Student Ambassadors
CONNECT WITH USWe encourage you to connect with our ambassadors via email, LinkedIn, or a 1:1 Zoom meeting to answer your questions about school culture, why they selected The Merage School, academic pathways, the path to UC Irvine from across the U.S. or another country, and much more. Take advantage of this great opportunity!
Kaitlyn Chang
Undergraduate Institution: University of California, Irvine
Major(s)/Minor(s): Psychology
Hometown: Fullerton, California 
Hello, I’m Kaitlyn! I’m from Orange County and a UC Irvine alum with a background in psychology. After graduation, I worked in e-commerce, collaborating with marketing and creative teams while analyzing performance metrics, which sparked my interest in data analytics, AI, and machine learning. I chose UC Irvine’s MSBA program for its flexible career track, professional network, and hands-on Capstone Project, which I knew would help me pivot into business analytics. My goal is to pursue marketing or operations analytics while taking advantage of the program’s electives to explore different paths. Outside of school, I love trying new foods and drinks, and I have a side hustle in photography, previously working in a professional studio with models featured in Disney, Nike, and movies!
Bao Chieu
Undergraduate Institution: California State University, Long Beach
Major(s)/Minor(s): Marketing Research
Hometown: Ha Tien, Vietnam 
Language(s): Vietnamese
Specialization/Career Path: Marketing Analytics
Hi, I’m Bao Chieu, from Ha Tien, a small city in the southwest of Vietnam. Growing up in a business-oriented family sparked my curiosity about entrepreneurship and understanding human behavior through data. I studied marketing research at California State University, Long Beach, and spent several years gaining practical experience across companies before managing my family’s 86-room hotel, which has become one of the top properties in the region. I chose UC Irvine’s MSBA program for its focus on turning data into actionable insights and connecting analytics with business strategy, which aligns perfectly with my goal of expanding and modernizing my family’s business. Outside of school, I enjoy cycling, tennis, and pickleball, and I love analyzing techniques to help others improve their skills while applying discipline and focus both on and off the court.
Thitikarn (Preme) Chinpattanakul
Undergraduate Institution: Soka University of America
Major(s)/Minor(s): Psychology (Sociology)
Hometown: Bangkok, Thailand 
Language(s): Thai (Native), Mandarin (Intermediate)
Sawatdee kha! I’m Preme, part data storyteller, part creative strategist, and someone who believes saving the planet should come with a great user experience. Before joining UC Irvine’s MSBA program, I worked at a food rescue startup, a magazine firm, and in the manufacturing sector, exploring how data, marketing, and sustainability can drive meaningful change. I chose the Merage School for its commitment to business for social good, hands-on learning opportunities, and strong connections to local companies, which I hope to learn from and contribute to as I make Irvine my home. My short-term goal is to become a business analyst solving real-world problems sustainably, and in the long term, I aspire to lead purpose-driven ventures as an entrepreneur. Outside of school, I enjoy sipping matcha, exploring cities via public transit, working on DIY art projects, and — fun fact — turning frozen food into gourmet meals!
Manaal Fatima
Undergraduate Institution: Institute of Business Administration
Major(s)/Minor(s): Economics
Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan 
Language(s): Urdu
Hi, I’m Manaal! I’ve always been naturally curious, which led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Economics and ultimately drew me to UC Irvine’s MSBA program to explore the technical side of data and its real-world applications. Moving from Karachi, I was looking for a program that could help someone without a technical background confidently learn analytics while joining a diverse and collaborative community, and UC Irvine has exceeded my expectations. My career goal is to work for a consulting firm, combining my skills to tackle complex challenges and translate data into actionable strategies. Outside of school, I enjoy exploring hidden gems around the city, discovering new coffee spots, trying new experiences with great company, and cheering for my favorite sports teams — Visca Barça!
Sherry Hsu
Undergraduate Institution: Fu Jen Catholic University
Major(s)/Minor(s): Communication Arts
Hometown: Taichung, Taiwan 
Language(s): Mandarin
Specialization/Career Path: Marketing Analytics
Hello! I’m Sherry, and I have nearly five years of experience across advertising agencies, FMCG brands, and delivery platforms, specializing in brand and digital marketing. I’m passionate about using analytics to drive smarter business decisions and create meaningful customer connections, and I’ve recently been exploring how AI can enhance personalized marketing. I chose UC Irvine’s MSBA program for its real-world focus and collaborative environment, which perfectly aligns with my goal of becoming a strategy-driven marketing professional. My career goal is to become a marketing manager who blends data and creativity to make informed business decisions. Outside of school, I enjoy singing, playing badminton, traveling, and exploring new experiences whenever I can.
Jiahua Jia
Undergraduate Institution: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Major(s)/Minor(s): Math
Hometown: Shijiazhuang, China 
Language(s): Mandarin
Hi, I’m Jiahua! I earned my bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where I discovered how data can bring numbers to life. Before joining UC Irvine’s MSBA program, I worked in both the veterinary pharmaceutical industry in China and the cryptocurrency sector in the U.S., learning how data analytics can transform operations and drive smarter business decisions. I chose UC Irvine for its hands-on Capstone Project, diverse community, and vibrant environment full of innovative opportunities that inspire me to turn knowledge into action. My goal is to become a data and marketing analyst, using insights to understand people, patterns, and behaviors and help businesses make smarter decisions. Outside of school, I enjoy fishing, singing, exploring new hobbies, and discovering new foods or quiet spots around Irvine.
Kan Kikuchi
Undergraduate Institution: Indiana University Bloomington
Major(s)/Minor(s): Exercise Science; Minor in Medical Science
Hometown: Karuizawa, Japan & Beijing, China 
Language(s): Japanese & Mandarin
Hi, I’m Kan Kikuchi! I’m an international student from Japan who also grew up in Beijing. I studied Exercise Science at Indiana University Bloomington, where I gained experience as an athletic training aide for the NCAA Division I football team and conducted healthcare research. After graduating, I managed a boxing gym in Los Angeles, which sparked my interest in using data to understand people and drive smarter business decisions. I chose UC Irvine’s MSBA program to build a strong business foundation, develop technical and analytical skills, and learn alongside a motivated, supportive cohort. While I’m still exploring the right career path, I hope to stay connected to the sports or healthcare industries and contribute meaningfully through analytics. Outside of school, I enjoy endurance sports and the outdoors, including cycling, running, backpacking, and tackling ultramarathons and multi-day hikes across California.
Prathamesh Lande
Undergraduate Institution: NMIMS Mumbai
Major(s)/Minor(s): Pharmacy
Hometown: Mumbai, India 
Language(s): Hindi, Marathi, Gujarathi
Namaste! I’m Prathamesh Lande from Mumbai, India, a city whose energy, diversity, and drive have shaped who I am. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy and an MBA in PharmaTech Management, and my curiosity for data-driven strategy led me to pursue an MS in Business Analytics at UC Irvine. I chose the Merage School for its academic excellence, supportive community, and the flexibility to explore electives across programs while building strong professional networks. My goal is to work in healthcare analytics in a client-facing, strategy-focused role, turning data into actionable insights to drive business decisions. Outside of school, I enjoy cricket, music, and creative hobbies. I’ve played professionally in esports, I play guitar and drums, love exploring new recipes, traveling, and collecting sneakers as a form of self-expression.
Yi-Jou (Evelyn) Lin
Undergraduate Institution: National Chung Cheng University
Major(s)/Minor(s): Communication
Hometown: Hsinchu, Taiwan
Language(s): Mandarin
Hi! I’m Evelyn! I majored in Communication before joining UC Irvine, and I’ve gained experience as a marketing intern in the technology industry as well as a campus reporter and content creator, which strengthened my skills in storytelling and audience engagement. I chose the MSBA program at the Paul Merage School of Business for its focus on combining business strategy, data analytics, and innovation, as well as its strong community and networking opportunities. My career goal is to become a marketing strategist in the tech industry, using analytics to guide branding, campaign optimization, and market growth. Outside of class, I love playing guitar, traveling, and eating French fries; if there were a “French Fry University,” I’d probably have a Ph.D.! I also enjoy connecting with people and hearing their stories.
Lady Vanessa Rodriguez
Undergraduate Institution: Universidad del Valle
Major(s)/Minor(s): Industrial Engineering
Hometown: Cali, Colombia 
Language(s): Spanish
Hey, I’m Lady Vanessa! I’m Colombian, and my curiosity has taken me around the world, from volunteering with children in Germany to working as a Key Account Manager at Duracell in Mexico, and many incredible places in between. I chose UC Irvine’s MSBA program to build technical skills and gain a strong foundation in business analytics, while continuing my commitment to inclusion, social responsibility, and professional growth. My goal is to become a management consultant, tackling new challenges and applying what I’ve learned in meaningful ways. Outside of school, I’m an active adventurer! I was a professional salsa dancer, and I love traveling, hiking, running, beach volleyball, dancing, and enjoying the outdoors, especially soaking in Irvine’s amazing sunsets.
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