate change
Abhinav Kumar
Abhinav has MBA from Indian Institute of Foreign Trade in New Delhi. He has many years of experience using machine learning in industry.
Research Interests: business and marketing, machine learning, and natural language processing
Steve Linberg
Steve is a IT and network administration professional. He has lived in the pioneer valley for many years and is a modern renaissance man with many talents and interests.
Research Interests: Data visualization, information literacy, civil liberties, and online social dynamics
Isha Mahajan
Isha is an international student from India and has a bachelors degree in journalism and political science from UMass.
Research Interests:
data-driven storytelling, and global affairs
Noah Milstein
Noah has a bachelors degree in economics from UMass Amherst.
Research Interests:
political economy, labor economics, and macroeconomic policy
Dana Nestor
Dana has a bachelors degree in economics from NYU, and has experience working in the philanthropy sector.
Research Interests:
development economics, labor policy, relational databases, networks, and the spread of ideas
Jason Wierzbowski
Jason has a bachelors degree in economics from UMass Amherst.
Research Interests: environmental economics, climate change preparedness, and monetary policy