Graduate Ambassadors
Connect with the ambassadors via email.
Evan Allgood, MSLIS Leep Student
I am an aspiring archivist specifically interested in LGBTQ+ history. I hold bachelor's degrees in English and Computer Science from Carleton College, and I have spent time working in both software development and publishing. Currently, I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where I serve as a director on the board of Quatrefoil Library, an LGBTQ+ lending library. The iSchool's Leep program has been a fantastic fit for me because it has allowed me to stay rooted in the community I love while learning the skills I need. When not working or studying, I'm likely either reading or exploring Minnesota with my partner and our goofy dog.
Michael Ferrer, MSIM student
I completed my bachelor's degree at Illinois State University in 2016 and commissioned as an Army officer. Before pursuing my graduate degree at UIUC, I worked in the defense IT industry for six years. I love the challenges from my classes in the information management program because I see leadership parallels outside of class: collaboration with others, understanding lessons learned, and using modern business intelligence tools to make good, informed decisions. My intent after finishing this program is to return to my workplace with new insights as a project manager.
Angela Finochio, MSLIS Leep student
As an online MSLIS student, working parent and home educator life can be a balancing act. I hope to share my experiences and encourage all that, with the right mindset and support, it is possible to achieve your goals. I decided to pursue this degree to work in public children’s librarianship, but through this program I’ve learned about many fascinating career paths in LIS and am exploring them all. My undergraduate is in accessories design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, where I work as a classroom assistant. I live on Long Island.
Erin Jochum, MSLIS student
I'm originally from Bloomington-Normal; this is my first semester on campus in the MSLIS program. I have my BA in English-creative writing from Illinois State. I am interested in making archives more accessible for everyone, not just those in academic spaces, and connecting communities and people with their history. UIUC and the iSchool provide resources that will make my goals achievable. In my free time I like to write, read, watch movies, and spend time with family and friends.
Deekshita Karingula, MSIM student
During my undergraduate years, interning at ISRO was eye-opening. It taught me the significance of data processing and analysis in remote sensing and satellite image analysis. My experience at ISRO ignited my passion for using satellite data to create practical benefits for society. The idea of using data to improve healthcare accessibility and outcomes in underserved areas fueled my sense of purpose. I've chosen this program to enhance my analytical and technical skills for data-driven solutions, driven by my passion for using information for positive societal impact.
Vikramjeet Singh Kundu, MSIM student
I'm an international student from New Delhi, India, with a background in mechanical engineering. After earning my bachelor's degree, I worked as an associate software engineer with an IT services and consulting company where I discovered my passion for cloud computing, cybersecurity, and analytics. The iSchool's flexibility and comprehensive tech curriculum aligned perfectly with my career goals of being a data analyst and a consultant. I want to harness the power of data to tackle real-world business challenges and create a positive impact. I love to watch Formula 1 and play FPS games.
Joseph Van Lieshout, MSLIS Student
I come from a background in the humanities, specifically Anthropology, Sociology, English, and Folklore. Because of this I have been very focused on finding a job that is people focused. I hope to work in the information science field to help lower the barriers between people and information. While I'm not certain where exactly that will take me, as I like to keep my options open, I am mostly looking at jobs in the public sector of libraries, archives, and museums.
Yanling Liu, MSLIS student
I am an on-campus MSLIS student, and I studied developmental psychology as an undergraduate at UIUC. I am currently a graduate assistant at Funk ACES Library and the Agricultural Communications Documentation Center. I joined the iSchool because of the curriculum flexibility and rich opportunities to get hands-on experience. I love working with students from diverse backgrounds and want to make a difference by providing services and guidance to our next generation as an academic librarian. In my spare time, I love reading different types of books and traveling. I speak English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
Mia Lopez, MSLIS Leep Student
Mia here, your friendly Graduate Ambassador! In my free time, I enjoy adventuring with friends, trying new foods, attending concerts/ music festivals, and hoarding books. I live in sunny southern California, where I talk about freeways and backroads. With a passion for libraries, communities, and helping others find the perfect resources, I am here to help you through your grad school journey. I'm excited to be a part of your journey, whether you need advice, a great book recommendation, or just a chat!
Rushabh Mehrotra, MSIM Student
As an international student from India, I am currently pursuing a Master's in Information Management. With two years of professional experience as a Data Engineer, I am passionate about advancing my career in data science and analytics. The program's robust curriculum and specialized concentrations attracted me to UIUC, where I aim to deepen my knowledge across various data domains and master the technical and analytical skills essential for becoming a data professional. I am honored to serve as a student ambassador and look forward to contributing to our vibrant academic community.
Sophie Nikolov, MSIM student
Hi everyone! I am from Elmhurst, Illinois and I did my undergraduate degree at UIUC in psychology, concentrating in behavioral neuroscience. I also did a French minor in undergrad, and I can also speak Bulgarian. My career switch to studying information management was influenced by my interest in the social efficacies different demographics feel in tech spaces, and I may do a PhD one day on that topic. Outside of school, I like weightlifting and pilates, and I'm getting back into reading as well as drawing/painting.
Sanjanaa Sridhar, MSIM Student
I am an international student from Chennai, pursuing a Master's in Information Management at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. My journey began during my undergraduate studies in Electronics and Communication Engineering, where I developed a deep interest in how raw data can be transformed into valuable insights. I have taken on several roles focused on data analytics, and I completed an internship at a fintech company. The resources at the iSchool have been instrumental in supporting my growth, and I’m eager to connect with others to help them leverage these opportunities.
Peeya Thacker, MSIM Student
I am a second-year Information Management graduate student at the iSchool, originally from India, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering. Throughout my time at UIUC, I've had the chance to take on varied roles, including working as a Data Science Intern at COUNTRY Financial, a Course Assistant for business classes at Gies, and even a barista at Starbucks, driven by my love for coffee. The flexibility of the iSchool program is one of the key reasons I chose UIUC, as it allows me to pursue diverse interests and undertake new challenges. I take pleasure in traveling, hitting the gym and embracing an aesthetic lifestyle.
Janhavi Tushar Zarapkar, MSIM student
I hail from the vibrant city of Mumbai, India. My journey led me from obtaining a bachelor's degree in information technology at Mumbai University to a fulfilling two-year tenure as a graduate analyst at Barclays. Along this path, my enthusiasm for problem-solving and uncovering valuable insights within data evolved. The iSchool’s MSIM program stood out as the perfect choice, fusing technology and data-driven decision-making. Post-graduation, I aspire to be the guiding force for organizations, leading them through the labyrinth of data to make well-informed decisions that will drive both success and a profound positive societal impact.