STAT207 - Data Science Exploration
Spring 2024 - Ellison

Course Staff and Tips

Dr. Victoria (Tori) Ellison

Dr. Victoria (Tori) Ellison

Professor

vellison@illinois.edu

I'm a Teaching Assistant Professor. I received my PhD in Operations Research from North Carolina State University in 2017. I have taught college courses in Statistics, Deterministic Modeling, Calculus, and Pre-Calculus. While pursuing my graduate degree, I also worked in industry for six years as a data scientist, applying statistical and mathematical algorithms to applications in online advertising, TV advertising, and narcotics detection. I'm currently conducting pedagogical research, focusing on introductory data science courses teaching methods. I also enjoy hiking, snowboarding, and yoga.

Dongxiao Wu

Dongxiao Wu

Teaching Assistant: (11am 430 Armory Building and 12:30pm labs)

dw12@illinois.edu

I’m a fifth-year PhD student in the department Statistics at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Before that, I received my B.S. in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics from Peking University in 2019. My current research is on observational studies and sensitivity analysis in causal inference. Apart from work, I like exercising, traveling, and I love cantonese music(I am from Guangdong, China). And I enjoy hanging out with my cat Baishu. You can visit my personal website for more information!

Junseok Yang

Junseok Yang

Teaching Assistant: (11am 4101 Materials Science & Eng Bld and 3pm labs)

jyang247@illinois.edu

I am a first-year Master's student in Statistics, and planning to delve myself into data science field, especially interested in sports industry. I enjoy doing sports related activities (watching sports games, playing soccer, working out) and traveling many different places!

David Kim

David Kim

Teaching Assistant: (9:30 am and 2pm labs)

davidk9@illinois.edu

Donlapun Wongkarnta

Donlapun (Dorothy) Wongkarnta

Course Assistant: (Wednesday 9:30 am Lab and Open Lab CA)

dw16@illinois.edu

I am a senior majoring in Information Sciences + Data Science. I'm also interested in Machine Learning. I love to play Just Dance and Fall Guys!

Sabina Tong

Sabina Tong

Course Assistant: (Wednesday 11am Lab CA)

sumyiyt2@illinois.edu

I am a sophomore majoring in Accountancy + Data Science. I am interested in using data science to do audits in the future. Outside of class, I love hanging out with friends and watching Netflix.
Course tip: Don't wait till the last minute to finish the HW and study ahead.

Harshitha

Harshitha (Harshi) Vetrivel

Course Assistant: Wednesday 11am Lab

hvetr2@illinois.edu

I'm a sophomore majoring in Information Sciences + Data Science and pursuing a minor in Computer Science. In my free time, I enjoy delving deeper into the data science field by taking on data-based projects via clubs or research opportunities as well as personal initiatives. Outside of data science, I enjoy dance, cinema, and traveling.
Course tip: I found that group study sessions and taking advantage of the practice exams provided from previous semesters helped me understand the content on a deeper level & allowed me to perform well in the course.

Mengyue Huang

Mengyue Huang

Course Assistant: (Wednesday 12:30pm Lab and Open Lab CA)

mengyue4@illinois.edu

Hello! I'm Mengyue Huang (Luna), a senior in Information Sciences + Data Science. As a CA, I'm here to support you on your journey on this course. Whenever you feel lost and confused with concepts or problems, I'm happy to help and I wish to cultivate an engaging and supportive learning environment for all of us! I enjoy watching movies and playing games in my free time.
Course tip: For formulas, taking notes is important, but understanding why the formula is like this is even more crucial.

Afnan Dzharudin

Afnan Dzharudin

Course Assistant: Wednesday 2pm Lab and Open Lab CA

afnanfd2@illinois.edu

I'm a senior, majoring in Statistics. I'm also interested in computer science and programming! These days I practice data visualization, web development, and game modding. I also enjoy PC gaming, drawing, and cooking.

Deyi Zhang

Deyi Zhang

Course Assistant: (Wednesday 3pm Lab)

deyiz2@illinois.edu

My name is Deyi, please feel free to call me Victor. I am a senior student major in Information Science + Data Science, dual degree in Economics, and a minor in Computer Science. I love to solve problems, specifically in the field of finance and economics, by using data science methods. I love traveling when I am free, and I love skiing in winter time.

Hunter

Hunter Farnham

Course Assistant: (Open Lab)

hunterf3@illinois.edu

I’m a sophomore studying Econometrics with minors in Statistics and Computer Science. I love finding ways to connect data science to my interests in politics, sports, and health. In my free time, I enjoy reading, working out, and cooking.

kris

Kris Png

Course Assistant: (Open Lab)

kpng2@illinois.edu

I'm a sophomore majoring in Information Sciences and pursuing a minor in Computer Science and Statistics. I'm mainly interested in data science and game development. Outside of school, I like to draw, cook and crochet! If I had lots of money I would love to eat lots of good food from all around the world.

utkarsh

Utkarsh Prasad

Course Assistant: (Open Lab)

uprasad3@illinois.edu

Hi! My name is Utkarsh Prasad, and I am a junior majoring in Computer Science & Astronomy. I am also pursuing a certificate in Data Science. In my free time, I like to go to the gym, cook, or play video games! I am also on the competitive dance team on campus! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.