Srinika Kalavala
Nickname: Sri
Year: Senior
Hometown: Hilliard, OH
Specialization: Computational Analytics
Minor: Information Security
Other majors considered: Computer & Information Science
Extra and co-curriculars: Association of Computing Machinery - Women's Chapter (ACM-W), Big Data Analytics Association (BDAA)
Best advice for students:
When you come to OSU, you're going to realize that OSU has so many resources available, from career services to tutoring centers and clubs. My biggest piece of advice is don’t wait until you feel overwhelmed or behind to start using them. Whether it’s getting help from a professor during office hours or joining a study group, using these resources early will help you stay on top of things! In Data Analytics (and I suppose the Tech field in general), collaboration and communication are really important! One of the best ways to feel more connected is to get involved in clubs or organizations. There are so many options from coding clubs to professional organizations that will not only help you meet like-minded people but also give you hands-on experience!
Pranav Kannan
Year: Junior
Hometown: Columbus, OH
Specialization: Computational Analytics
Other majors considered: Industrial Engineering
Extracurriculars: Big Data Analytics Association (BDAA), Pickleball Club
Best advice for students:
Think about how you are spending your time because you are more likely than not to have time during the day to do them. Remember your health is more important than anything so make sure you eat healthy and go to the gym.
Corina Phalen
Year: Senior
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Specialization: Computational Analytics
Minor: Science & Engineering for the Public Interest
Extra and co-curriculars: Research on aerosols, internship at PNNL (Washington State), trip leader in Mountaineering Club
Best advice for students:
Really make an effort to talk to new people. It's scary, but you never know who will be your new best friend. I talked to a random girl at Scott freshman year, and now she's one of my best friends.Don't be afraid to take risks and step outside your comfort zone. Some of my most memorable experiences so far have come from applying to things I thought I wasn't qualified for!
Mia Schmitmeyer
Year: Junior
Hometown: New Bremen, OH
Specialization: Business analytics
Other majors considered: Statistics, Accounting
Extra and co-curriculars: Internship at Crown Equipment Corporation in New Bremen, OH, Student Assistant at the Undergraduate Admissions Welcome Center
Scholars: STEM scholars
Best advice for students:
Professors and TAs are there to help you. Make sure you are using all of the resources they provide to you such as office hours and asking questions before, during and after class.
Make an effort to make a friend in every class. This will make it so much easier for you when it comes to studying, collaborating on homework, or getting notes on what you missed if you happen to miss class one day.
Megan Solly
Year: Junior
Hometown: Streetsboro, OH
Specialization: Biomedical & Public Health Analytics
Minor: Global Public Health
Other majors considered: Biochemistry/pre-med
Extra and co-curriculars: Girls Who Code, Girls Lifting Org
Best advice for students:
Give yourself grace while transitioning into college life, it can be difficult and it may take time!
Remember to utilize your resources, especially office hours, as it can be helpful for your classes and it's a good place to make connections with your professors.
Trey Thomas
Year: Senior
Hometown: Columbus, OH
Specialization: Computational Analytics
Minor: Math
Other majors considered: Math, Mechanical Engineering
Extra and co-curriculars: Research analyzing congressional speech networks with a focus on environmental topics, Curl Market student assistant, Big Data Analytics Association (BDAA)
Scholars: STEM scholars
Best advice for students:
Really try to put yourself out there during your first couple of years and look for different clubs, organizations, and opportunities to develop your interests even if they are not related to data analytics. Try to meet and befriend your fellow classmates as those are the people that are going to be in your classes for the next four years and will have similar interests and career goals as yourself
Alexa Wheeler
Year: Senior
Hometown: South Windsor, CT
Specialization: Business Analytics
Minor: Economics
Extra and co-curriculars: Internships with Guggenheim Partners (remote) and Ohio State Women's Volleyball, BDAA (Big Data Analytics Association)
Best advice for students:
Remember that everything happens for a reason. If you think that something might be a step back, look at the positives in the situation and focus on those. In the long run you'll see a purpose for that "setback".
It's important to have fun and make new friends in college. Not everything has to be so serious all the time. Make sure to take time for yourself to take your mind off of school. Whether that's taking a workout class, trying new food in short north, starting a new show with friends, etc. Do more for you that will help you get your mind off of school for a little.
Luke Zhang
Year: Senior
Hometown: Dublin, OH
Specialization: Computational Analytics
Other majors considered: Business
Extra and co-curriculars: Athletics IT helpdesk, Media Marketing and Communication Scholars data team
Best advice for students:
Get involved with different activities on campus and make new friends. It really makes college enjoyable! Get off to a strong start! At the beginning of semesters the class load is generally easier so you can get ahead of assignments. Give yourself some breathing room so you can survive when classes speed up.
Want to chat with one of our DA Academic Path Peers about their experience? Click the button below to get connected!
*Please keep in mind that over winter break (December 19 - January 11) our DA APP students will be enjoying time with their families and friends. Any requests received over this time period will be answered after January 12th. Thank you for your patience.