MEET OUR STUDENTS
Our interdisciplinary program attracts strong students from a variety of backgrounds. SDA alumni have been accepted into various graduate school programs and started careers that rely on their data analysis skills.
Rachel Way
Political Science Major
"Before enrolling in the SDA minor, I knew what kinds of problems I wanted to solve but I lacked the technical skills and experience to do so. This minor taught me where to gather data, how to analyze it, how to visualize it, and most importantly how to share my results with various audiences. I now use data effectively, both in my graduate research and as an analyst at a consulting firm."
Rachel is pursuing a Masters in Political Science at SFU.
Nathan Tesan
Economics Major, Concentration in Economic Data Analysis
"The SDA program showed me how to communicate my research effectively, a skill that is often taken for granted. In my current position, I am constantly imagining myself in my audience鈥檚 shoes to ensure that my messaging and visuals are understood."
"A highlight of the program is the community it is building. I found that it offers students the opportunity to connect with professors, alumni, and faculty on a personal level."
Nathan is working as a Data Analyst at Sprott Shaw College.
Gabrielle Wong
Human Geography, Certificate in Urban Studies
"Courses in the minor always reminded us not to take data as a given. It's instinct for me to question where information comes from, how it is produced, who benefits (and who does not!), and how to use social data in an ethical, transparent way."
"SDA courses gave me technical tools, particularly using R, that help me tell stories with data in new ways. For a past research assistant position, I used my statistics and data visualisation skills to design a map and graphs for a paper about the scope and effects of forestry activities in BC."
Gabrielle was the winner of the 2025 Gordon Shrum Medal and a FASS Undergraduate Fellow, and is pursuing a Masters in Geography at University of Toronto.
Sava Savkovik
Psychology Major
"By having a grasp of data analytics and being able to present my ideas in a clear and compelling way, I help inform decisions that have led to improved outcomes and increased community engagement in my current role.
"A highlight of the program is the professors. They are all extremely willing to help and are focused on your learning outcomes. Dr. Weldon is an awesome guy and great professor. He is very passionate about making sure his students are learning and growing."
Sava is working for the City of Coquitlam and preparing to attend law school.
Emmanuel Adegboyega
Political Science Major, 2025 Convocation Speaker
"The Capstone Project was such a unique opportunity to apply all that we have learnt in a concise way to address a real world problem. It was a project like no other assignment I have ever worked on and being able to do it in a group setting while working with Professors Steve and Kevin was one for the books!"
Emmanuel was SFSS President in 20205 and the student speaker at the 2025 Spring Convocation, and a FASS Undergraduate Fellow.
He is currently working with the BC provincial government before starting law school next year.