We are excited to recognize the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences scholarship students for the 2025-26 academic year. These talented students, hailing from diverse backgrounds and pursuing various academic and research interests, exemplify the values of perseverance, innovation, and dedication. Their academic journeys are being transformed thanks to the generous support of our donors, whose contributions have made these scholarships possible. By alleviating financial pressures, these scholarships empower students to fully pursue their education. Below, we celebrate the accomplishments of these distinguished individuals and extend our heartfelt gratitude to the donors who are helping shape the next generation of leaders in the field.
Arun Pancholia Scholarship
The Arun Pancholia Scholarship honors the memory of Arun Pancholia, a senior at the University of Wisconsin–Madison whose untimely departure in December 2022 left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Through this scholarship, Arun’s family continues to honor his legacy of academic excellence and his belief in the transformative power of education, inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams and make a meaningful impact on the world.
Alysia Chou
Born in Minneapolis and raised in Taiwan, Alysia Chou is a junior studying Computer Sciences and Data Science with a certificate in Business.
Chou is involved in several organizations and side projects that combine tech and creativity. Through involvement through the student organization Design Interactive, she created a chatbot for a startup called Spectacle Health. She also worked with a nonprofit through the Biokind Analytics club to analyze its email database to measure donations and engagement.
She is also involved in the Taiwanese Undergraduate Student Organization to get a taste of home, despite being thousands of miles away.
“Receiving this scholarship has made a real impact. It eases the financial burden on my family and gives me the flexibility to focus more fully on my studies and projects. It motivates me to carry forward Arun’s legacy of kindness, excellence, and curiosity. I will carry this gift with me as I work hard toward my goals, and I hope to one day pay it forward, just as you have done for me,” says Chou.
Mathom Johnson
Mathom Johnson is a junior studying Computer Sciences and Data Science from River Falls, Wisconsin.
Johnson has spent much of his time as a student involved in research. He began participating in research with the Ehrlich Neuroscience lab, extracting insights from raw neurological and behavioral data. This fall, he will begin a new position with the Morgridge Institute for Research working on the programming team for a 3D electron beam metal printer. This summer he is completing an IT internship in Milwaukee.
“Without scholarships like this one, my family would not be able to afford my tuition. I can’t express how grateful my family and I are for such a generous gift. Having your support behind me in the form of this scholarship inspires me to continue working hard to achieve bigger and better things,” says Johnson.
Alka Lakadia
Alka Lakadia is a junior studying Computer Sciences and Data Science with certificates in Economics and Entrepreneurship. She is an international student from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
Heavily involved on campus, Lakadia serves as the Co-Founder and President of Innovation for Women in Entrepreneurship, the Activities Chair for WACM, the Vice President of dotData, and the Events Lead for the Wisconsin AI Safety Initiative. She is also involved in the Tech Exploration Lab, working on her own AI-powered dermatology startup, DermaVision.
This summer she is participating in the inaugural Summer of AI Laboratory (SAIL), a hands-on summer program sponsored by the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences and OpenAI, where she is developing an AI-powered productivity tool for Outlook.
“This scholarship means the world to me. As someone currently navigating financial hardship, this support will help ease my tuition burden and allow me to continue dedicating myself fully to academics, research, and leadership. It is more than financial relief — it is a sign that someone believes in my journey and potential, and I carry that encouragement with deep appreciation,” says Lakadia.
Yashwant Ranjan Singaravel
Yashwant Ranjan Singaravel is a senior studying Computer Sciences, Data Science, and Mathematics. He is an international student from Chennai, India.
Singaraval works as a Student Technical Trainer for the Division of Information Technology, where he leads hands-on workshops for over 100 students on topics like data structures and web development. He also works as a Software Engineer at the Internet Scout research group where he automates research tools using AI and ensures system reliability with testing frameworks. These experiences have shaped his passion for building intelligent, user-focused tools that can make a tangible difference particularly in areas like accessibility, education, and sustainability.
“This scholarship not only alleviates financial pressure on my family but also encourages me to embody those same qualities of generosity and excellence. I am committed to carrying his light forward in both my academic journey and the way I support others,” says Singaraval.
CDIS Corporate Scholarship
The CDIS Corporate Scholarship was generously supported by Schneider National, a premier provider of transportation, logistics, and supply chain management services, headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Sasha Nikitin
From San Diego, California, Sasha Nikitin is a junior studying Computer Sciences and Data Science.
Nikitin is actively involved on campus in organizations like the Society of Women Engineers and a STEM sorority where she holds leadership positions. She enjoys the positive and collaborative environment of these organizations which have allowed her to find community despite being so far from home.
She has also served as an intern at Micron in Boise, Idaho where she helped to develop an application for the company.
“This award reinforces my determination to succeed and make a meaningful impact in computer science. Knowing that companies like Schneider National believe in students like me motivates me to push boundaries and I can’t wait for the day when I’m the one creating technology that solves real problems,” says Nikitin.
Ce-an Zuo and Chao-ming Wang Scholarship
Donor Chandler Zuo, a UW-Madison alum (MS Statistics ‘12, MS Computer Sciences ‘14, Ph.D. Statistics ‘15), created the Ce-an Zuo and Chao-ming Wang Scholarship, named after Zuo’s grandparents, after he recognized a lack of scholarships available to support international students. This scholarship is designed to provide ongoing support for students’ educational endeavors, reflecting Zuo’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and expressing gratitude for the support he received during his own academic journey at UW-Madison.
Ashwin Maran
Ashwin Maran is a Ph.D. student in Computer Sciences from southern India, whose research specializes in computational complexity.
Maran’s research focuses on studying the counting complexity of planar graph homomorphism problems, and classifying these problems based on their polynomial time tractability. He says he cherishes the support he has received from faculty, peers, and the broader academic community at UW–Madison, including his advisor, Jin-Yi Cai.
“One of the aspects I cherish most about UW-Madison is its collaborative and intellectually vibrant environment. I have found both inspiration and encouragement here, which have allowed me to pursue my research with focus and dedication. This scholarship will greatly ease my living expenses, which in turn will allow me to devote more time and energy to my research,” says Maran.
Deloitte Foundation Scholarship Fund in CDIS
Deloitte Foundation Scholarship Fund in CDIS was established by the Deloitte University Relations Team and is funded by Deloitte employees to support undergraduate students with demonstrated interest in technical roles.
Tanya Santhosh
Originally from India, Tanya Santhosh is a senior studying Computer Sciences and Mathematics.
During her time at UW-Madison, she has been able to participate in two AI-focused research groups. She is part of the WISCERS research group, studying AI and machine learning. She is also part of SAIL, a CDIS and OpenAI partnership program where she is able to collaborate with mentors and researchers to develop practical machine learning and large language model solutions for real-world problems. She also works as a Student Help Desk Technician in the Department of Biochemistry, where I streamline IT processes and improve support systems through scripting and automation.
“This scholarship greatly reduces the financial pressure of pursuing my degree and allows me to dedicate more time to academic and research opportunities without taking on additional part-time work. Your support not only helps me continue this journey but also reinforces my belief that inclusivity and innovation go hand in hand. I am truly grateful for your investment in students like me,” says Santhosh.
Carol Sze
Carol Sze is a senior studying Computer Sciences and Gender & Women’s Studies, with a certificate in Data Science.
Sze serves as the president of WACM, the largest women-in-computing student organization on campus. She also works as a resident assistant for the women in STEM learning community in UW-Madison residence halls. She is passionate about exploring the biomedical applications of data and technology, particularly in advancing women’s health.
“This scholarship empowers me to continue making a meaningful impact in my community through research and outreach in STEM fields. With this financial support, I can focus on my studies, pursue new opportunities, and contribute to initiatives that bring technological solutions to real-world challenges,” says Sze.
Annie Zhao
Annie Zhao is a junior from Minnetonka, Minnesota studying Computer Sciences and Statistics.
Throughout her time at UW-Madison, Zhao has held several research and academic positions that have allowed her to utilize her passions for STEM and computer science. She previously served as a peer mentor in Computer Sciences, and will continue this role during the 2025-2026 academic year. Zhao is also a member of the WISCERS program, where she worked with Frederic Sala, assistant professor in Computer Sciences, and explored research around machine learning.
She is also part of several student organizations including Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternity, Code to Connect, Tech Exploration Lab, as well as the Association for Computing Machinery’s Women in Computing, and the Chinese American Student Association.
“Thank you again for selecting me for this scholarship. It has provided my family and I with assurance regarding the cost of attendance for the next school year, and we are incredibly appreciative of this support. It has also provided me with more confidence that I am on the right path with pursuing a software engineering career, as being a woman in the field can be discouraging at times. I am eager to continue my academic journey in my junior year with the support of this scholarship,” says Zhao.