The MSDS Student Leadership Council: School of Professional Studies

The MSDS Student Leadership Council

The Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) at Northwestern University is one of the fastest growing and most established Data Science programs in the United States. The purpose of MSDS Student Leadership Council (SLC) is to help foster relationships among students in the program, alumni, and world-renowned industry professionals. The MSDS SLC creates opportunities and events that allow students and alumni of the program to grow their knowledge of Data Science and their professional networks. All MSDS students and alumni are welcome to participate. Visit our SPS Graduate Program Events page to learn more about past and upcoming events.

Applications for 2026-2027 SLC positions are now open!

Applications will be for a newly-merged and joint student organization for students and alumni in the Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS/ADS) or Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS/AIS). Students in either of these programs are welcome to apply for any position, except the MSIS Alumni Liaison, which must be a graduate from the MSIS/AIS program. Click on the SLC Application for more information and to apply!

For more information about the MSDS Student Leadership Council and student events and opportunities, please see the FAQs or CONTACT SLC below.

SLC MEMBERS SLC FAQs contact SLC

Vision Statement

Graduates of Northwestern’s Master of Science in Data Science will feel a sense of comradery with their classmates and a deep understanding of the Data Science field in practice.

Mission Statement

The MSDS Student Leadership Council strives to serve the program by broadening awareness of Data Science in practice and building a sense of community in the graduate program.

2025–2026 MSDS Student Leadership Council Members

PRESIDENT

Apoorv Saraogee

Apoorv Saraogee Apoorv has a research background in biomedical engineering and is currently pursuing a thesis in the MSDS program related to neuroimaging. He has worked in both industry and academic roles. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, playing with his cat and spending time with family.

Email | LinkedIn

VICE PRESIDENT

Tayyab Malik

Tayyab Malik is the founder of MSP Resources Inc., where he leads global IT staffing and managed services initiatives for U.S.-based organizations. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Information Systems with a specialization in Management, with interests in data-driven decision making, technology strategy, and leadership. Outside of school and work, Tayyab enjoys aviation, following emerging technology trends, and spending time with family and friends.

COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR

Ram Milanes

Ram Milanes Rainier (Ram) Milanes is a professional specializing in data privacy and digital policy. Bridging a background in law with his MSIS studies, he focuses on the intersection of technology governance, risk, and compliance. Ram is a passionate advocate for ethical technology, personal data protection, and safeguarding digital trust. In his free time, he enjoys tinkering with things, exploring new destinations, and capturing scenic photography.

EVENT COORDINATOR CHAIR

James Bruning

James Bruning is currently a data engineer at Northwestern University. He helps build out the data architecture and platform to provide high-quality data sets for analysis, enabling business leaders to make more informed decisions. In his free time, James enjoys reading, traveling with his girlfriend, and playing in intramural sports.

ALUMNI LIAISON CHAIR (MSDS)

Vani Dhir

Vani Dhir Vani currently works as a Product Manager at TD Bank, where she focuses on delivering impactful experiences to credit card customers through innovative features and enhancements. Her role involves leveraging customer insights and market trends to drive the development of strategic solutions that enhance user satisfaction and loyalty. She completed her Master of Science in Data Science in 2022. Outside of work, Vani enjoys exploring literature, staying active through hiking, and traveling to unique destinations with her husband.

Email | LinkedIn

ALUMNI LIAISON CHAIR (MSIS)

Courtney Felt

Courtney Felt is an IT Senior Manager with over a decade of experience leading large-scale technology and data-driven transformations across HR, engineering, finance, and logistics. She earned her MSIS degree with a concentration in Database and Internet Technologies while working full time. Her passion lies in modernizing IT systems and enabling better business decisions through data and scalable architecture. Outside of work, she enjoys sand volleyball, swimming, and attending live music events.

GENERAL COUNCIL - STUDENT LIAISON

Joseph Cohen

Joseph Cohen is the Student Liaison specializing in AI in the MSDS program. With experience in data science roles at multiple tech startups, he combines academic rigor with practical expertise. Outside of work, Joseph enjoys making music, particularly playing guitar, and staying active through sports and running. In 2024, he competed in four national tournaments across the US, including ice hockey, baseball, and football.

Email | LinkedIn

GENERAL COUNCIL - SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Eden Wagari

Eden Wagari is a Library Assistant at Northwestern University in Qatar, where she supports departmental communications, social media planning, and design initiatives. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Media and Communication from Northwestern University. Her research interests lie in social data science, applying machine learning and data-driven methods to study social phenomena. In her free time, Eden enjoys running, hiking, surfing, kitesurfing, and spending time with family, friends, and her cat Lucy.

GENERAL COUNCIL - ANALYTICS COORDINATOR

Abudullah Sami

Abdullah Sami is a graduate student in the MS in Data Science program at Northwestern University’s School of Professional Studies and currently serves as the Analytics Coordinator for the MSDS/MSIS Student Leadership Council. He has experience in data analytics and business intelligence, with strong interests in data-driven decision-making and leadership. Outside of academics, Abdullah enjoys playing cricket, staying active at the gym, and mentoring fellow students.

Contact the MSDS Student Leadership Council

We love hearing from you! Do you have questions or feedback for us? Please feel free to contact us via the form below. A member of the council will respond to your inquiry shortly.

MSDS Student Leadership Council FAQs

How are Student Leadership Council (SLC) members selected?

The MSDS Student Leadership Council was approved and established in fall of 2019 and the inaugural members were selected for the first term (2020–21). Students and alumni are informed of the application and selection process in the fall of each year. The roles are staggered, so every year there are positions that need to be filled.
The selection process includes the following:
• Application
• Statement of Purpose
• Résumé
• Interview with Faculty Advisor, Administrator Advisor and SLC Members
A rubric is used to assess each applicant and includes behavioral questions and questions about leadership experience.

What is the purpose of the SLC?

Vision Statement: Graduates of Northwestern’s Master of Science in Data Science will feel a sense of comradery with their classmates and a deep understanding of the Data Science field in practice.

Mission Statement: The MSDS Student Leadership Council strives to serve the program by broadening awareness of Data Science in practice and building a sense of community in the graduate program.

SLC aims to achieve its mission and vision by conducting events and projects. Some past projects include:

Career Data Science Events
Data Science Case Study Events
Establishing a communication and relationship management platform
Engaging alumni and students through activities (e.g.: MSDS t-shirt campaign, etc.)

Is SLC a volunteer-based organization?

Yes, these are student and alumni volunteers. Each member is committed to a two-year term per the role and responsibility.

What are the roles and responsibilities of each SLC position?

At a high-level, each SLC member is responsible for the following:

Serving their role for a two-year term, regardless of the graduation status.
Members must attend regular meetings as determined by the SLC and a SLC meeting with Faculty Advisors and Administrator Advisors on a monthly basis.
Each member must be responsible for tasks, activities and projects that is pertinent to their overall responsibility, in addition to supporting SLC as needed.

President

Central representative of SLC
Determines SLC priorities with input from members
Delegate tasks to SLC members and follow up
Ensure continuation of SLC for following years
Be present for all events
Ensure all tasks for events and initiatives are completed

Vice President

Lead the scheduling and execution of SLC meetings
Provide logistical assistance
Assist President with following up on member tasks
Act in place of President when needed
Keep minutes from all meetings

Communications Chair

Ensure event information is distributed through the CRM application
Aide in managing and promoting activities on various social media platforms
Manage the database and ensure its accuracy

Event Coordinator Chair

Lead coordination of events including contacting presenters
Provide logistical assistance and ensure tasks for events are completed
Act as host at events

Finance Chair

Track all expenses and keep SLC informed
Work directly with vendors on purchase orders or events
Make sure to collect invoices for payment

Alumni Chair

Manage contact of alumni and capture active students when they are completing the program
Ensure alumni are involved and participate in various SLC events and projects
Act as contact for alumni that want to become involved

What do SLC members formally agree to with their participation?

In addition to adhering to their specific responsibilities, each SLC member must sign the University established bylaws that covers items such as, non-discriminatory policies, decorum, and etc.

How can comments or feedback be shared with the SLC?

The best way to contact SLC is to complete the contact form via the MSDS SLC webpage on the School of Professional Studies (SPS) website.

Can SLC merchandise be purchased?

No. However, students are entered into drawings where they are eligible to receive MSDS SLC merchandise when they register for and attend program events.

Does SLC collect student or alumni information?

In an effort to engage and grow the alumni community, we ask for general information (e.g.: name, phone, email, professional information, etc.) prior to graduation. This allows SLC to contact alumni and keep them informed of events and activities after their graduation. Most alumni do not keep their Northwestern email address active so it is difficult to connect with them after the program.
SLC adheres to the School of Professional Studies privacy policy.