2026 Data Science Alumni Award Recipients

The UC Berkeley Data Science Undergraduate Studies (DSUS) program proudly recognizes the outstanding achievements of our 2026 alumni award recipients. These awards celebrate those who have leveraged their data science education to create meaningful impact in their communities, industries, or toward societal good.

2026 Annual Data Science Distinguished Alum

Ojasvi Khanna (B.A. 2022), Senior Data Scientist, Microsoft Xbox

Digital Sustainability & Community Stewardship

Ojasvi’s work illustrates the profound potential for data science to drive environmental sustainability within the global technology landscape. At Microsoft Xbox, she pioneered machine learning systems that predict user behavior to optimize energy consumption across millions of gaming devices. By architecting predictive models that transition hardware into low-power states and refine server resource allocation, she replaced reactive energy management with proactive, data-driven efficiency. These contributions serve as a compelling model for how technical optimization can achieve measurable carbon reduction at a global scale.

Parallel to her professional achievements, Ojasvi has emerged as a dedicated steward of the UC Berkeley data science community. Through her commitment to individualized mentorship and the development of career resources for the broader student and alumni network, she has been instrumental in strengthening the professional pipeline for students following in her footsteps. Ojasvi exemplifies the UC Berkeley ideal: a technical innovator who pairs professional excellence with a profound commitment to paying her success forward.

2026 Data Science Changemaker Award Recipients

Razi Mahmood (B.A. 2022), Graduate Student, University of British Columbia

Clinical Reliability & Trustworthy AI Infrastructure

Razi is transforming the landscape of healthcare AI by shifting the industry’s focus from model fluency to clinical safety. Motivated by a personal mission to reduce diagnostic errors, Razi has developed pioneering verification frameworks that safeguard against "hallucinations" in AI-generated radiology reports. His research, which includes the development of the RADCHECK dataset, a massive open-source resource of 24 million clinical data pairs, provides the critical infrastructure needed to fact-check AI outputs and catch mistakes before they reach a doctor. By implementing these safety layers in real-world settings like Massachusetts General Hospital, Razi is moving the field beyond mere technical performance toward a future of dependable, patient-centered care. His work, recognized in prestigious venues like CVPR and MICCAI, exemplifies the Berkeley Changemaker spirit: applying rigorous data science to build public trust in the technologies that protect our health.

Sepehr Khosravi (B.A. 2024), Founder, AI Squads; Machine Learning Engineer, Coinbase

AI Literacy & Educational Democratization

Sepehr Khosravi is a catalyst for technical education, dedicated to demystifying artificial intelligence for a global audience. As the founder of AI Squads, Sepehr has built a scalable learning platform that has attracted thousands of applicants from 60+ countries. By designing a no-cost, gamified curriculum focused on "vibe coding," he enables learners to translate ideas into fully functional products without prior programming experience. A celebrated instructor at UC Berkeley’s Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology (SCET) and a finalist for the Westly Social Entrepreneurship Award, Sepehr focuses his work on removing financial and technical barriers to entry. His decision to pivot AI Squads to a free, impact-first mission exemplifies the Berkeley Changemaker spirit: transforming professional success into a platform for global opportunity and community empowerment.

2026 UC Berkeley Data Science Community Award Recipients

Ashley Santos (B.A. 2024), Data Scientist, Warner Bros. Discovery

Inclusive, Authentic Mentorship

Ashley Santos is a transformative leader within the UC Berkeley data science community, dedicated to ensuring that every student feels a profound sense of belonging. As a first-generation Latina transfer student, Ashley turned her own search for community into a mission of service, becoming a foundational mentor for the Data Science Undergraduate Studies (DSUS) Career Connections program. Her courageous transparency regarding her personal journey has reshaped the program’s approach to mentorship, encouraging a culture of understanding and authenticity that resonates deeply with underrepresented students. From her role as a Senior Mentor to her leadership in hosting the first Bay Area alumni meetup, Ashley has consistently gone above and beyond, providing sustained, individualized coaching that bridges the gap between academic research and industry success. By serving as a vital point of contact for NavCal and a champion for future Data Scholars, Ashley is not just opening doors; she is building a community where students of all backgrounds can see themselves reflected in the highest levels of the field.

Nabeil Kizilbash (B.A. 2019), Data Scientist, Google

Professional Access and Support

Nabeil Kizilbash is a vital pillar of the UC Berkeley data science alumni network, distinguished by his consistent commitment to the professional success of undergraduates. Since the inception of the Data Science Undergraduate Studies (DSUS) Career Connections program, Nabeil has served as a reliable mentor, providing students with the technical interview guides and candid career coaching necessary to navigate the job market. A frequent presence on campus, he has shared his perspective as a featured speaker at the National Workshop on Data Science Education and at Homecoming, offering honest insights into the transition from campus to industry. Beyond direct mentorship, Nabeil has proactively used his professional network to expand access for others, offering referrals and networking advice that have directly resulted in first-career placements for fellow alumni. His contribution to the community is defined by his steadfast reliability, a leader who consistently steps forward to support students and ensure the continued growth of the Berkeley data science network.

Winson Truong (B.A. 2020), Senior Data Scientist, NVIDIA

Strategic Community Building

Winson Truong is a rising leader in the UC Berkeley data science community, dedicated to transforming the undergraduate experience from one of isolation to one of collective support. Drawing from his own journey of overcoming academic hurdles, Winson has become a vital partner to Data Science Undergraduate Studies (DSUS), pioneering new models for alumni engagement. As a Senior Mentor, he has moved beyond traditional 1:1 coaching to architect a more connected mentor network, launching initiatives such as the first in-person mentor meetup and a monthly collaborative dialogue for alumni leaders. Known for his "palpable energy" and strategic vision, Winson has been instrumental in helping students navigate the transition to industry, with mentees citing his patient guidance as a turning point in their professional confidence. His work reflects a deep-seated commitment to the Berkeley ideal of Fiat Lux, acting as a guiding light for others and ensuring that the data science community remains a welcoming home for all.