Meet your 26-27 Statistics Ambassadors!
The Department of Statistics at the University of Illinois is home to a group of exceptional graduate student leaders known as the Illinois Statistics MS Ambassadors. These passionate and driven individuals are committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for new and prospective students while showcasing the exciting opportunities within the field of statistics.
Jackson Bunte
My name is Jackson, and I began my MS: Statistics degree in the Fall 2025 semester. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy traveling, including my study abroad trip, trying new recipes, and watching big games with friends.
I previously attended NC State University and received a BS in Statistics degree before going to work in the pharmaceuticals industry for 2.5 years. Being able to apply what I learned in the classroom in a real-world setting, especially one that helps people, was very rewarding for me. However, I felt I had more area to grow both within the industry setting and as a statistician as a whole, which is why I decided to return to school.
One thing that initially drew me to statistics is that it's applicable everywhere! Every company and every field needs the work of statisticians to analyze data to develop insight or create predictions based on the findings. Personally, I've worked with pharmaceutical, educational, sports, and financial data for various projects and jobs, but there are limitless opportunities available to us. Part of the reason I chose UIUC for graduate school is the flexibility in class decisions we can make for ourselves. Courses with a focus in actuarial studies, baseball, machine learning, and a rotating topics course, there are plenty of opportunities to tailor your degree to your interests!
Sam Switz
I joined the M.S. in Statistics program in the Fall of 2025. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia where I majored in Economics and Statistics, and I worked as a Data Analyst for a couple of years before coming back to school. Outside of the classroom, I spend my time rooting for the Boston sports teams and playing soccer.
What drew you to pursuing a graduate degree in Statistics?
As a Data Analyst in industry, I got to work with super cool datasets and solve real-world problems, which was very rewarding. However, I eventually realized that projects I was being assigned were mostly data manipulation work and did not involve using the data to test hypotheses or predict outcomes, which was something I became very interested in during my last couple of years as an undergrad. This led me to apply to master’s programs so I could further my knowledge of statistics/machine learning and better position myself for the career opportunities I’m interested in.
Luke Thorell
My name is Luke, and I began the MS Statistics (general) program in the Fall 2026 semester. I completed my BS here at Illinois as well, double majoring in statistics and economics. I took advantage of the Department’s MS Prep Track option, which essentially allowed me to begin working towards my MS while still an undergraduate student by taking a couple of graduate courses. When it came time to choose an MS program, it was a no-brainer to stay in UIUC’s Department of Statistics where I already have rapport with such great people. When not working or doing homework, I enjoy playing basketball, hiking, music, and reading.
I enjoy learning about statistics because it allows me to better understand the world around me. There are few boundaries to where statistics can be applied, so I see the tools offered by studying it as quite valuable. I chose to pursue a master’s degree in it for these reasons; I chose to do that at Illinois because, as mentioned, I was lucky to build relationships with so many professors during my time as an undergraduate student either through research, Course Assistantships, or simply by taking their class. I believe that the people make the place, and the people here have positively contributed to my development academically, professionally, and personally. I am confident that continuing to work with and further these relationships while obtaining an MS in statistics will set me up for success in both my career and my life. In the future, my goal is to pursue a PhD in statistics or economics. If you have any questions about the MS Statistics program at Illinois, or simply want to chat, feel free to reach out to me at lukeet2@illinois.edu.
Zoey Yao
My name is Zoey (Wanjing) Yao, and I joined the MS in Statistics Analytics program in Spring 2026. I also completed my Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Computer Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
I originally came to Champaign from China when I was 13, so UIUC and the Champaign-Urbana community have become very familiar and meaningful to me. In my free time, I enjoy playing the violin and spending time with my two cats, Mango and Lychee. As an MS Ambassador, I would be happy to talk with prospective and current students about the program, the department, and life at UIUC. Since I have lived in Champaign-Urbana for many years, I am also familiar with many local resources that may be especially helpful for international students, such as multilingual driving schools, apartment recommendations, cat adoption services, and places to visit on weekends. Please feel free to reach out. I would be happy to connect!
Why did you choose Illinois?
Before coming to Illinois as an undergraduate student, I was first drawn to the university because of its strong academic reputation. After spending several years here, I came to appreciate Illinois for much more than academics. UIUC is a place with many people, resources, events, and opportunities, and I believe everyone can find a community where they belong. I have made friends through classes, student organizations, and my dining hall job, and I have really enjoyed the memories and experiences Illinois has given me. That is one of the main reasons I chose to continue my graduate studies here.
Why did you choose the Statistics program at Illinois?
I enjoy the small to medium-sized graduate classes, which allow for more interaction with faculty and classmates. The department provides helpful career resources for statistics students, and I have received valuable advice on strengthening my resume and preparing for future opportunities.