The online Master of Science in Data Science is supported by an advisory board consisting of 12 to 15 representatives from the industry who serve as advisors, ambassadors, and referral agents to the program.
The advisory board meets bi-annually, and members provide constructive feedback regarding changes in the industry and how those changes affect program graduates. The meetings ensure the program and curriculum stays relevant to trends in data science. Board members are also asked to host students working on capstone projects, and create smooth school-to-work transitions, so that as students graduate from the program they will move to gainful employment.
The advisory board provides recognized leaders in the field with a unique opportunity to further shape the program and data science profession. Learn more about the Advisory Board Member Responsibilities and Advisory Board Guidelines.
If you’re interested in joining the advisory board, please complete the Advisory Board Member Questionnaire for consideration. We’ll be in touch after submission regarding next steps.
Current UW Data Science Advisory Board Members
Nikhil Arora, Engineering & Data Science Director, Schneider. Arora develops and executes the Data Science, Optimization, and Artificial Intelligence enterprise strategy. He and his teams research advances in the fields of Data Science, AI, and Software Engineering and apply these to models, architectures, and production systems. He is a results-proven senior leader who capitalizes on hands-on machine learning, operations research and analytics experience to drive top and bottom-line growth by development of data science products. Nikhil has extensive experience in applying data to make better decisions and is well versed in all aspects of capturing and storing data (warehousing), governing its access and use and generating insights. Nikhil is a member of Schneider’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Grants committee where he endorses financial support for DEI initiatives in the community. Outside of work, Nikhil volunteers his time to support the underprivileged, is an avid nature photographer, a voracious reader, and loves spending time with his family.
Brent Ferrier, Principal Data Scientist, Oshkosh Defense, Oshkosh Corporation. Ferrier is responsible for the strategy, implementation, and value creation of all data science initiatives within Oshkosh Defense. He has 10 years of experience working in data science where he owned the process from business requirements gathering to full implementation and solution monitoring. He is an alumnus of the UWEX MSDS program. In addition, Ferrier has an MS Cybersecurity with a focus in Public Policy from Georgia Tech giving him expertise in data regulations and how policy affects the data science workflow. He is a 2022 graduate of the UW Parkside MBA program with a focus in supply chain management.
Andrew Fuchs, Data Architect, TruStage. Fuchs has been with TruStage (formerly CUNA Mutual Group) for over 34 years, working as a data architect on several data warehouse and master data management systems. He has been involved in a variety of projects supporting analytics and enjoys working with the business teams to help them understand and get value from data. He is currently a data architect on a Microsoft Azure cloud-based data warehouse project, working with business analysts as well as the data science teams on the data and architecture needed to support advanced analytics. He holds a BS and MS in Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Jason Gellings, Director of BI and Analytics, Roehl Transport Inc. Gellings is a seasoned data leader with a passion for leading change, creating data solutions and providing tangible business value. He has over 20 years of data leadership with significant hands-on experience creating and deploying large scale data science initiatives in the transportation space. Gellings has led multiple business intelligence projects and teams that provided consistent high-ROI business value for companies in both the insurance and transportation industries. He has helped develop and mature data programs at multiple organizations, with a focus on team-building and strategic planning and execution. In his current role he leads the BI and Data teams and is responsible for the Data Science practice. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Math and Computer Science from UW–Oshkosh.
Ryan Lussky, Data Scientist, Altra Federal Credit Union. Ryan has been working in various data analytics roles for nine years, with the past year dedicated to being a data scientist at Altra Federal Credit Union out of Onalaska, WI. Before transitioning into his current role, he spent two years as a Business Intelligence Analyst at Altra, where he played a key role in developing data-driven solutions. Since then, he has been instrumental in implementing and advancing the organization’s data science discipline, helping to integrate predictive modeling into business processes. Ryan graduated from the UWEX MSDS program in May of 2023 and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN.
Jody Medeke, Business Intelligence Section Chief at State of Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. Medeke works to enable data and analytics around some of our states most challenging questions. In addition to the UW Master’s in Data Science Advisory Board, she serves as the Treasurer for the Wisconsin Data Management Association and Co-Chair of the State of Wisconsin Business Intelligence Collaboration Center. Medeke brings to the board a view on how data can influence business, team management, business intelligence, data management, strategic planning, and executive sponsorship.
Connie Pasierb, President (IT, Data Management, PM Staffing), Tanasi Staffing. Pasierb has over 20 years’ experience in Data Science and Information Technology staffing. She is currently launching her second staffing startup company, Datapro. She has served as the VP of Membership for Wisconsin DAMA since 2010. Her experience includes startups, mergers, sales, recruiting, and management. She has a degree in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago, and her key contribution is making connections.
Vibha Srinivasan, PhD, Vice President, Data Science at Cognite Inc. Dr. Srinivasan leads her team to build data-driven solutions for customers in the energy, manufacturing, power & utilities sectors. Prior to Cognite, Dr. Srinivasan was the head of data science and engineering at Spiceworks Ziff Davis, focusing on building data products for performance marketing and advertising. She has also worked in boutique engineering and data consulting firms in Austin. Dr. Srinivasan has a PhD in Chemical Engineering from MIT.
Elaine Stephens, Head of Customer Engineering for Wisconsin and Minnesota, Google
Elaine Stephens leads a team of skilled engineers in guiding businesses to accelerate digital transformation and drive innovation through Google Cloud solutions. With over 25 years of experience spanning software development, data warehousing, and data science, Elaine brings deep technical expertise to her role. Before joining Google, Elaine held senior technical roles at major technology firms, spearheading large-scale IT modernization projects. Elaine holds a Physics degree from MIT.
Dana Swanstrom, Senior Data Engineer, Mayo Clinic. Swanstrom is a Data Engineer in Mayo Clinic’s Generative AI Department, where he curates and deidentifies extensive datasets for training large language and multi-modal models. His Work involves close collaboration with industry leaders like NVIDIA, Microsoft, Google, and Cerebras. A proud alumnus of the first UW Online Collaboratives MSDS cohort (2017 graduate), Dana successfully transitioned from a career in education to become a Data Analyst with Eau Claire County before joining Mayo Clinic as a Data Engineer.
Jessica VanElls, Data Strategist, University of Michigan. VanElls specializes in data quality, process improvement, and reporting. Her role supports the Office of University Development to enhance data-driven strategies for raising private support for the university. She holds a bachelor’s degree in statistics from Michigan State University and earned her master’s degree in data science while working full time.
Rebecca Wells, Director, Data & Analytics Architecture at Trane Technologies. Wells is the Enterprise Architect for Data and Analytics at Trane Technologies where she has worked for 20 years. In this role, she is responsible for developing and driving the future state vision for Data and Analytics across the organization. This work extends across the many technology, process, and people components that directly touch and are affected by Data and Analytics. Rebecca is very passionate about helping people connect the dots between the why of business goals and the what & how delivered through data and analytics.