2025 COI Great Grads Fall

M.S. Health Informatics

For Betty Bajika, earning her master’s degree in health informatics from the University of North Texas is more than an academic milestone, it’s a testament to faith, resilience, and a deep commitment to serving others.

A first-generation college student and former foster youth, Betty’s path to graduation has been defined by perseverance and purpose. After moving to the United States from overseas at age nine with her younger sister and little knowledge of English, she faced daunting challenges like language barriers, cultural adjustments, and the instability of foster care. Yet through determination, prayer, and the support of mentors who believed in her, Betty turned each obstacle into an opportunity for growth.

“I chose health informatics because it allows me to combine my passion for patient care with my desire to improve healthcare systems,” Betty said. “I want to create environments where people are treated with dignity and have access to quality care, especially in underserved communities.”

As a student in UNT’s Department of Information Science, Betty has excelled both academically and athletically. She maintained a 3.7 GPA while competing as a Division I cross country and track athlete, earning honors such as MVP athlete, All-American Cross Country Conference, President’s List, and Dean’s List distinctions. Her experience as a student-athlete taught her discipline and teamwork, qualities that continue to shape her approach to leadership and service.

Betty’s impact extends far beyond the classroom and track. She leads Bible studies, mentors younger students, and volunteers at food banks and schools. Her faith and compassion are central to her life’s mission: to expand access to equitable, compassionate healthcare both locally and globally.

“Through my studies, I’ve learned how technology, data, and system design can improve patient care,” she said. “As I move forward into nursing school and pursue my DNP, I plan to use these skills to build clinics that serve low-income communities and support developing countries in strengthening their healthcare systems.”

Her nominators, Dr. Heejun Kim and Dayton Kinney, describe Betty as a shining example of optimism and servant leadership. “She embodies the spirit of UNT- a scholar, athlete, and servant leader who has triumphed through adversity and continues to inspire those around her,” Dr. Kim wrote.

For Betty, graduation is both a celebration and a beginning. Having already earned her bachelor’s degree early and now completing her master’s, she remains committed to using her education and experiences to uplift others.

“What I’m most proud of,” she said, “is that I stayed committed to the vision God blessed me with- to build something meaningful for myself and others. Every hardship taught me to lead with empathy, courage, and grace. My journey has been one of resilience, growth, and faith and it’s only the beginning.”

B.S. Data Science

When Ashiya first enrolled in college, she envisioned a future in medical school. Today, she stands confidently as a graduating senior in the Data Science program at the University of North Texas, a shift that not only transformed her academic path but opened a new passion for healthcare technology.

Ashiya began her college career as a biology major, believing direct patient care was the right route into healthcare. But after transferring schools and reassessing her goals, she realized she wanted to contribute to the field in a different way. That discovery led her to data science, a major she says perfectly combines what she loves with her desire to positively impact healthcare systems.

Throughout her time at UNT, Ashiya excelled academically, earning a place on the Dean’s List and in the Honors Program. She participated in the 2024 UNT Health Informatics and Data Science program, where her poster was selected for presentation to a panel of judges. She also contributed to a project focused on data curation and preservation, collaborating with graduate and Ph.D. students to explore how artificial intelligence can strengthen data protection in an ever-changing digital world. Their research was showcased at a conference, underscoring the real-world impact of her work.

Ashiya further expanded her experience through an internship with the SEES group, where she assisted a team of data analysts in evaluating and visualizing organizational data, an opportunity she credits with helping her identify her place in the field.

As a first-generation college student, Ashiya often found herself navigating higher education without a roadmap. With no family members familiar with the U.S. college system and no older siblings to guide her, she had to figure things out independently. She also grappled with self-doubt, especially after pivoting away from her original medical track. Still, she persisted.

“I pushed past those fears and kept going,” she said. “Things may be difficult now, but the result will make it worth it.”

Ashiya is most proud of her willingness to take risks, trust her instincts, and embrace change, especially during her senior year when she boldly committed to a brand-new major. That resilience, she says, is what makes her stand out.

Looking ahead, Ashiya plans to continue working at the intersection of data and healthcare. She hopes to leverage her skills in analysis, visualization, and secure data management to contribute to better healthcare outcomes and support those most in need.

Ashiya’s journey, marked by adaptability, courage, and the drive to support others, exemplifies the future-ready mindset of UNT graduates.

“With the right data and the right tools,” Ashiya said, “we can improve systems and change lives.”

M.S. Linguistics

When Nicole Petersen began her master’s program in Linguistics with a concentration in English as a Second Language (ESL) at the University of North Texas, she wasn’t sure she belonged. After leaving her job as a kindergarten teacher to pursue graduate school full time, Nicole faced self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the weight of personal loss. But through perseverance, mentorship, and a growing confidence in her own voice, she not only found her place, but she also flourished.

Nicole joined UNT’s Department of Linguistics in August 2023 and quickly became an active and valued member of the department community. As a graduate assistant, she supported outreach, communications, and student engagement efforts, from producing newsletters and social media content to coordinating recruitment events and strengthening connections with local schools and alumni. Her work helped raise the department’s visibility across the College of Information, UNT, and the greater DFW Metroplex.

“Nicole is a thought leader, a detail-oriented collaborator, and a visionary with the ability to rapidly adapt to change and execute initiatives with grace,” said Linguistics Principal Lecturer Katie Crowder. “She has excelled beyond expectations in outreach, student support, and social media engagement.”

In addition to her communications and outreach work, Nicole made a strong impact as a teaching assistant. She consistently demonstrated professionalism, initiative, and care for students, providing timely, constructive feedback and maintaining a welcoming classroom presence. Her instructors and colleagues describe her as dependable, proactive, and deeply engaged in both the teaching and learning process.

Nicole also pursued research that highlights her passion for sociolinguistics and cultural identity. Her Qualifying Research Paper investigates perceptions of Okinawan languages and revitalization efforts among native Japanese speakers living in the U.S. Using survey data from 76 participants, she analyzed how generational identity and cultural exposure influence awareness and support for linguistic revitalization. Her findings reveal how heritage and identity shape engagement, familiarity, and activism within linguistic communities. The research was recently accepted for presentation at the DFW Linguistics Metroplex Conference, a proud achievement that underscores Nicole’s growing role as a researcher.

Beyond her academic and professional achievements, Nicole’s journey is also one of personal growth and resilience. In the summer before starting graduate school, she lost a close friend unexpectedly. Navigating her grief while adapting to the rigors of graduate coursework was one of her greatest challenges. “I was so struck by grief that I wasn’t sure how I could manage graduate school,” Nicole said. “But I knew my friend would have wanted me to keep going. I wanted to make him proud, and I wanted to prove to myself that I was stronger than I had ever really given myself credit for.”

Now, as she prepares to graduate in December 2025, Nicole looks forward to applying her knowledge and passion globally. She hopes to teach English in Japan and eventually work in Japanese universities while continuing her research in second language acquisition and sociolinguistics.

Department Chair Bill Salmon said it best: “Nicole has the technical skills and work ethic to take any role to new heights. She is warm, articulate, and naturally brings people together. She has already proven herself to be an invaluable part of our team.”

Nicole reflects on her time at UNT as a transformative period of both academic and personal discovery. “I’m most proud of how much I’ve grown, not just as a scholar, but as a person,” she said. “I learned perseverance, advocacy, and to never give up.”

M.S. Health Informatics

Shubhamkumar Singh is driven by a belief that technology and data have the power to transform patient care. His journey began in India, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and witnessed the challenges that occur when healthcare lacks digital infrastructure and reliable information systems. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified his awareness, when misinformation spread faster than the virus itself, Shubhamkumar realized that advancing health informatics could help build a more accurate, accessible, and trustworthy healthcare environment.

Determined to make a difference, Shubhamkumar began his professional path as a Community Health Educator with the Parivar Vikas Organization, developing educational programs focused on disease prevention, vaccination awareness, and mental health. Later, as an RCM Associate with IKS Health, he collaborated with Boston Children’s Health Physicians, gaining firsthand experience in medical billing systems, claims management, and the importance of data accuracy in improving outcomes.

When Shubhamkumar discovered UNT’s Health Informatics program, its interdisciplinary approach and flexible learning formats stood out. The program provided an ideal platform to combine his clinical background with growing expertise in data analytics, systems management, and digital health innovation. At UNT, Shubhamkumar is committed to bridging the gap between clinical practice and technology, ensuring that information systems empower both patients and providers.

Throughout his academic journey, Shubhamkumar has excelled not only inside the classroom but also within the research and professional community. He has served as a peer reviewer for the AMIA 2024 Annual Symposium and the AMIA 2025 Informatics Summit, playing a role in upholding the quality and ethical standards of leading biomedical informatics research. He has also participated in hackathons, interdisciplinary innovation challenges, and student research summits, experiences that have allowed him to tackle real-world healthcare issues while learning from peers across multiple fields.

Shubhamkumar continues to contribute to faculty-led research efforts, including work on a proposal for an NIA-funded project exploring drug repurposing for Alzheimer’s disease. His role in study design and preliminary data analysis has strengthened both his technical skills and his dedication to data-driven healthcare solutions. Beyond academics, he actively supports student and professional organizations in the College of Information, helping cultivate collaboration and community among fellow graduate students.

His time at UNT has been marked by resilience. Arriving from halfway around the world, Shubhamkumar adapted to a new culture and financial challenges while working as a student assistant to support his education. A health issue during his program presented one of his toughest setbacks, forcing him to withdraw from a course and affecting his GPA. But with the encouragement of professors, peers, and mentors, he found strength in community and rediscovered his momentum. For Shubhamkumar, success has come not from an absence of obstacles, but from the persistence to overcome them and grow through the experience.

As he looks ahead, Shubhamkumar plans to advance digital health systems by applying his expertise in data analytics, system integration, and healthcare operations. He envisions contributing to innovations in patient data management, predictive analytics, claims optimization, and solutions that reduce inefficiencies while improving care quality and accessibility. Long term, he hopes to support global healthcare improvements by using data to drive early disease detection and inform public health decisions.

What makes Shubhamkumar truly unique is not just his academic drive, it is his wholehearted sense of purpose. From educating rural communities in India to shaping health informatics solutions in the United States, he remains grounded in a single mission: ensuring healthcare is not only technologically advanced, but also human-centered and equitable. He carries forward a belief that data is more than information, it is a tool to connect people, empower care, and build healthier communities.

Shubhamkumar’s story is one of growth, resilience, and a future defined by impact. He arrived at UNT with curiosity and determination; he will leave with the skills and vision to help shape the healthcare systems of tomorrow, one innovation at a time.

M.S. Health Informatics

From a small town in Kazipet, India, to the vibrant community of Plano, Texas, Vandita Stella Marie has transformed her dream of studying in the United States into a reality through perseverance, faith, and an unwavering passion for healthcare innovation.

Vandita graduates this December with a M.S. in Health Informatics, where she has distinguished herself as a thoughtful, driven, and compassionate student. She chose the field of health informatics because it perfectly bridges her interests in healthcare, data, and technology, allowing her to transform complex data into insights that improve patient care and outcomes.

Her academic journey began with a degree in Biotechnology from Kakatiya University, where her curiosity about how science can improve lives first took root. She later gained valuable professional experience as an Analyst at Indxces, honing her skills in clinical and operational data analysis.

At UNT, Vandita deepened her expertise through rigorous coursework and mentorship from Dr. Ana D. Cleveland, who describes her as “a student who brings both intellect and heart to her work, showing a genuine commitment to improving healthcare systems.”

One of Vandita’s most meaningful accomplishments was her internship with SymptoLab in New York, where she worked on endometriosis analytics. She developed automated SQL queries to streamline data extraction and validation, reducing reporting turnaround time by 25%, and created interactive Python visualizations that helped clinicians identify care gaps and improve efficiency. “Behind every dataset is a story of human strength,” she says, reflecting on the experience. “Data, when used thoughtfully, can bring empathy and change into healthcare.”

Her efforts have also earned her selection for McKinsey & Company’s Forward Program, a global initiative that develops leadership and problem-solving skills in early-career professionals.

As a first-generation college student, Vandita takes immense pride in being the first in her family to study abroad. Her father’s unwavering support, combined with her own determination, helped her overcome the challenges of adapting from biotechnology to data analytics and programming.

“Instead of worrying about what I can control, I decided to channel my energy into what I can create,” Vandita says. “Every challenge carried a lesson, and every step brought me closer to the person I am today.”

Looking ahead, Vandita hopes to apply her analytical and informatics skills to improve healthcare delivery through data-driven decision-making, focusing on predictive analytics and remote patient monitoring to enhance care for chronic and oncology patients.

Beyond academics, Vandita finds balance in reading, cooking, and long walks, activities that help her stay grounded and inspired. Her curiosity, optimism, and empathy continue to guide her as she bridges the worlds of science, data, and human connection.

“If I could tell my younger self one thing,” she reflects, “it would be this: the path ahead is not what you expect, but don’t worry, it all works out in the end.”

M.S. Data Science

When Teja Babu Mandaloju arrived at the University of North Texas in January 2024, he carried more than luggage, he carried his family’s hopes, an education loan, and a dream to use artificial intelligence to improve lives. This December he will earn his Master of Science in Data Science, and his story stands as a powerful example of perseverance, discipline, and purpose.

Coming from a small town in rural Telangana, India, Teja grew up watching his father run a small business and his mother teach at a government school. After working 2.5 years at Tata Consultancy Services to save for his graduate education, he still faced daunting financial challenges. With the rupee-to-dollar exchange rate working against him, even his savings and loan weren’t enough to guarantee stability in the U.S. Many told him that finding an on-campus job was “impossible without connections.” Teja refused to accept that.

For three months, he spent every single day in the library researching, applying, and persisting until he secured a Graduate Assistant position at the UNT Welcome Center. The role provided not only vital income but also an in-state tuition waiver that reduced his expenses by more than 40%. His exceptional performance earned him the award for “Most Likely to Turn a Spreadsheet into an Art” from his supervisor, a fitting tribute to his precision and creativity.

Teja’s academic journey at UNT has been equally inspiring. He maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while earning multiple Microsoft Azure certifications and participating in UNT’s competitive 2024 Summer Research Program, where he collaborated with faculty and Ph.D. candidates on cutting-edge projects. The experience led to a published research paper and a continuing role as a Research Assistant under Dr. Haihua Chen and Dr. Junhua Ding, conducting advanced research in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs) with applications in disaster response, Library Science, and healthcare.

One of Teja’s proudest achievements came when he led Team Suraksha to represent UNT at the Association for Information Systems (AIS) 2025 Conference at the University of Alabama. Competing against universities from across the nation, his team earned second place nationally for developing an innovative AI-driven IT support system integrating LLMs, automated ticketing, and self-healing mechanisms. The project’s success directly contributed to Teja’s current role as an MLOps Engineer at Vosyn Inc., where he leads AI development initiatives.

Beyond academics, Teja has been an active member of the UNT Data Science Organization, Business Analytics Club, and Association for Information Systems student chapter, enriching UNT’s data science community through collaboration and mentorship.

Dr. Chen, who nominated Teja as a Great Grad, praised his transformation:

“Teja’s journey at UNT, from an international student navigating financial adversity to a published researcher, national competition finalist, and industry professional, exemplifies the resilience and determination that define Great Grads. He has turned every obstacle into a stepping stone, proving that with unwavering commitment, dreams can become reality.”

Teja credits his success to a disciplined routine and deep sense of purpose. Throughout his studies, he began his days at 5 a.m. with yoga before spending more than 13 hours daily in the library, researching, coding, and applying for opportunities. Inspired by his grandmother’s fighting spirit and grounded in the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, “You have the right to perform your duty, but not to the fruits of your actions,” he focused on effort over outcome.

“Every obstacle became a lesson in resilience,” Teja reflected. “What I’m most proud of isn’t just the GPA, the research, or the awards, it’s the person I’ve become through this journey, and the people who made it possible.”

Looking forward, Teja aims to bridge artificial intelligence and healthcare, developing AI systems that improve early disease detection, patient monitoring, and access to medical knowledge in underserved communities. His long-term vision is to make healthcare more affordable and equitable worldwide.

With his blend of technical mastery, relentless work ethic, and compassion-driven mission, Teja Babu Mandaloju embodies the true spirit of Great Grads - using data not just to drive innovation, but to drive humanity forward.