Meet the Class of 2019: Senior Spotlights
The class of 2019 will soon graduate and venture off to make an impact in all areas of industry all over the the globe. But who are the class of 2019?
Read on to learn more about some of our graduates, what they liked most about IEOR, and what they plan to do next.
Chelsea Yang
Major: M.Eng IEOR
IEOR: What are your post-graduation plans (Grad school, industry, travel, etc.)?
Chelsea Yang: Working in an American financial service company.
IEOR: What is your favorite IEOR class and why?
Chelsea Yang: Data-X. My first step to machine learning industry, and the course project cooperated with a company really helps me know how to solve an industrial problem by machine learning and attract many companies to interview me during my job search process.
IEOR: What is your favorite Cal memory?
Chelsea Yang: I joined Step, an organization to help people who have a business idea to learn how to push their product to market. It is a ten-week program, and members are from Haas, engineering and law school, my team is using machine learning to predict autoimmune diseases, and we have won the fifth prize in the final competition (out of 25 teams) judged by many big name venture capital companies like GSV, The House Fund and Arrow Capital.
IEOR: What is your advice to younger IEOR students?
Chelsea Yang: Take every opportunity to know more people in Cal, they are truly talented, creative and positive. And there are many organization on campus worth to join in.
IEOR: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Chelsea Yang: There are many fantastic classes in other departments, it is definitely worthwhile to take a look at those classes.
Camille Stuczynski
Major: B.S. IEOR
IEOR: What are your post-graduation plans (Grad school, industry, travel, etc.)?
Camille Stuczynski: Full time at AT&T in the Leadership Development Program.
IEOR: What is your favorite IEOR class and why?
Camille Stuczynski: IEOR 162 because it’s so fun to find the optimal solution!
IEOR: What is your favorite Cal memory?
Camille Stuczynski: Being featured in the Berkeley Engineering welcome postcards that are sent out to all the freshmen! It was a huge honor to be recognized for all the good work I’d done for Phi Sigma Rho
IEOR: What is your advice to younger IEOR students?
Camille Stuczynski: Take CS 61B pass/no pass! It’s a fun class, you learn a lot programming, it better prepares you for any interviews that might require a technical background and it’s very satisfying to accomplish!
IEOR: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Camille Stuczynski: I love the IEOR staff! They are exceptional!
Lucie Kresl
Major: B.S. IEOR
IEOR: What are your post-graduation plans (Grad school, industry, travel, etc.)?
Lucie Kresl: Industry – Technology
IEOR: What is your favorite IEOR class and why?
Lucie Kresl: My favorite IEOR class 150 because of the cases Professor Yano gave us. The class helped us think in terms of real world situations and pushed us beyond the classroom.
IEOR: What is your advice to younger IEOR students?
Lucie Kresl: Get to know the people in your major, but also push yourself to get to know other people. College is all about creating relationships and pushing yourself.
Aditya Tyagi
Major: IEOR, minor in EECS
IEOR: What are your post-graduation plans (Grad school, industry, travel, etc.)?
Aditya Tyagi: MS in Analytics at Northwestern University in the Fall. In the summer between, I’m interning at Symantec SF as a Software Engineer, in their Data Loss Prevention (DLP) team.
IEOR: What is your favorite IEOR class and why?
Aditya Tyagi: My favorite IEOR class was IEOR142 – Machine Learning & Data Analytics by Prof. Grigas. I was genuinely interested in the class and this was reflected by the effort I made. I worked on a solo analytics project that received acclaim from the Professor. He also later invited me to join the class’s course staff. IEOR142 also played a key role in convincing me to pursue a graduate degree in analytics.
At a larger level, IEOR142 teaches a set of skills that will become fundamental to the way IEOR is practiced in the future, and represents a futuristic direction to IEOR department’s course offerings.
IEOR: What is your favorite Cal memory?
Aditya Tyagi: Dancing Salsa at Hearst Gym! During my Senior year, I looked forward to it each week, and I was transported to a different time & place. It soon became my passion, made me happier, and introduced me to a new culture. A lot of my classmates recall me dancing randomly in class!
IEOR: What is your advice to younger IEOR students?
Aditya Tyagi:
- IEOR is broad, so it can be anything you make of it. In particular, IEOR + specific application/domain knowledge make for a winning combination! Perhaps, do a minor in another Engineering field (I did one in EECS), complete a certificate program in Design, etc.
- Cal is a place full of opportunities; seize them! Some examples:
- Academically/Professionally: You can learn anything under the sun here — not just IEOR. From world-class Sanskrit, to History, STEM, and everything in between! Also, use the Library to borrow some amazing casual reading material. Finally, IEOR Professors/grad students are generally receptive to research requests.
- Physically: You get access to world-class gyms, and sports facilities. Utilize them! Learn a new sport, or develop a great physique.
- Personally: Outside of class hours, you can grow limitlessly as a person. You can learn salsa for free (like I did), any musical instrument (which I didn’t), public speaking, and the list goes on.
- Socially: There are a plethora of clubs on campus. Aim to join a new one every semester. They allow you to polish your social skills (useful as an Engineer), and also maximize your learning experiences.
- Weather the storm and resurface when the coast is clear! Sometimes at Cal, you will find that you’re stuck in a rut. It’s not a bad thing to take a break, reflect, and come back stronger. Making an effort/trying is infinitely more important than the end result. And never compare yourself to others at Cal (except to learn from them). Just be yourself.
A final quote I’d like to leave you with: What counts is not the number of breaths in your life, but the amount of life in your breaths!
Michelle Satkin
Major: M.Eng IEOR
IEOR: What are your post-graduation plans (Grad school, industry, travel, etc.)?
Michelle Satkin: Industry
IEOR: What is your favorite IEOR class and why?
Michelle Satkin: IEOR 242, because learned how to use so many useful tools!
IEOR: What is your favorite Cal memory?
Michelle Satkin: M.Eng alumni happy hour!
IEOR: What is your advice to younger IEOR students?
Michelle Satkin: Think about the specific job you’d like to have (or not have) when you graduate and use that to guide your course selection.
Sruthi Thomas
Major: M. Eng IEOR
IEOR: What are your post-graduation plans (Grad school, industry, travel, etc.)?
Sruthi Thomas: I will be starting as a Program Manager with Microsoft in their supply chain team.
IEOR: What is your favorite IEOR class and why?
Sruthi Thomas: I loved Prof. Adler’s Optimization Analytics and Prof. Grigas Applications in Data Analysis classes. Both classes were well organized and I found them extremely useful in terms of industry applications.
IEOR: What is your favorite Cal memory?
Sruthi Thomas: Meeting someone new every other day.
IEOR: What is your advice to younger IEOR students?
Sruthi Thomas: Hard work and passion take you long way. Stay motivated and you will see the results!
IEOR: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Sruthi Thomas: Thank you Cal, IEOR and Fung for an amazing experience.
Kate Xu
Major: B.A. ORMS
IEOR: What are your post-graduation plans (Grad school, industry, travel, etc.)?
Kate Xu: Industry
IEOR: What is your favorite IEOR class and why?
Kate Xu: IEOR 266: I really like Graph Theory and Professor Hochbaum is amazing.
IEOR: What is your favorite Cal memory?
Kate Xu: Performing in dance showcases
IEOR: What is your advice to younger IEOR students?
Kate Xu: Take classes that interest you!
Ramon Lim
Major: M. Eng IEOR
IEOR: What are your post-graduation plans (Grad school, industry, travel, etc.)?
Ramon Lim: Continue my career in IT management enriched by all the learning from this program.
IEOR: What is your favorite IEOR class and why?
Ramon Lim: IEOR 242 – Real world learning about data analysis
IEOR: What is your favorite Cal memory?
Ramon Lim: This is my third CAL experience. My favorite memories are always working with students from all walks of life.
IEOR: What is your advice to younger IEOR students?
Ramon Lim: Explore things you would not normally explore to learn
Smita Balaji
Major: B.S. IEOR
IEOR: What are your post-graduation plans (Grad school, industry, travel, etc.)?
Smita Balaji: Industry Consulting
IEOR: What is your favorite IEOR class and why?
Smita Balaji: IEOR 142 – Professor Grigas is a great teacher and the skills in R and machine learning I learned in this class are so applicable to future industry work. Plus, the final project was a really great way to apply our knowledge in a practical setting.
IEOR: What is your favorite Cal memory?
Smita Balaji: Hiking in the fire trails and sitting out on the glade on a nice warm Berkeley day!
IEOR: What is your advice to younger IEOR students?
Smita Balaji: Get to know people in your major! One of the huge advantages of IEOR is it’s a small community within this giant public university so take advantage of it. Get to know your peers, form study groups, hang out on the weekends – they may become your best friends.
Wenbo Zhu
Major: M.Eng IEOR
IEOR: What are your post-graduation plans (Grad school, industry, travel, etc.)?
Wenbo Zhu: Industry
IEOR: What is your favorite IEOR class and why?
Wenbo Zhu: I enjoyed IEOR 290 because it is useful and practical.
IEOR: What is your favorite Cal memory?
Wenbo Zhu: I enjoyed hanging with friends.
IEOR: What is your advice to younger IEOR students?
Wenbo Zhu: Stay foolish. Stay hungry.
Nicholas Lofgren
Major: B.S. IEOR
IEOR: What are your post-graduation plans (Grad school, industry, travel, etc.)?
Nicholas Lofgren: Industry (Undecided)
IEOR: What is your favorite IEOR class and why?
Nicholas Lofgren: IEOR 115. Not only was the class taught in a very engaging manner by Professor Goldberg, but through the 10 person project team I was able to meet many amazing people in other disciplines.
IEOR: What is your favorite Cal memory?
Nicholas Lofgren: Rushing the field at multiple football games was one of those college experiences I had envisioned, and it certainly did not disappoint.
IEOR: What is your advice to younger IEOR students?
Nicholas Lofgren: Branch out. So many great student organizations provide a great start, but just simply talking to people in line with people while you wait for coffee may introduce you to a great friend or mentor. Berkeley has a lot of amazing people but it is all up to you to actually get to know them.
IEOR: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Nicholas Lofgren: The IEOR department and its students have given me a second home in Berkeley, and I am so thankful to have found myself in this major.
Emma Hsu
Major: B.S. IEOR & Economics
IEOR: What are your post-graduation plans (Grad school, industry, travel, etc.)?
Emma Hsu: I will be traveling over summer, and then in September I will be starting as a Business Technology Analyst at Deloitte in Boston.
IEOR: What is your favorite IEOR class and why?
Emma Hsu: IEOR 166 because it was very interesting to learn about decision analytics, and understand decision making in a mathematical sense.
IEOR: What is your advice to younger IEOR students?
Emma Hsu: Enjoy your time at Cal and try to take classes outside of IEOR if you have the time. There are so many cool classes in other departments. Also, don’t be afraid to try new things, if you want to do something just go for it!
Zijing Shan
Major: M.Eng IEOR
IEOR: What are your post-graduation plans (Grad school, industry, travel, etc.)?
Zijing Shan: Industry
IEOR: What is your favorite IEOR class and why?
Zijing Shan: IEOR 253. Prof.Shen and his GTA Sheng really care about us and give great insights on how we could apply supply chain knowledge in industries.
IEOR: What is your favorite Cal memory?
Zijing Shan: I will miss those all kinds of beautiful trees on Cal campus.
IEOR: What is your advice to younger IEOR students?
Zijing Shan: Use faculty as great resources to learn about the real industries.
Jim Xu
Major: B.A. ORMS & Public Policy Minor
IEOR: What are your post-graduation plans (Grad school, industry, travel, etc.)?
Jim Xu: I will begin working at PwC in San Francisco but planning to pursue a PhD!
IEOR: What is your favorite IEOR class and why?
Jim Xu: IEOR 173. I have absolutely hated probability ever since taking Stat 134 (I’ve learned my lesson), but IEOR 173 places probability concepts under a new light and in applicable ways. Realizing how the concepts work feels very rewarding.
IEOR: What is your favorite Cal memory?
Jim Xu: Watching the sunset at the Campanile for the first time freshman year.
IEOR: What is your advice to younger IEOR students?
Jim Xu: Do not ever be afraid of reaching to professors; they can offer some pretty cool insights into their fields that you might want to engage more with. Also, helping your fellow peers is extremely important and rewarding!
Aimee Largier
Major: B.S. IEOR
IEOR: What are your post-graduation plans (Grad school, industry, travel, etc.)?
Aimee Largier: Industry
IEOR: What is your favorite IEOR class and why?
Aimee Largier: My favorite class is definitely IEOR 172. It is the first real foray into the world of IEOR and Professor Righter makes it endlessly engaging.
IEOR: What is your favorite Cal memory?
Aimee Largier: I was sitting in Bechtel one day and a guy came up behind me and tapped me on the shoulder – I didn’t even slightly recognize him. He then told me that I was his tour guide when he was a prospect student touring Cal and that my tour had made him choose IEOR as his major and been a major part of him deciding Cal was the right school for him. I have never felt so proud.
IEOR: What is your advice to younger IEOR students?
Aimee Largier: Talk to the people in your classes. IEOR self-selects some really amazing people and if you can make connections with those people it will change your college experience in ways you can’t even imagine.
Arthur Chen
Major: B.A. ORMS
IEOR: What are your post-graduation plans (Grad school, industry, travel, etc.)?
Arthur Chen: I plan to return home to San Diego before finding work as a research assistant in economics, before applying for an economics Ph.D.
IEOR: What is your favorite Cal memory?
Arthur Chen: My favorite IEOR course was IEOR 131, Discrete Event Simulation. It forced me to deal with real problems of applied modeling. I also expect that it will prove useful throughout my career.
IEOR: What is your advice to younger IEOR students?
Arthur Chen: The ORMS degree is surprisingly powerful. The basic math requirements will fulfill the math prerequisites for almost every non-mathematics department undergraduate class. The combination of math, statistics, programming, and business sense transfers very easily to technical, yet enjoyable jobs, as well as graduate school. Try to find your limits. I’ve made many mistakes over my college career – under-exerting myself in the beginning and overexerting myself at the end.
IEOR: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Arthur Chen: I never felt like an ORMS student, since I only took two IEOR courses. I always thought of myself as belonging to the economics department.
Arjun Bidesi
Major: M.Eng IEOR
IEOR: What are your post-graduation plans (Grad school, industry, travel, etc.)?
Arjun Bidesi: Build our startup ‘GenomEdge’
IEOR: What is your favorite IEOR class and why?
Arjun Bidesi: IEOR 240 – Ilan Adler’s explains concepts very easily.
IEOR: What is your advice to younger IEOR students?
Arjun Bidesi: Explore the Berkeley ecosystem – you will be amazed by the support system across anything and everything that you’d ever want to pursue or build.
Aummul Baneen Manasawala
Major: M.S. IEOR
IEOR: What are your post-graduation plans (Grad school, industry, travel, etc.)?
Aummul Baneen Manasawala: Industry (Supply Chain Analyst, Maxim Integrated)
IEOR: What is your favorite IEOR class and why?
Aummul Baneen Manasawala: IEOR 262A, because it is crisply structured and superbly delivered by Prof Atamturk. It strikes the right balance of being fun and challenging.
IEOR: What is your favorite Cal memory?
Aummul Baneen Manasawala: Frisbee games with friends while soaking the sun in at Memorial Glade
IEOR: What is your advice to younger IEOR students?
Aummul Baneen Manasawala: Don’t let the academic workload keep you from having fun with the amazing people around and to use the ample opportunities Berkeley provides to get involved in the causes that matter to you.
Uday Kumar R K
Major: M.Eng IEOR
IEOR: What are your post-graduation plans (Grad school, industry, travel, etc.)?
Uday Kumar: Industry
IEOR: What is your favorite IEOR class and why?
Uday Kumar: CS61B, Josh Hug’s energy is infectious!
IEOR: What is your favorite Cal memory?
Uday Kumar: Watching the Cal band perform.
IEOR: What is your advice to younger IEOR students?
Uday Kumar: Help is always here at Cal for those who ask for it. So ask for it.
Ebru Kasikaralar
Major: B.S. IEOR
IEOR: What are your post-graduation plans (Grad school, industry, travel, etc.)?
Ebru Kasikaralar: I will be doing PhD in Management Science and Operations Management at Chicago Booth.
IEOR: What is your favorite IEOR class and why?
Ebru Kasikaralar: My favorite IEOR class was IEOR 180, senior project. I really liked being able to work on a project with a client. The most fun part was to be able to apply all that I have learned at UC Berkeley in a real-world setting and also to come up with a solution that the client can implement into their operations.
IEOR: What is your favorite Cal memory?
Ebru Kasikaralar: My favorite Cal memory is when my team got placed the first place in Charles River Associates Consulting Case Competition. Kaitlyn, my very good friend and also an IEOR alumna, and I were invited to have lunch with the executives in the company to hear the results. When they read our names as the winners, we got very surprised and spent the rest of the day taking selfies together.
IEOR: What is your advice to younger IEOR students?
Ebru Kasikaralar: I would recommend them to be aware of the opportunities that are out there and also start looking for them as early as possible. If they want to go to grad school, they should be exposed to a research environment or if they want to go into industry, they should start having work experience as early as possible. Also going to IISE events to get to know other IEOR majors can be very useful since you will get to do a lot of group projects with them in your upper div IEOR classes.
Yingxin Chen
Major: M.S. IEOR
IEOR: What are your post-graduation plans (Grad school, industry, travel, etc.)?
Yingxin Chen: Industry
IEOR: What is your favorite IEOR class and why?
Yingxin Chen: I liked the Application of Data Analysis class because it put machine learning methods into practice
IEOR: What is your favorite Cal memory?
Yingxin Chen: My favorite memory was doing the M.S. case study.
IEOR: What is your advice to younger IEOR students?
Yingxin Chen: Enjoy the life here!
