2023 REU Cohort

Meet our 2023 Cohort!

  • Headshot of Elliot Abel, 2023 REU participant

    Elliot Abel

    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.

  • Headshot of Aaron Avila, 2023 REU participant

    Aaron Avila

    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.

  • Headshot of Mark Ayiah, 2023 REU participant

    Mark Ayiah

    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 51²è¹Ý for the opportunity to give back to my community in such a unique way!

  • Headshot of Jacob Britt, 2023 REU participant

    Jacob Britt

    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 51²è¹Ý 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.

  • Headshot of David Brock, 2023 REU participant

    David Brock

    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 51²è¹Ý's REU in data science, I am particularly excited to learn how to apply data science to real-world issues affecting the Dallas area.

  • Headshot of Sawyer Cremer, 2023 REU participant

    Sawyer Cremer

    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.

  • Headshot of Natalie Giresi, 2023 REU participant

    Natalie Giresi

    University: 51²è¹Ý 

    Area of Study: Health & Society, Psychology

     

    My name is Natalie Giresi. I am from eastern Pennsylvania and I am a senior at 51²è¹Ý. 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.

  • Headshot of Christine Jator, 2023 REU participant

    Christine Jator

    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.

  • Headshot of Katie Lark, 2023 REU participant

    Katie Lark

    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!

  • Headshot of Ashley Pritchard, 2023 REU participant

    Ashley Pritchard

    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.

  • Headshot of Jake Stavely, 2023 REU participant

    Jake Stavely

    University: 51²è¹Ý

    Area of Study: Business Analytics, Data Science, Statistics 

     

    My name is Jake Stavely and I from Plano, Texas. I am a rising junior at 51²è¹Ý 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.

  • Headshot of Victoria Valdez, 2023 REU participant

    Victoria Valdez

    University: 51²è¹Ý 

    Area of Study: Computer Science, Data Science

     

    I am Victoria Valdez from Dallas, Texas. I am a rising sophomore at 51²è¹Ý, 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.