In an exciting new chapter for the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS), we proudly recognize the inaugural scholarship recipients for the 2024-25 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.
Hazim bin Mohd Izani
Originally from Selangor, Malaysia, Hazim bin Mohd Izani x‘26, is a sophomore studying Statistics and Data Science.
Izani has a deep interest in using knowledge to solve real-world problems and make a positive impact on people’s lives and is looking forward to contributing to projects that intersect technology and social good.
Izani is also involved in several campus extracurricular activities including the Malaysian Students Association, DotData Club, and the Table Tennis Club.
“The Arun Panchiola Scholarship is instrumental in allowing me to focus more on academic and extracurricular pursuits without the overarching worry of financial constraints. This support not only honors Arun’s memory but also propels me toward achieving my educational and career goals, thereby contributing to a brighter future as envisioned through your generosity,” says Izani.
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.
Zoe Langhoff Weinstein
Zoe Weinstein x’25 is a senior from California studying Data Science and Sociology. Despite facing significant personal and financial challenges following the unexpected passing of her father, Zoe has remained dedicated to her education and future career in the technology field.
Weinstein spent her summer as a Data Engineer Intern at CNA Insurance and serves as the secretary of dotData, UW–Madison’s data science club. During her senior year, she will be interning at the Wisconsin School of Business, assisting their Student Success Team with data analytics projects.
“The support from Schneider National with the CDIS Corporate Scholarship will make it possible for me to continue my education and participate in my club and internship without the overwhelming stress of financial constraints. I look forward to the day when I can give back to my community and support future students in their educational endeavors,” says Weinstein.
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.
Hongtao Hao
Originally from China, Hogtao Hao x’26, is a PhD student in Computer Sciences who bridges liberal arts and social science with technical expertise.
Hao’s goal is to democratize technical skills, making programming and artificial intelligence accessible to a broader audience, including those from non-STEM backgrounds. Hao passes on his knowledge through blog posts and tutorials on his website.
“As a first-generation college student, I deeply cherish the opportunity to study abroad for my PhD. This scholarship is a tremendous help to me. It shows me the importance of scholarships like the Ce-an Zuo and Chao-ming Wang Scholarship and has encouraged me to do similar things after I graduate,” says Hao.
Mazharul Islam
Mazharul Islam x’25, a PhD student in Computer Sciences from Dhaka, Bangladesh, is a security and privacy researcher with a focus on applied cryptography and machine learning.
His research aims to develop new techniques and frameworks to solve key privacy and security challenges. His work has already had significant real-world impact, with his cryptographic systems being adopted by universities and organizations like Cloudflare.
Islam chose the University of Wisconsin–Madison because of its renowned computer science program and vibrant international community.
“Receiving the Ce-an Zuo and Chao-ming Wang Scholarship has profoundly impacted my ability to pursue my studies at UW–Madison. It has alleviated the financial burden on me and allowed me to focus more on my research without financial concern. This support motivates me to strive for excellence and to make the most of the opportunities available to me,” says Islam.
Pooja Yadav
Pooja Yadav x’25 is a master’s student in Computer Sciences originally from India. Her interests lie in the areas of systems and machine learning and she is interested in harnessing artificial intelligence and machine learning in software engineering to make software easier to write, analyze, test, and debug.
Yadav spent her summer interning at Amazon Web Services, working on problems involving AI-driven code generation to automate repetitive tasks to improve developer productivity. She also spearheads the mentorship program at UW–Madison’s student chapter of Association for Computing Machinery-Women’s Computing (ACM-W) empowering and enriching the diversity of the women-in-tech community.
“I recognize the profound responsibility we bear to ensure that our innovations are in line with human values and that their benefits are broadly equitable. I am immensely grateful for the Ce-an Zuo and Chao-ming Wang Scholarship, as it will allow me to attend conferences and workshops that enhance my skills, as well as invest in resources that facilitate the creation of an inclusive and diverse tech community,” says Yadav.
Deloitte Foundation Scholarship for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The Deloitte Foundation Scholarship for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Scholarship was established by the Deloitte University Relations Team and is funded by Deloitte employees to support undergraduate students with demonstrated interest in technical roles.
Valeria Diaz Moreno
From White Bear Lake, Minnesota, Valeria Diaz Moreno x’26 is a sophomore studying Data Science and Physics.
The first in her family to pursue higher education, Moreno chose to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison because of its outstanding physics research and the possibility of growth within the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences. She was also drawn to the collaborative environment of the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Moreno currently works with Department of Physics professor Maxim Vavilov on theoretical quantum computing. She is also a Wiscience STEM immersion peer leader and serves on the leadership team of the Physics Club.
“As an Indigenous Latina, this scholarship represents more than just financial support; it opens doors that might otherwise remain closed. It provides opportunities for people like me to pursue higher education and careers in technical fields where diversity is often lacking. The support from Deloitte employees and the recognition of my hard work encourage me to strive for excellence and to be a role model for other young women of color pursuing careers in computer and data sciences,” says Moreno.