Originally from the United Arab Emirates, Nihal brings a strong background in engineering and project management, holding a Bachelor of Engineering from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani – Dubai. In his professional roles, he drove significant operational improvements by implementing new enterprise systems and automating processes to enhance organizational efficiency. A proven collaborator, he is adept at aligning cross-functional teams to meet client requirements and project deadlines.
His experience leading operational initiatives sparked a passion for understanding the broader strategic forces that drive global business. Now pursuing a Full-Time MBA and a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management at The University of Texas at Dallas, Nihal is preparing to transition into strategic roles within operations and supply chain. He aims to leverage his analytical mindset and leadership experience to help organizations scale efficiently and build sustainable value.
Outside of his academic and professional pursuits, Nihal is an avid traveler who enjoys exploring new cultures. He is also passionate about sports, training in boxing and playing basketball.
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Erynn earned her B.S. in Computer Science and Engineering from UC Merced and spent three years as a Software Developer at General Motors. Passionate about technology and leadership, she pursued an MBA to broaden her impact beyond coding and develop a strategic business perspective. With her strong technical foundation, she aims to drive innovation through a career in product management or technology leadership roles. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, local theatre, and creative craft projects.
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Derrick is driven by a strong interest in strategy and decision making, shaped by his experience working across banking and high-growth startup environments. After completing his undergraduate degree in business, he began his career at Citi, where he gained a strong foundation in operations, finance, and execution across global teams. His later work in the startup space strengthened his ability to bring structure to fast-moving environments and solve problems with clarity.
He is now pursuing an MBA with a focus on Strategy and an MS in Finance at UT Dallas. Through the program, he is building deeper analytical skills and preparing for a career where structured thinking and thoughtful planning play a central role. He also serves as a career representative, where he enjoys helping classmates with interview preparation, career planning, and finding the right resources on campus.
Outside of academics, Derrick finds balance through simple routines and hobbies. He loves watching football and supports Manchester United with pride. He enjoys tennis and admires Roger Federer both as an athlete and a person. He likes playing different sports at UT Dallas, going for long walks, and discovering new indie folk bands. Time around pets and conversations with people from different backgrounds also add to the things he enjoys most in his everyday life.
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Sowri is a dual-degree MBA and MS in Finance candidate at the University of Texas at Dallas, specializing in strategy, pricing, and operations analytics. Originally from India, he holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Computer Science and brings several years of professional experience from Amazon and Deloitte.
At Amazon, Sowri spearheaded automation and data optimization initiatives that streamlined global workflows, reduced manual effort by over 70 percent, and improved decision-making efficiency across business units. At Deloitte, he contributed to analytics-driven consulting projects that enhanced client delivery and operational precision. These experiences fueled his passion for leveraging data and technology to drive strategic business transformation.
At UTD, Sowri is focused on integrating financial acumen with analytical rigor to help organizations make high-impact, data-driven decisions. Outside of academics, he enjoys fitness, exploring diverse cuisines, and traveling.
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Billy is originally from London, UK, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering as well as a Master’s degree in Project Management from the University of Hertfordshire. He brings nine years of experience delivering major construction and infrastructure projects across London, where he led cross-functional teams, managed diverse stakeholders, and ensured high-quality, on-schedule, and on-budget project execution.
His project leadership experience sparked a growing interest in the strategic, financial, and technological forces driving organizations. Now pursuing his Full-Time MBA and an additional Master of Science in Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence at UT Dallas, Billy is focused on transitioning into roles in strategy across finance and operations. He aims to leverage his analytical mindset, data-driven approach, and disciplined execution to help organizations scale efficiently and deliver long-term value.
Outside the classroom, Billy enjoys traveling, having visited more than 20 countries, and training in jiu-jitsu.
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Catie Burke is an MBA candidate at the University of Texas at Dallas, with plans to also pursue a Master of Science in Accounting & Analytics. Originally from Chicago, she moved to Dallas to pursue new opportunities in business, leadership, and professional growth.
Before graduate school, Catie worked as an executive recruiter specializing in accounting and finance placements, where she partnered with CFOs, controllers, and finance leaders across various industries. Her experience in talent strategy and client development sparked her interest in the intersection of business integrity, financial analysis, and organizational problem-solving.
At UTD, Catie is focused on developing expertise in turnaround consulting, restructuring, and forensic accounting, with the goal of helping organizations navigate periods of financial uncertainty with transparency and confidence. Outside of school, she loves traveling, exploring the Dallas food scene, and going on adventures with her boyfriend, David, and their Corgi, Woodie.
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