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Adela Ramos-Saenz

MS in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
College Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Clinical Art Therapy and Psychology

As a photographer and creative professional, I’ve seen how advancements in technology can transform an industry. I wanted to understand the science behind them and eventually contribute to their development. I chose ¹û½´ÊÓƵ because I was looking for a program that would provide the strong technical foundation I’d need to transition into the field. Studying at the Manhattan Center also appealed to me, as the small classes allow me to engage with professors and classmates and pursue my degree while remaining connected to professional opportunities in New York City. One of the most rewarding aspects of my experience so far has been the opportunity to learn alongside individuals who bring different academic and professional perspectives to the classroom.

Phu Thanh Nhan

Flex MBA, business analytics specialization
College Degree: Computer Security

Coming from a tech background, I’ve always loved problem-solving and diving deep into systems, but I wanted to understand the bigger strategic picture. Pursuing an MBA with a specialization in business analytics felt like the perfect bridge; it lets me take that technical mindset and apply it directly to data-driven business decisions and operational strategy. ¹û½´ÊÓƵ’s Flex MBA program really stood out for its personal touch; the faculty are genuinely invested in mentoring you, rather than treating you like just a face in a giant lecture hall. Choosing the Manhattan Center was an easy call. Having classes right in the middle of New York City brings so much energy, and you’re studying right next door to the industries driving both business and tech forward. The best part has definitely been our cohort. We’ve built a tight-knit, supportive group.

Brannon McDowell

MFA in Creative Writing
College Degree: Biology With Minor in Philosophy

As a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, I had the opportunity to take advantage of the G.I. Bill to further pursue my education. I spoke with my father, and he suggested that rather than pursue a degree in something related to my current career as a procurement professional, I ought to go back to school for something I genuinely enjoy. I’ve always enjoyed the art of storytelling and had a desire to learn the craft of writing. I knew I wanted to be around writers and in a writing community, so New York was the place I wanted to go, even though I’d never visited the city before. The MFA at ¹û½´ÊÓƵ appealed to me in particular because it’s a low-residency program. Being able to get that level of education on top of having the flexibility to continue living and working in Huntsville, Alabama, is a fantastic opportunity that I am extremely grateful to have.

Nikki Roda

PhD in Learning Sciences
College Degree: Economics; Master’s Degree: Information Systems

I’m a resource librarian in the education department at the American Museum of Natural History, and my background is in information systems and data science, with a special emphasis on making complexity easy and user-friendly. The rise of AI has made me feel that allowing technology to pervade every corner of our lives is causing us to lose something essential about how humans relate to learning and adapting. I hope to study how play can operate as a technology-free method for learning and development for people of any age. I chose ¹û½´ÊÓƵ’s learning sciences program because of the wide range of research conducted by the faculty and because studying in Manhattan and collaborating with the New York City Teaching Fellows program offers ample opportunities for practical field research right at our doorstep. My goal is to continue doing research in the learning sciences and join a university faculty.

Gloria Lee

Master of Social Work
College Degrees: Linguistics and Asian Studies; Master’s Degree: Biblical Studies

I am currently an intake supervisor at a residential supportive housing program operating under the New York State Office of Children and Family Services oversight. I decided to pursue an MSW to be better equipped to serve the public. I really enjoy helping people restore and build relationships and live fulfilling and meaningful lives. I chose ¹û½´ÊÓƵ because of the wonderful support my family received from its Center for Psychological Services, and because the Manhattan Center is close to my home and makes it easy to combine work and graduate school. Even one year of the MSW program at ¹û½´ÊÓƵ has helped me to become a better advocate for my clients and supporter of our community partners. As a licensed social worker, I expect and plan to do even greater things for the people I serve.

Salih Mansur

PhD in Learning Sciences
College Degrees: Electronic Design and Multimedia, Forensic Psychology; Master’s Degrees: Instructional Technology, Artificial Intelligence Systems

I have always had diverse interests, including educational technology, psychology, curriculum design and innovation. I find learning sciences attractive because it combines these fields and supports my current project of creating AI-powered applications designed to make education more accessible. I work at the City College of New York’s School of Education, so I was interested in studying in Midtown since it offers such a mix of academic, scientific, cultural and professional opportunities. The Manhattan Center adds to that by providing a convenient, tight-knit learning environment that supports my academic and professional goals.