Skip to main content

MSBA Ambassadors

Wake Forest MSBA Ambassadors are current students who are available and eager to answer any questions you might have. Our Ambassadors know the MSBA program and the path to get there better than anyone, so they can give you the first-hand student perspective you need. We encourage you to reach out any of the ambassadors listed below via email regarding questions about the program, application process, career resources, life at Wake Forest, living in Winston-Salem, or any other questions you may have.

Headshot of Mo Alserafei.

Mohammad Alserafei

Email
City: Athens, GA
Undergraduate School: Wofford College
Major/Minor: Double Major: Finance, International Affairs
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I chose MSBA to grow my technical skills and become apart of the Wake Forest community.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
Just the overwhelming amount of support from my peers, professors, and other faculty. Everyone at Wake Forest wants to see you grow and always willing to give a helping hand.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
I have really enjoyed the food scene in Winston Salem, from downtown to hole in the wall. It is very nice being able to go get a good meal and take a stroll around a nice downtown area.
Headshot of Andrew Bakker

Andrew Bakker

City: Los Gatos, CA
Undergraduate School: Clemson University
Major/Minor: Management
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I knew that towards the end of my time in undergrad, I wanted to pursue an MSBA. I wanted to go to Wake Forest as I believed that they had the best program. It was my top school out of all the programs that I was interested in. I spoke with Eric in the fall and asked if they still had their online program, as I was going to be working once I finished at Clemson. As he mentioned that it was no longer available at this time, I started looking elsewhere. Ultimately, things changed with work, and I got my application in on the last day. I think Wake’s experiential learning aspect is something that does set it apart from other programs in the country. Most are just taking classes and learning materials. However, being able to have the practicum and put your skills to actual work allows you to have so much learning and growth that you can then talk about in all your future interviews and career.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
How caring the teachers are with each of their students. They do truly take the time to get to know each and every one of us, which is something that I truly enjoyed. Additionally, being in a cohort is a truly special experience. Having everyone take the same classes at the exact same time helps a tremendous amount with learning. At least it does for me. It’s just such a unique experience that you don't get often, and I think Wake Forest does this aspect extremely well.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
I love Innovation Quarter in downtown Winston-Salem. This town has done a tremendous job of turning old factories/mills into repurposed spaces. With Wake’s Medical School as well as great food and drink places in the square of Bailey Park, it doesn’t get better than this. On Campus, I think the coolest spot is Manchester Plaza. So much life is happening there, from the pit, firepits, to even all the events that occur there in the fall. As grad students, I believe that getting to experience what Wake feels like can be found in this area.
Headshot of Nickolas Bartle.

Nickolas Bartle

Email
City: Cary, NC
Undergraduate School: University of Alabama
Major/Minor: Management Information Systems (MIS)
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
Because I wanted to set myself up for success more in the job market, and I knew a Master's degree would help in that, and the MSBA program here wat Wake Forest was the perfect balance of statistics and computer science for me, and having a great alumni network is certainly a bonus!
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
Being able to use the excellent wake network to learn about the industry, how my talents can apply in the real world, hearing about prior experiences and more!
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
I love Farrell hall and Barcelona Burger & Beer garden, one place I love going to the library on the second floor when I need to tock in and get work done, and I can relax and enjoy good brews and food at Barcelona!
Headshot of Mary Sears Brown.

Mary-Sears Brown

Email
City: Pinehurst, NC
Undergraduate School: App State
Major/Minor: Finance/Accounting
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I chose MSBA at Wake Forest because it is a great program and since I didn't really know what I wanted to do after graduating from App, I knew it would give me a lot of options moving forward.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
Getting to meet everyone in the cohort and creating friendships in and out of the classroom.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
I really enjoy the living room in Farrell because there is always someone there from the cohort that I can talk to.
Headshot of Maddie Davis.

Madeline Davis

Email
City: Alpine, NJ
Undergraduate School: Wake Forest University
Major/Minor: Health & Exercise Science / minors: Chemistry, Neuroscience
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
Coming out of an undergraduate program in the life sciences, I was looking for a graduate program that would give me both the technical skills and business acumen needed to be a strong candidate for the early career opportunities I was interested in. I was connected with several MSBA alumni, and everyone spoke so positively of their experiences. When I sat in on a class during the admissions process, I was struck by how informative, engaging, and collaborative the lecture was. It was exactly the type of learning environment I knew I could grow and succeed in. After also speaking with an ambassador who gave me an honest perspective on the graduate student experience, I knew Wake’s MSBA program was the right choice for me.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
The most impactful part of my experience so far has been the opportunity to collaborate with classmates from a wide variety of undergraduate backgrounds. Working on so many team assignments has been transformative, as I've learned to see how students from different academic disciplines approach assignments. I feel that I am actively becoming a more well-rounded collaborator and problem-solver.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
I love exploring all the coffee shops in Winston-Salem. My current favorite is Krankies downtown. They have both great biscuits and great Wi-Fi, making it the perfect place to grab brunch with a friend or sit down for a few hours and get some studying done.
Headshot of Brooke Edwards

Brooke Edwards

Email
City: Columbia, SC
Undergraduate School: Wofford College
Major/Minor: Business Economics and French Minor
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I chose the MSBA program at Wake Forest because the curriculum aligned with both my interests and career goals. I was drawn to the program’s emphasis on analytics, problem-solving, and business professionalism. I first learned about the program through the Wake Forest School of Business team at the Wofford College career fair, and that interaction left a strong impression. I saw Wake Forest as a place where I could grow both technically and professionally.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
The most impactful part of my experience has been the collaborative learning environment and the support from faculty and peers. Working on group projects and assignments has not only improved my analytical and technical skills but also helped me grow as a communicator and team member. The sense of community within the program makes the experience both challenging and rewarding.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
One of my favorite spots in Winston-Salem is Krankies, a local coffee shop and breakfast spot located downtown. I enjoy the atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to grab a coffee, relax, and get some work done. Whether I’m working on a project or just catching up on assignments, Krankies provides a productive and comfortable environment outside of the classroom.
Headshot of Jack Halpern.

Jack Halpern

Email
City: Leesburg, VA
Undergraduate School: Elon University
Major/Minor: Business Analytics and Entrepreneurship
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I chose to pursue an MSBA degree because I discovered a genuine passion for business analytics during my undergrad studies, and was eager to gain more experience, specifically, in different areas of expertise as well as gaining hands-on experience in the analytics space. I looked at a few different programs and I really appreciated the uniqueness of Wake Forest’s MSBA program. I like the range of classes offered, the practicum project, support from faculty and staff, and the strong network of alumni.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
One of the most impactful parts of my program experience so far has been the professional and social events organized for our cohort. From orientation to professional networking events, and social events, these events have allowed our cohort to build genuine connections and a strong sense of community. Being surrounded by a group of motivated and like-minded students has made the learning environment both energizing and collaborative. This made me eager to join our Student Engagement Council (SEC) and work to continue planning unique experiences for our cohort.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
I really enjoy the Innovation Quarter area in Downtown Winston Salem, there are a lot of great restaurants and breweries there, including Incendiary Brewing and Krankies Coffee. I think all the breweries in Winston Salem are great, as they have a great atmosphere and a bunch of cool events. I also enjoy Long Branch Trail in Downtown Winston Salem for going on walks or runs.
Headshot of Jacob Kathman.

Jacob Kathman

Email
City: Clemmons, NC
Undergraduate School: Wake Forest University
Major/Minor: BS Applied Mathematics and BA Music Performance
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I chose to pursue a Master of Science in Business Analytics because I wanted to build on my technical background while also developing the business acumen needed to apply those skills in real-world decision-making. This program allows me to bridge the gap between data and strategy, equipping me with the ability not only to analyze complex problems but also to translate insights into actionable solutions that drive business value.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
The most impactful part of my program experience so far has been the career preparation resources. From resume workshops and mock interviews to networking opportunities and one-on-one coaching, these resources have given me the confidence and skills to navigate the job search process effectively. They have not only strengthened my professional toolkit but also helped me clarify my career goals and how to position myself for success after graduation.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
I like to study in the Manchester building on campus. This is where I did most of my studying during undergrad.
Headshot of Clay Lester.

Clay Lester

Email
City: Evanston, WY
Undergraduate School: Brigham Young University
Major/Minor: Family Studies/Statistics minor
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I chose WFU because I had a great experience when I visited campus, and I also wanted to pursue the MBA through the MBA advantage.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
I think the most impactful part has been getting to meet so many people who have so many different backgrounds and getting to learn about them.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
I love the main quad between Wait Chapel and Reynolda Hall. It’s such a beautiful part of campus, and I love finding a spot to sit enjoy.
Headshot of Benjamin Morse

Benjamin Morse

Email
City: Prospect, KY
Undergraduate School: American University
Major/Minor: Journalism | Economics
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I chose the MSBA program because I already had an interest in Economics and using data and prediction models to understand better the trends impacting the world. In my previous career, I was a journalist with a focus on storytelling. Working in business analytics is the perfect way to marry my love of storytelling, problem-solving, and finding solutions. I am also a committed lifelong learner, and Business Analytics is the practice of lifelong learning through data.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
Definitely the Career Management Course. Before it, I had no clue how I was going to get a job. Now, it's a matter of when, not if.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
My favorite spot in Winston-Salem is Reynolda Village because I love the gardens and greenhouses. My mom keeps a garden and going to Reynolda reminds me of my parents home in Kentucky.
Headshot of Juan Obregon.

Juan Obregon

Email
City: Charlotte, NC
Undergraduate School: Furman University
Major/Minor: Health Sciences / Data Analytics
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I wanted to improve my business acumen as well as my technical skills
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
all the resources and the willingness of the alumni to help
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
Fiddlin Fish! Great brewery with awesome events like trivia and music bingo nights
Headshot of Luke Osleger.

Luke Osleger

Email
City: Fredericksburg, VA
Undergraduate School: Washington and Lee University
Major/Minor: Business Administration and Political Science
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I chose to pursue a Master’s in Business Analytics in lieu of entering an uncertain job market, positioning myself to be more marketable to employers.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
I would say the most impactful part of the program so far has been developing hard skills. In undergrad, much of what I learned was more general knowledge rather than the “nitty-gritty” technical skills. Whether it be object oriented programming, machine learning regression analysis, or data storytelling, I am grateful for the opportunity to gain several valuable technical competencies at Wake Forest School of Business.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
One of my favorite spots in Winston-Salem is Reynolda Village. Its charming atmosphere makes it the perfect place to bring friends and family who are visiting town. Whether it’s enjoying dinner, browsing the shops, or grabbing a few drinks at Village Tavern, Reynolda Village offers a fun mix that someone who is interested in Wake Forest should see.
Headshot of Ashiqa Panjwani

Ashiqa Panjwani

Email
City: Queens, NY
Undergraduate School: Cornell University
Major/Minor: Industrial and Labor Relations: Inequality Studies, Law and Society, and History of Capitalism
Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?
I chose to pursue an MSBA as I’m interested in learning more about data analytics and bridging the gap between that and business strategy. The MSBA program at Wake, specifically, interested me because it provided a lot of coursework which was meant to guide me through pivoting away from my undergraduate experience. Additionally, the real world experience which the practicum project provides is unmatched. Furthermore, I am able to pursue more real world projects through the center scholars program and consulting club (which I’m in the process of starting with Professor McKeen) is unmatched by any other program.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
I think the most impactful part of my experience has been getting to know everyone and being involved in doing fundraising and event planning with Deacs for a Cure.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
Chads Chai has my favorite environment and drinks (try the jitterbug, I don’t like matcha but it was very good)!
Headshot of Alyssa Pate

Alyssa Pate

Email
City: Simpsonville, SC
Undergraduate School: Furman University
Major/Minor: Applied math major and minor in data analytics
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I chose to pursue the MSBA program at Wake Forest because of its strong academic reputation, supportive faculty, and the program’s emphasis on building business and technical skills. I was especially excited about the career coaching to help people like me build confidence with the job search.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
The most impactful part of my experience so far has been getting to know everyone in my class and having the opportunity to build relationships with them. I felt very homesick the first few weeks since I hadn’t lived outside of my hometown ever, but now I feel more comfortable and like I have found a good community.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
One of my favorite spots in Winston-Salem is Wise Man, because my roommate and I often go there for trivia nights on free Monday evenings. It's a lot of fun, and the crowd is more relaxed compared to other locations. On campus, I really love the Founder's Living Room; the glass walls are very nice and help make the business building feel warm and inviting.
Headshot of Robert Alex Preston.

Robert Alex Preston

Email
City: Woods Cross, UT
Undergraduate School: Brigham Young University
Major/Minor: Psychology / Business
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I chose to pursue the MSBA at Wake Forest because I felt like I would get a good education here, it was a good price, and because I felt like the values of Wake Forest most closely aligned to me both personally and professionally.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
That's hard to answer. The career resources have been vary impactful and I would say just the connections and people I have met at WFU have been top notch and have impacted me greatly.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
Another tough question. On campus I love Manchester Plaza, Wait Chapel, and the Reynolda House gardens. They're just beautiful places and they're lovely to be in. In Winston-Salem I'd say McKay's, Downtown, and the Bethabara Trail. Each of those just because I have fun memories involving each of those places.
Headshot of Birgit Preuss

Birgit Preuss

Email
City: Wilmington, NC
Undergraduate School: Furman University
Major/Minor: Politics and International Affairs, German Studies, Data Analytics minor
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
After pursuing my minor in Data Analytics at Furman I realized how much I enjoyed working with data and wanted to continue enhancing those skills and pursue a career in that field. I also knew someone who did the program and had some insight on what it would be like. Lastly, I have always had an interest in being part of the Wake community.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
I believe the MSBA cohort is very close and we hang out all the time. I have really enjoyed making these friendships and it has allowed for good collaboration in our academics as well.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
I really like the innovation quarter in Winston Salem. I often go to a coffee shop there and do work, or to the breweries for a trivia night. I also enjoy couginos pizza and the area it is in.
Headshot of Dario Santiago Lopez.

Dario Santiago Lopez

Email
City: Wilmington, NC
Undergraduate School: Wake Forest University
Major/Minor: Computer Science/ Entrepreneurship
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship for the MSBA program which was the driving factor. I received the first portion of my scholarship after completing the SMP program during the summer of my sophomore year.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
So far, it has been the people. It has been an amazing experience to meet new friends, faculty, and staff that were not apart of my undergraduate experience. Even though it's not my first time at Wake, it still feels like a fresh start, and new opportunity.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
Cin Cin Burger bar because it was the first restaurant that I ate at off campus with my family, which was recommended to me from my freshman year hallmate who was from Winston. I also had my graduation lunch there because it felt nostalgic and the burgers are just amazing.
Headshot of Christine Turnbull

Christine Turnbull

Email
City: Atlanta, GA
Undergraduate School: Wake Forest University
Major/Minor: Major: Business and Enterprise Management w/ Concentration in International Business | Minors: Global Trade and Commerce Studies & Japanese Language and Culture
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I decided to pursue the MSBA program at Wake because I felt that my undergraduate degree, albeit giving me broad knowledge of business, didn’t necessarily prepare me to be a stand-out candidate in the job market. This coupled with what I felt were lacking technical skills, I decided to go to grad school to work on these areas. I chose Wake because I have friends in other Masters programs, and because I wouldn’t have to move across state lines.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
The most impactful part of the program thus far for me has been the people. I have met some wonderful individuals whom I have connected with super quickly. They make me feel excited to come to school and really help foster a welcoming community for other MSBA students on campus. Although not am experience, I feel that the people make or break how one remembers their experience in the program, and I can confidently say that the friends I have made in the MSBA program will help me remember my MSBA experience as a positive one.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
One of my favorite spots in Winston-Salem is Chad’s Chai, located in the Arts District in Downtown. They have high quality, affordably priced drinks and a lovely cafe with amazing ambiance. My other favorite spot in Winston-Salem is a restaurant called Pho and Sushi on Stratford. Though the building is a little run down and the interior is dated, the owner, who I have gotten to know over the years, is always so kind and welcoming, making jokes whenever I come to eat. Not to mention the absolutely fantastic pho she serves at a very reasonable price.
Headshot of Jose Antonio Vega.

Jose Antonio Vega

Email
City: Wilmington, NC
Undergraduate School: University of North Carolina Wilmington
Major/Minor: Business Administration
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
The admissions office gave me a welcoming that I had never seen.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
Being able to work in a team and also having a support group from the professors.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
Soccer.
Headshot of Junqian Isaac Wang.

Junqian Isaac Wang

Email
City: Xi’an, China
Undergraduate School: University of Tulsa
Major/Minor: Computer information systems minor: business analytics
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I chose Wake Forest University because of its outstanding reputation, but more importantly, because the program integrates practical application with technical training. The curriculum goes beyond classroom theory—it feels like a true graduate-level program designed to develop the skills needed to analyze and apply data in real-world contexts. I also value the small class sizes and personalized learning environment, which align closely with my undergraduate experience at a small private university. At Wake Forest, I look forward to engaging closely with professors and benefiting from their deep expertise. In addition, one of my high school classmates completed her undergraduate degree at Wake Forest and strongly recommended the School of Business to me. She shared many insights about the campus culture and its supportive community, which gave me even more confidence that Wake Forest is the ideal place for me to continue my studies..
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
The most impactful part of my experience so far has been the Career Management course with Professor Sally Perez-Ramos. As an international student, I’ve benefited greatly from her great advice and the resources she provided to help me navigate career opportunities in the U.S. In addition, the school’s events and workshops have been very valuable—they’ve given me, as a new graduate student, exposure to different career paths and practical strategies for planning my professional development.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
One of my favorite spots on campus is the study room in Farrell Hall. It’s a quiet and comfortable place that works well and efficiently for both individual study and group teamwork, which makes it perfect for collaborating on projects with classmates.

Winston-Salem, NC

The "City of Arts and Innovation" offers an affordable, vibrant lifestyle with a thriving arts scene, outdoor activities, and safe walkable neighborhoods.