Winter 2021 Fellows

Meet the Inaugural class of

undergraduate diversity in research fellows

Sajel galhotra

Sajel Galhotra is a junior majoring in Mathematical and Computational Science and minoring in Ethics and Technology. Her research interests lie in using computational methods to address inequalities in policy. In her free time, she enjoys doing puzzles, listening to music, and hiking.

bethelehem engeda

Bethelehem Engeda is a sophomore from San Leandro, CA studying Management Science and Engineering with a minor in Data Science. Ever since becoming intrigued by shows like Shark Tank growing up, she has made it her goal to combine her passions in business and technology for the purpose of social good. From being a part of coding programs and finance internships with companies like Google, Facebook, and Artemis Connection, to leading national organizations like Diversify Our Narrative and Scholars of Finance, she's been able to gain a variety of valuable skills over the years. She looks forward to doing research under Professor Charles Eesley to further her knowledge and skills in the social entrepreneurship and data privacy fields.

yearim de leon

Yearim is a senior studying Public Policy and Management Science and Engineering. Originally from Mexico, he has grown to call Salt Lake City, UT home. Growing up Yearim was always been interested in solving problems--whether it be solving disputes on the playground to solving mathematical theories in class. This led him to work with Comunidades Unidas on immigration issues all throughout high school. In college, he continued working to solve social problems, but now added a business lens to combine his passion with what he's learning in class. Now as a senior, Yearim has enjoyed working in consultative roles at Facebook and TikTok, where he personally helped businesses grown and succeed on both platforms. Yearim is excited to work with Professor Peter Glynn and hopes to bring his enthusiasm and expertise to solve research problems. When he's not busy, you can find him on campus dancing to music with friends, zig-zagging his bike thru palm trees, and basking in the California sun!

Andrea collins

Andrea is currently a junior at Stanford pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science. She’s passionate about exploring the intersection of healthcare and technology, and as the daughter of Panamanian immigrants and Puerto Ricans, is especially interested in health disparities that affect people of color. While at Stanford, she’s conducted research on improving cancer biopsy accuracy using an agent-based model of tumor cells, interned at Google, worked as a teaching assistant for Stanford’s introductory computer science classes, and co-directed an international summit on student entrepreneurship. Through the MS&E Undergraduate Diversity in Research Fellowship, Andrea works with Professor Ross Shachter on medical decision analysis research.

Makayta Cole

Originally from Trenton, New Jersey, Makayta Cole is a sophomore at Stanford University studying International Relations and minoring in Data Science. She has had work experience in business development, technology, and social justice, experiences that have invigorated an interest in the way that technology can be leveraged to advance social issues. At Stanford, she is involved with the Stanford Undergraduate Black Business Association, Stanford Women in Politics, and the Haas Center for Public Service. She is excited to work with Professor Charles Eesley on research in entrepreneurship, international development, and social impact.

Ruben cuevas

Ruben Cuevas is a sophomore studying Computer Science. Previously, he has worked with the National Institutes of Health as a Civic Digital Fellow, and he is involved with the Stanford Technology Law Review and the Public Interest Tech Lab. Ruben enjoys discovering new music and training for triathlons in his free time.

taylore givens

Taylore Givens is a sophomore undergraduate pursuing an engineering degree and computer science minor. Her passion areas include CS, policy, and environmentalism. She is an executive member of Stanford’s Public Interest Technology Lab and has done environmentalism and technology work with Conservation X Labs. She is excited to learn about MS&E and the interdisciplinary policy, data science, and software engineering work done at the Computational Policy Lab.

Crystal zepeda

Crystal is a current freshman at Stanford from Oakland, CA. They are interested in computer science, public policy, economics, and social justice. In their free time, they enjoy baking, cooking, listening to music, and playing Wii Sports. Crystal is excited to conduct research with Professor Pamela Hinds and learn more about organization science along the way.

Alanna flores

Alanna is pursuing an M.S. in Management Science and Engineering as well as a B.S. in Computer Science with a minor in Human Rights. While at Stanford, she has worked for the Stanford Social Innovation Review, ran The Stanford Daily’s lifestyle section, and interned for the nonprofit law practice Accountability Counsel. Presently, Alanna is researching for the Stanford Computational Policy Lab.

zakaria sharif

Zakaria Sharif is a senior majoring in Political Science and coterming in MS&E with a focus in technology and engineering management. He is interested in the intersection between media and technology and hopes to one day become an entrepreneur. In his free time, Zakaria is passionate about music, film, and his great home state of Ohio.

Amara okoli

Amara Okoli is a Stanford freshman from Houston, Texas. Having done speech and debate along with volunteer-work for her local food bank in high school, Amara is interested in policy data and will likely pursue studies in both computer science and public policy. In her free time, Amara likes watching political documentaries and skateboarding.

Alissa Vuillier

Alissa Vuillier is an undergraduate studying Computer Science and Political Science. Since coming to Stanford, she has been immersed in the intersection of tech and social good—creating a web application to match domestic violence survivors seeking civil compensation with lawyers willing to work pro-bono, working for Stanford's Poverty and Technology Lab and the nonprofit Build Change, and being involved with the Public Interest Tech Lab and CS + Social Good. Through the MS&E Undergraduate Diversity in Research Fellowship, Alissa now works with Professor Sharad Goel at the Computational Policy Lab. In her free time, Alissa loves making Spotify playlists and learning new languages.

Melina Seligman-tovar

Melina Seligman-Tovar is a Mexican American student at Stanford University and a prospective Symbolic Systems or Management Science and Engineering major. She is passionate about the merits and development of education, technology, and music. She has been a performer and musician for multiple years while balancing academic and extracurricular work and is excited to begin research through the MS&E program. Melina created and instructed a bilingual ukulele and singing group for low-income elementary schoolers, co-founded a college essay editing and advising startup, and translated for a community clinic as well as an NGO that promotes food security. She is also interested in marketing and dedicated to opening opportunities for under-resourced individuals and communities. She is an avid multidisciplinary learner who hopes to be involved in these areas and more throughout her Stanford career and in the future.

Spring 2021:

With support from the MS&E department, we were able to expand our inaugural cohort. We are delighted to introduce two new fellows into our program!

Feona Dong

Feona Dong is an undergraduate studying Public Policy, Data Science, and Computer Science. Since arriving at Stanford, Feona has discovered a love for data science; they now hope to pursue a career in policy analysis that centers the needs of marginalized communities. While at Stanford, they have staffed the Stanford Women’s Community Center, researched with the Stanford Graduate School of Education, and led section for the Computer Science department. Importantly, Feona also loves to consume and create baked goods

Julia Kadie

Julia Kadie is a junior majoring in Computer Science. She is fascinated by the intersection of technology, ethics, and social good. She seeks to use computational methods to understand and address issues related to education and policy. She is the president of Stanford’s Society of Women Engineers and enjoys mentoring first-generation aspiring college students with the organization Matriculate. In her free time she enjoys swimming, playing tennis, and hosting elaborate picnics.