Student Ambassadors

Saniya Gupte

Hi everyone! I’m Saniya, originally from Mumbai, India. I am a Fall 2024 Master’s in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence student at the University of Texas at Dallas. I completed my undergraduate degree in Information Technology from VJTI Mumbai, graduating in 2024. I have a strong foundation in Python, which I’ve applied to data analysis and problem-solving projects during my undergraduate studies and internship. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, doing acrylic paintings and listening to music!

Yashraj Saxena

Hi! I’m Yashraj Saxena, the analytics guy who turns “huh?” into “heck yes!” with a technical background in computer science and analytics, using Python, SQL, and dashboards that actually drive decisions. Born and raised in Hyderabad, India, I bring that biryani fueled hustle to JSOM. After revving up a Flutter payments app by 50% and building research dashboards at UTD, I’m chasing the sweet spot where clean data meets clear stories. Catch me at BA&AI events brainstorming content, hyping peers, and high fiving good ideas.

Rohan Vakharia

Hi everyone! My name is Rohan Vakharia. I was originally born in Livingston, New Jersey, but moved to Plano, Texas when I was 4 years old, making me a true Texan at heart. I am currently pursuing my MS in Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence and intend to graduate in December 2026. I have always been a lover of data, solving complex problems, making meaningful visualizations, and continuously learning how I can leverage my skillset. Prior to my MS degree, I worked as a Financial Analyst at DriveTime where I was responsible for creating forecasting models using Excel, creating and managing our data warehouse in Snowflake, and creating interactive visualizations in Tableau and Power BI. Outside of my professional and academic life, you can find me working out, playing video games, and trying new coffee shops around UTD and in Dallas! Please feel free to reach out with any and all questions!

Hafsa Sadkaoui

Hi there! I’m Hafsa, born and raised in the colorful heart of Morocco. Growing up, I was always drawn to the way numbers could explain the world around us. That curiosity led me across continents to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Finance with a minor in Mathematics at Minot State University, where I graduated with honors. My professional path began in finance, where I worked as a Financial Analyst and later as a Financial Professional with New York Life Insurance. In those roles, I discovered that behind every spreadsheet and portfolio, there’s a real story, a dream, a goal, and a plan for the future. That realization sparked my deeper interest in analytics: understanding not just what the data says, but why it matters. Now, I am a master’s student in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Texas at Dallas. I utilize my financial experience, combined with skills in R, Python, SQL, and data visualization, to deliver meaningful results. Beyond the data, I’m a lifelong learner who speaks four languages and is currently learning a fifth. I love exploring new cultures through travel, discovering local cuisines, and meeting people with unique perspectives.

Pranav Dhawan

I’m Pranav Dhawan, a Business Analytics graduate student with a solid technical base. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Delhi. My interest in how data drives business decisions goes way back to school, where I was part of the Commerce Club and loved taking part in business pitch competitions, mock stocks, and analytical quizzes. That’s where my curiosity for strategy and problem-solving really took off. Since then, I’ve gained hands-on experience through academics and internships, working with tools like Salesforce, Power BI, Python, and SQL. I also know how to build large language models, though to be honest, that’s not where my passion lies; I’m more drawn to applying analytics to real business challenges. Outside of work, I’m a hardcore foodie who’s always up for trying new cuisines, a passionate cricket player, and an avid swimmer. I enjoy being part of communities where ideas actually turn into action, and I’m excited to bring that same energy to BALC.

Angel Garcia

Hello! My name is Angel. I am a native Texan, born and raised in the Dallas area. I have a marketing background with experience in hospitality, healthcare, and retail. The transition to a more technical field has been an exciting challenge for me, pushing me to expand my expertise and develop skills including SQL, R, Python and more. I come from a big family, so a sense of community is what brings me joy. I am passionate about helping others and really enjoy hearing new perspectives. Some of my other interests include fashion, sports, and cowboy boots!

Aravind Giri

Hi everyone! I’m Aravind Giri, originally from Bengaluru, India, a tech enthusiast passionate about turning complex ideas into simple, AI-powered solutions. My journey began in mechanical engineering and later evolved through a few exciting years at Tata Consultancy Services, where I worked on autonomous systems and AI assistants. At UTD, I’m pursuing my master’s in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, and I’m excited to collaborate, learn, and explore how data and AI can create meaningful impact together.

Radhey Mutha

I come from Delhi, India, a city that has seen empires rise and fall, sung by sufis and poets, framed by grand forts, domes, and winding bazaars. It’s a place that lives through six distinct seasons, each carrying its own essence making it extremely versatile. I’ve always been attracted by creative nuances, anything that has expression! I love books because they give me perspective, and I’ve always loved colors, so I paint and make handmade postcards till date! I am also a hoarder, I collect tickets, passes, first date bills, flowers – I love hoarding memories! The best place to find me in the crowd is either near food or people! I’m a firm believer that there’s no better way to connect than sharing a meal because conversation flows easier, laughter sounds fuller, and people feel a little more at home. I fell in love with Mexican Coke and Velvet Taco’s after coming to States! Professionally, the coolest project I have done so far is launching a GenZ Beauty App for Tata Group, in India which today is a multi-million dollar revenue vertical, growing, expanding and thriving! Now, as I pursue my Master’s in Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence at UT Dallas, I’m weaving these passions, creativity, data, and storytelling into a journey that sits at the intersection of business, technology, and human connection! P.s – Fun fact about me, If I’d be a flower, it would be a Sunflower! (Ask me why, one day?)

Ratika Nankani

Hello everyone! Originally from Pakistan, I’m currently pursuing my MS in Business Analytics (Flex) at UT Dallas, sharpening my skills in SQL, Python, and R to solve complex problems and uncover meaningful patterns in data. I come from the financial services industry, where I gained hands-on experience working with financial data, building models, and assessing risk to support critical decision-making. My journey began with a BSc in Economics, which gave me a strong foundation in regression analysis, forecasting, and data-driven research. That’s where my passion for using data to explain patterns and drive outcomes first took shape. Outside of academics, I enjoy connecting with people so if you see me on campus, don’t hesitate to stop by for a chat!

Syyeda Sarah Waseem

Hi, I’m Syyeda Sarah Waseem, born and raised in Pakistan, shaped by curiosity, and always eager to stretch beyond my own boundaries. Though naturally introverted, I thrive on building genuine connections that spark growth. My path began in accounting and finance, but I soon discovered my passion in the intricacies of data, uncovering patterns that tell meaningful stories. That curiosity led me from the microfinance industry, where impact met purpose, to earning a Data Analyst certificate, and now to pursuing a Master’s in Business Analytics & AI at UTD. I work with Python, SQL, Power BI, and Excel to transform complexity into an array of insights that drive smarter decisions. Above all, I remain ardent about sharing knowledge and supporting others. If you’re new to UTD or looking for guidance, know that I’d be more than happy to help you on your journey.

Shrutika Sandesh Shelke

Hello everyone! I’m Shrutika, joining the BALC from the MS in Business Analytics & AI program. Originally from Mumbai, India, I bring a unique blend of analytical rigor from Mechanical Engineering and strategic command from an MBA. I have 4 years of professional experience using data to drive significant business results—from developing strategy at Maruti Suzuki to optimizing pricing and increasing ROI at MakeMyTrip. I am genuinely enthusiastic about converting complex data and models directly into impactful business strategies. Outside of class, you can chat with me in English, Hindi, Marathi, or a bit of Spanish! Please feel free to reach out and say hi!

Linh Pham

Hi everyone! I’m Linh Pham, originally from Vietnam and now pursuing my M.S. in Business Analytics & AI at UT Dallas. I did my undergraduate in Finance and Business Analytics at UT San Antonio, where I first discovered how exciting it can be to use data to guide business decisions. My background started more on the finance side, but I quickly got hooked on the technical side too, picking up Python, R, SAS, SQL, Tableau, and Power BI along the way. I’ve worked on projects ranging from building machine learning models for breast cancer detection and customer retention in banking to doing research on finance topics like equity valuations, portfolio optimization, risk management, and forecasting. I really enjoy combining technical skills with strategy to solve problems and uncover insights. If you ever see me around, don’t hesitate to call out my name. I’d love to say hi!

Gouri Sharma

Hi, I’m Gouri ! and I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Texas at Dallas. My journey started in Biotechnology, but over time I realized how fascinated I am by data, problem-solving, and the impact analytics can create in the real world. I love exploring how data connects with creativity and decision-making. Every class and project feels like a new opportunity to learn something exciting and push myself a little further. I’m especially drawn to how analytics can turn ideas into action and make everyday processes smarter. Outside academics, I enjoy connecting with new people, sharing stories, and learning from different perspectives. I’m naturally curious, love trying new things, and believe that growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. I’m really excited for this chapter at UTD and everything that lies ahead!

Vaishnavi Cheera

Hi everyone! My name is Vaishnavi Cheera. I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Texas at Dallas and I am part of the Events Team at BALC. I hold a Bachelor’s in Commerce (Computer Applications) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Analytics and Data Science, which helped me build a strong foundation in both business and technical aspects. I’ve also gained hands-on experience as a Business Analyst Intern, where I worked on a Power Trading Project using data from the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX). Through this project, I explored concepts like time series forecasting, data preprocessing, EDA, statistical analysis, SQL integration, and data visualization. Although I’m comfortable working with Python, R, and SQL, I have to admit — SQL is my favorite! I sometimes get overwhelmed by large datasets, but that’s what makes analytics exciting figuring out how to transform raw data into meaningful insights and communicate them beautifully through visualization tools. I’m always open to networking, learning, and collaborating with like-minded people, so feel free to reach out!

Sai Teja Punyapu

Hi, I’m Sai Teja. I’m originally from Andhra Pradesh, India, but I grew up in West Bengal and have traveled across the country, experiences that shaped my appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives. I’m currently pursuing my master’s in Business Analytics and AI (Flex) at UT Dallas. I graduated with a degree in Computer Science from Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology in 2024. Professionally, I’ve worked as a Product Owner and interned across multiple startups, where I discovered how AI and analytics can transform business decisions and product strategy. I’m passionate about applying AI to create measurable business impact and drive innovation. You can learn more about my work at www.saitejapunyapu.me. Now, as part of the Business Analytics Leadership Council, I’m excited to support fellow students and collaborate on fresh ideas. If you’d like to connect or just chat over a cup of tea, I’m always up for it.

Sahana Mecheri

Hi, I’m Sahana Mecheri! I have a strong technical background in Electronics & Communication Engineering with hands-on experience in RFID, IoT, and IT Asset Management projects. I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Business Analytics & AI at UT Dallas, where I’m combining my technical expertise with data-driven problem solving. Beyond academics, I enjoy being actively involved in campus clubs, events, and creative initiatives that bring people together.

Jennifer Pai

Hello! I am Jennifer Pai. This is my first semester in MSBA Flex program. It’s also my fifth year at UTD as a Comet. I completed my undergraduate degree, double-majoring in Global Business and Marketing, in Spring 2025. I came from a diverse background — I grew up in Taiwan and moved to Austin nine years ago. I also spent a semester studying abroad in France. Growing up, I learned six languages an developed a passion for reading news in various languages, including English, Mandarin, Spanish, and French. I always know I have talent in language and use it as a tool to “decode” information from around the world. But what about coding language? What if I become a data expert who can also “decode” numbers and data? I discovered my passion for learning quantitative analytical skills as I was completing my undergraduate degree. I enjoy conducting research, problem-solving, and making analyses, like an analyst. Coming from a non-STEM background, I am excited to acquire new tools that will enable me to become a more effective analyst, such as R, Python, and SQL. I believe knowing the programming language will unlock more opportunities in an AI-driven future. With my diverse cultural background and foundation in business, I am looking forward to exploring my future career path in business analytics. Woosh!

Joseph Nguyen

Greetings Comets! My name is Joseph, a Fall 2025 Flex Business Analytics & AI student, Texas native, and UTD alumni. Coming from a non-technical background, my experience spans real-estate project management, film and livestream production, DJ performance, and creative content. From Old School RuneScape (OSRS) to sewing and tailoring, I approach every project with creative strategy and precision. I’m excited to bridge that mindset with data-driven problem solving in analytics.

Sairamya Macha

Hello everyone! I’m Sairamya, originally from the East Coast, primarily New Jersey (some time in Florida as well). I obtained my Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences from Ramapo College of NJ. After gaining experience in various healthcare settings, I transitioned into the tech world, which I’m really passionate about! I have a strong interest in science, mathematics, and statistics, which I believe form the foundation for every industry. Data analysis and data visualization have always fascinated me, and I’ve had experience with BI tools, Python, SQL, and R. I’m excited to continue growing in tech and applying my analytical skills to solve real world problems!

Rishabh Balaiwar

President

The ITM program offers an immersive and flexible experience, allowing students to explore courses based on their interests or specialize in tracks like Cybersecurity. Take advantage of this flexibility and find what excites you!

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Rohit Savant

Vice President

What I really appreciate about the ITM Program is how it blends both management and technical skills, making it highly relevant no matter where you are in your career. The ability to specialize—whether in Product Management, Cybersecurity, or other tracks—means the learning experience is flexible and tailored to your goals. The faculty goes beyond just teaching; they genuinely act as mentors, helping guide your growth. The ITM SLC, in particular, stands out for creating a strong sense of community. Through peer mentorship and networking events, it becomes much more than just a student group—it’s a place to connect, collaborate, and grow with like-minded professionals.

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Shibani Kumar

General Secretary

ITM SLC recognizes and nurtures leadership potential in students. It encourages them to step outside their comfort zones and make meaningful contributions to the ITM community. Through hands-on involvement, students build valuable leadership and organizational skills while collaborating with like-minded peers who are passionate about making an impact. The ITM program empowers students to shape their own journey whether it’s in data, cybersecurity, or product management. With a strong blend of technical and business skills, and a curriculum that evolves with industry trends, it equips students with the real-world knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in the workforce.

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Pranay Shetty

Event Team Lead

What excites me about the ITM SLC is the chance to shape the student experience. The ITM program blends technology and management, allowing students to tailor their degrees with professional development and networking opportunities.

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Ruchitha Panyam

Email Team Lead

The MS in ITM program at UT Dallas offers a dynamic blend of coursework and its flexibility allows students to customize their learning journey, aligning with their career aspirations. My favorite part about the ITM SLC is how it plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of community among students by providing valuable mentorship and organizing impactful events.

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Priya Samal

Social Media Team Lead

ITM SLC inspires me as a community where students lead, learn, and grow. It has helped me build connections and gain confidence to tackle real-world IT challenges. The ITM program blends technical and management skills, strengthening my expertise.

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Akshata Sardeshpande

Design Team Lead

What I love most about the ITM program is how it blends technical knowledge with real-world leadership opportunities. Being part of the ITM Student Leadership Council gave me a chance to help people—something I genuinely enjoy. I started as a member of the Design Team, and now as the Design Team Lead, I get to contribute creatively while supporting my peers. Through this journey, I’m hoping to grow stronger at leading teams, working collaboratively, and turning ideas into action through clear communication.

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Syed Arbaaz Khurram

Mentorship Team Lead

The SLC helps students overcome doubts by offering objective insights that are hard to find elsewhere. The ITM program, sitting at the intersection of IT and management, is perfect for those seeking a career transition.

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Qurrat Ul Ain

ITM SLC Officer

What I really like about the ITM program is how much freedom it gives you to shape your own path. Whether you’re into AI, cloud, cybersecurity, or product, there’s space to explore what excites you without missing out on any opportunities. Everyone gets access to the same resources and support, which makes it feel really fair. Plus, the professors are amazing, super knowledgeable, but also approachable and always ready to help, which honestly makes a huge difference. The ITM SLC has been such a helpful presence since day one. They’re always kind, quick to respond, and genuinely want students to do well. From résumé pods to career tips or just casual advice, they make things easier and less overwhelming. It’s really nice knowing there’s a team that actually cares and has your back.

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Sarah Shahid

ITM SLC Officer

ITM SLC brings together people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and goals, yet everyone is working towards growth and connection. Whether it’s through club events, peer discussions, or casual coffee chats, I’ve had the chance to meet incredible students who challenge and inspire me. It’s a space where different perspectives are valued and where collaboration is just as important as leadership. From organizing events to supporting students, the SLC gave me the opportunity to contribute meaningfully while learning from others. For anyone joining the ITM program, this community can truly be what makes the journey special. It’s a support system that wants to see you succeed.

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Sahil Salvi

ITM SLC Officer

What I like about ITM SLC is its strong industry focus and supportive community of faculty and peers. The ITM program offers a great balance of technical and managerial courses, helping me build both analytical and strategic thinking skills. I especially appreciate the hands-on learning through projects, tools like Power BI and SQL, and the exposure to real-world business problems.

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Naga Sai Harani Karanam

ITM SLC Officer

What I love about the ITM SLC is how supportive and collaborative everyone is. It’s a great space to connect with other students, give back to the program, and learn from people with different experiences. The ITM program itself is flexible and well-balanced and you get a strong mix of technical and management skills, and the professors and staff are always there to support you. It’s been a great environment for both learning and growth.

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Preksha Nagesh

ITM SLC Officer

I appreciate the ITM SLC members’ dedication to helping peers navigate life at UTD. As a student-run organization, they are approachable and provided great support when I was new. What I like most about the ITM program is the balance between technical and management courses, offering a seamless transition between business and technical classes. It’s shaping my techno-management career.

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Sri Krishna Loganathan

ITM SLC Officer

The wide variety of courses available in the ITM program makes it an attractive option for students.

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Sakshi Santosh Sonawane

ITM SLC Officer

What I appreciate most about the ITM program is its balance of technical depth and career-focused flexibility. The SLC adds real value by creating a sense of belonging, mentoring new students, and offering opportunities to lead with purpose. It’s a space where students don’t just grow, they help others grow too.

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Trisha Shishodiya

ITM SLC Officer

What I really like about the ITM SLC is how they actively support current students through regular coffee chats and go out of their way to make things smooth for incoming students. I personally experienced this when I first joined — their guidance and support helped me settle in, and now I’m inspired to do the same for others.

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Shreya Amrutkar

ITM SLC Officer

I like that the ITM program offers a strong mix of technical and management courses, helping me build skills in SQL, data warehousing, cloud, and project management. The ITM SLC creates a great community where students can connect, learn from peers, and grow through events and networking opportunities.

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Shruthi Kannapiran

ITM SLC Officer

The SLC helped me a lot in the beginning- from choosing the right courses to improving my resume and connecting with peers. The ITM program strikes a great balance between technical and management skills, which prepares you well for real – world roles.

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Riya Ravishankar

ITM SLC Officer

The ITM program excels in blending academic depth with real-world relevance, offering specialized tracks and experiential learning that align with today’s tech landscape. Its dynamic structure empowers students to take charge of their career paths with confidence. What truly sets the ITM SLC apart is its student-driven mission—fostering mentorship, championing collaboration, and cultivating a close-knit, forward-looking community.

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Soumya Gururajachar Dharwad

ITM SLC Officer

The MS in ITM program at UT Dallas stands out for its industry-relevant curriculum, diverse specializations, and strong corporate connections. The blend of technical and management courses allows students to gain both analytical and strategic skills, making it highly valuable for careers in technology, analytics, and product management. The ITM SLC enhances the student journey by offering academic support, career development, and valuable networking opportunities, empowering students to succeed both academically and professionally.

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Humaira Afreen

ITM SLC Officer

What I love about the ITM program at UT Dallas is how it perfectly blends technical depth with leadership development. It’s not just about learning systems and data, but about becoming a strategic thinker in tech. The ITM Student Leadership Council (SLC) is one of the most dynamic and supportive student communities at UT Dallas. What makes it truly special is how it empowers students to lead from the front, whether that’s organizing high-impact events, building industry connections, or mentoring peers. It’s a space where creativity, collaboration, and leadership thrive.

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Jagannatha Shah Arsid

ITM SLC Officer

One of the things I really appreciate about the ITM SLC and the ITM program is the Coffee Chat — a fantastic event that creates an open and friendly space to connect with program directors, as well as both new and current students with brilliant minds. It’s a great opportunity to exchange ideas, ask questions, and feel more connected to the community.

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Khushi Shah

ITM SLC Officer

The course has multiple tracks which allows a student to choose different subjects. Moreover, the professors are even quite helpful.

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Aakanksha Shekhar Khare

ITM SLC Officer

The ITM SLC offers leadership and networking opportunities, helping students develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills while contributing to the IT and management community. The ITM program’s interdisciplinary approach blends technical and business skills, giving students a competitive edge.

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Dukul Bhardwaj

ITM SLC Officer

What I appreciate most about the ITM Student Leadership Council (SLC) is its commitment to building a strong, collaborative community among students, while providing opportunities for leadership, networking, and professional development. It empowers students to take initiative, organize impactful events, and connect with industry leaders. The ITM program itself offers a perfect balance between business and technology, supported by a flexible curriculum, strong industry connections, and a diverse student body—creating an enriching environment for both academic and personal growth.

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AK Gupta

ITM SLC Officer

I really like the ITM program because of all the networking opportunities; it’s helped me meet people from so many different backgrounds, and I’ve learned a lot just from those conversations. And with SLC, I like that it’s all about students helping students. I think it’s a great way to give back and support others, especially the ones who are just getting started here.

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Sankalp Suresh Sawant

ITM SLC Officer

What makes the ITM program truly special is its flexibility—it lets students shape their journey based on what excites them most, whether it’s data, innovation, or a specialized path like Cybersecurity. The curriculum blends technical depth with real-world relevance, preparing us not just for jobs, but for careers with impact. Being part of the ITM Student Leadership Council means more than just leadership, it’s about building a supportive community, helping fellow students find their path, and growing together. It’s a place where we’re encouraged to step up, explore new opportunities, and become confident leaders in a constantly evolving tech world.

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Brianna Anderson

ITM SLC Officer

I really like the community and friendships I have made through the ITM Program.

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Uday Sai Chaganti

ITM SLC Officer

The ITM program at UT Dallas offers a comprehensive and engaging academic experience, enabling students to tailor their coursework to match their interests or pursue focused tracks such as Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, or IT Strategy. A defining feature of the program is the ITM Student Leadership Council (SLC), which provides students with valuable opportunities to support the campus community by mentoring new students and guiding peers through their academic journey. The SLC helps students develop essential leadership and career-ready skills, encouraging them to take initiative and make meaningful contributions that prepare them for future success.

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Chitra Londhe

ITM SLC Officer

What I like about the ITM Student Leadership Council: What I appreciate about the ITM SLC is that it provides students like me with an opportunity to be involved beyond the classroom. It is a space where we can share feedback, help plan events, and work on ideas that make a difference in the program. I enjoy being part of a team that is focused on building a stronger student community and improving the overall ITM experience for everyone. What I like about the ITM Program: The ITM program at UT Dallas strikes a great balance between technical skills and business knowledge. I like that we get exposure to real-world tools and concepts while also learning how to apply them in a business setting. The variety of courses and flexibility in choosing a concentration make it easy to align with my career goals. Plus, the faculty are approachable and supportive, and there is a strong sense of community among the students.

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Muskan Jethani

ITM SLC Officer

Through a friendly and cooperative environment created by the ITM Student Leadership Council, students feel connected and supported all through their academic path. I value how often SLC plans events, seminars, and networking chances that enable students to advance both personally and professionally. The ITM program itself is orderly and provides a good mix of technical knowledge and business sense. With its wide range of courses and committed staff, the program gives students practical skills very relevant in the employment market.

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