Data Science Association

The GW Data Science Association (GW DSA) was founded in January 2020 by data science graduate students and alumni. Their mission is to build a bridge for all data science students, including alumni, with the larger data science community across the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia) and to create a collaborative environment for all University students interested in the field of data science. Membership is open to any University student interested in Data Science.

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Meet the Officers

Wali Ahmed Siddiqui
President

w [dot] siddiquigwu [dot] edu (w[dot]siddiqui[at]gwu[dot]edu)

I’m a current Data Science graduate student at GWU with a background in Computer Systems Engineering. I’ve worked in travel tech and consulting, turning complex data into impactful insights. I'm excited to serve as the current president of DSA. Outside of academics, I enjoy the gym and playing soccer.

Naiska Buyandalai
Vice President

naiskabgwu [dot] edu (naiskab[at]gwu[dot]edu)

Hi! I’m a current Master’s student in Data Science at George Washington University. My background spans economics, information management, and the bitcoin mining industry, where I’ve worked on large-scale data analytics projects to optimize performance and operational efficiency. As a vice president, I’m passionate about fostering collaboration between data science and other disciplines, connecting students with industry professionals, and expanding opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students. Outside of academics, I enjoy horseback riding, working out, and learning new languages.

Abigail Zurasky
Relations Chairperson

abigail [dot] zuraskygwu [dot] edu (abigail[dot]zurasky[at]gwu[dot]edu)

Hi, my name is Abby Zurasky and I am an undergraduate majoring in data science with a concentration in biotechnology. I have experience working on research projects analyzing large-scale patient data. Outside of academics, I enjoy running, watching Portland Trail Blazers games, and playing soccer, and I am excited to serve as the relations chairperson.

Anushka Asar
Events & Initiatives Chairperson

anushka [dot] asargwmail [dot] gwu [dot] edu (anushka[dot]asar[at]gwmail[dot]gwu[dot]edu)

Hi, my name is Anushka Asar and I am an undergraduate student double majoring in Biology and Data Science. I have a background in research and data analysis. As the Events and Initiatives Chairperson, I hope to execute engaging and informative events. In my free time, I enjoy going for walks, reading, and watching F1.

Jeongwon Yoo
Communications Chairperson

Jeongwon [dot] yoogwu [dot] edu (Jeongwon[dot]yoo[at]gwu[dot]edu)

Hello, I’m Jeongwon Yoo from South Korea. I’m a graduate student in Data Science at GWU, after completing my BFA in Japan. With a background in visual arts, content organization, and social media strategy, I bring a creative approach to my role as Communications Chair. I’m excited to share DSA’s activities and connect students across platforms. Outside of school, I enjoy watching movies and shows, reading, building miniatures, and exploring different kinds of tea.

Sneha Singh
Finance Chairperson

sneha [dot] singhgwmail [dot] gwu [dot] edu (sneha[dot]singh[at]gwmail[dot]gwu[dot]edu)

Hi, my name is Sneha Singh and I am an undergraduate double majoring in data science and finance. I’ve worked on projects analyzing consumer spending trends, foreign exchange trading strategies, and financial performance data. Outside of academics, I enjoy watching movies, dance, and reading, and I am excited to serve as the finance chairperson!

Hannah Koyfman
Secretary

hannah [dot] koyfmangwu [dot] edu (hannah[dot]koyfman[at]gwu[dot]edu)

Hi! My name is Hannah Koyfman, and I am a junior double majoring in Data Science and International Affairs. I am particularly interested in using data science for policy analysis and business analytics. As secretary, I look forward to helping organize DSA to create opportunities for students to learn, connect, and grow in the field. Outside of data science, I love to travel, do art, and spend time with friends.

Past Events

The Data Science Association plans events geared towards connecting students together.

DS/CS Skills for Policy Impact | April 3, 2026

Curious how AI is shaping real-world policy decisions? The Data Science Association hosted a session on how technology is transforming policy-making from data to impact.

Title: DS/CS Skills for Policy Impact
Speaker: Morgan Sandler, Technical Analyst, RAND Corporation

Skills Needed in the AI Age, Mina Hanna | March 27, 2026

The DSA was joined by Mina Hanna, FinTech Product Development with Verizon. Mina's talk covered how the tech job market and employer expectations are evolving in the AI age. He walked through trends in tech hiring from 2016–2025, discussed how the shelf life of technical skills is shrinking dramatically in the AI era, and shared what employers are now looking for in STEM graduates, shifting from "can you produce output" to "can you reason, judge, and use AI tools effectively."

For more information from Mina's talk, check out his slides: "Tech Skill Evolution in the AI age."

DSA Annual Datathon | March 20th, 2026

The GW Data Science Association hosted its 2026 Datathon centered around the theme, “Data for Food Waste Policy Innovation" on Friday, March 20th. The event challenged students to leverage data to develop actionable policy solutions addressing food waste in the United States, working primarily with datasets from ReFED’s Food Waste Monitor. Read on to learn about the winning teams' projects:

1st Place: Three-Pillar Federal Policy Framework (Jasreen Mehta, M.S. Data Science & Tejas Nisar, M.S. Data Analytics)

Jasreen and Tejas developed a framework targeting the largest drivers of food waste, with their analysis showing that three cause-sector combinations account for over 70% of preventable food surplus. Their proposed federal strategy included farm-level interventions, foodservice efficiency improvements, and date label standardization to reduce consumer waste.

2nd Place: Food Waste Policy Intelligence Platform (Harshith Kadaru, M.S. Data Science & Akshara Tarikere, M.S. Computer Science)

Harshith and Akshara built an interactive platform combining machine learning integration and a policy simulation engine, ultimately proposing a five-pillar policy framework projected to reduce U.S. food waste.

3rd Place: Food Waste Reduction and Recovery Act (Divya Mistry, M.S. Data Science; Hritik Majgaonkar, M.S. Data Analytics; & Nidhi Naidu, M.S. Data Analytics)

Divya, Hritik, and Nidhi developed a federal policy with proposed legislation including standardized date labeling and mandatory donations of surplus foods.

DSA Meetup at Hotel Hive | December 12, 2025

Trivia Night | October 30, 2025

Trivia Night | October 8, 2021

Datathon | September 24, 2021