Riya Rajesh Rana

Riya Rajesh Rana is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting with a minor in Data Science at Rutgers University–Newark. Her academic and professional interests lie at the intersection of finance, technology, and data-driven decision-making. She has gained hands-on experience in artificial intelligence through her internship as an AI Dataset Intern at the Institute of Data Research and Innovation (IDRIS), where she contributed to building structured datasets for generative AI training, performing quality assurance, and refining workflows with the AI training team.

At Rutgers, Riya serves as a Cohort Mentor for the Data and Technology Professions Learning Community (DTPLC), where she guides students in academic and professional development while collaborating with university leadership to expand resources and opportunities. She also represents Rutgers as a Scarlet Ambassador, supporting student engagement through events, campus tours, and outreach. Previously, she worked as an Orientation Leader, helping new students transition into university life.

Riya’s early experiences include participating in NASA HUNCH, a nationwide competition where her team designed a cost-effective Lunar Wheel prototype, placing in the top five among 25 schools. She also brings leadership experience as Treasurer of the Indian Students Association, where she strengthens her organizational and financial management skills.

With technical expertise in Python, SQL, Excel, and data analysis libraries such as Pandas and NumPy, Riya integrates her passion for accounting and data science to pursue work that bridges technology, business, and innovation. She seeks to apply her skills toward advancing data-driven solutions in both finance and technology sectors.