People / Students / Class of 2024
Xiyi Lin graduated Summa Cum Laude from Stony Brook University with double majors in Applied Mathematics & Statistics and Economics. In addition to her major fields of study, she also pursued a minor in Korean Studies out of personal interest, where she studied the Korean language for about two years. Her undergraduate studies have prepared her well with comprehensive theoretical knowledge and experiences in various practical projects, providing a solid foundation for her further growth in the industry. During her first two years of college, Xiyi primarily encountered superficial economic theories and formulas in her economics studies. However, her interest in data science was sparked when she took an econometrics class that required a practical project using an online database. Working with her groupmates, Xiyi explored the topic of the effect of education level on salary. As the project leader, she conducted data search, gathering, cleaning, and analysis. Through exchanging ideas and running six different models in RStudio, they ultimately arrived at the most suitable solution. This firsthand experience with data allowed Xiyi to realize her ability to apply analytical skills and make meaningful contributions, further strengthening her dedication to working in the data science field. Taking classes such as statistical theory, data analysis, machine learning, numerical analysis, econometrics, and operations research using Python, R, SAS, and MATLAB, Xiyi honed her analytical abilities to solve real-life problems. As a mathematics teaching assistant and through research experience in cybersecurity topics under formal guidance, she had the opportunity to sharpen her skills in quantitative research, communication, and leadership. Xiyi is thrilled to join the MSiA program at Northwestern University and meet her talented classmates with diverse experiences and backgrounds. As a career-oriented individual, she looks forward to receiving direct industry training and gaining practical knowledge to advance her professional growth through both the practicum and capstone experiences. Xiyi is eager to face challenges alongside her close-knit cohort and fully immerse herself in the experiential learning environment to enhance her data science skills, drive innovation, and push the boundaries of what is possible.
