SECS Representatives

	Muskaan SECS National Representative I'm delighted to serve as your National Representative for the Students and Early Career Statistician Network. My journey into the world of statistics began with a Masters in Mathematics, where I delved into the intricacies of numbers and problem-solving. This passion led me to a brief but rewarding stint as a school teacher, where I had the privilege of igniting curiosity and fostering a love for learning in young minds. Presently, I am immersed in the dynamic realm of statistical analysis at Stats NZ, focusing on household surveys and data integration. In my capacity as National Representative, I'm committed to creating engaging events and opportunities for students and early career statisticians. From workshops to networking sessions, my aim is to provide platforms for learning, collaboration, and professional growth. I'm eager to connect with each of you and work together. muskaan@stats.govt.nz or secs@stats.org.nz
	James Bristow SECS National Representative Hi, my name is James, and I'm doing a PhD in statistical epidemiology at Massey University. I am passionate about Bayesian modelling, spatiotemporal statistics, and the analysis of climate projection data. Understanding, incorporating, and quantifying various sources of uncertainty within complex spatiotemporal models is something I find very interesting, as I believe it results in more robust inferences and predictions. My current research is focused on investigating and understanding the impacts of climate change on pathogens and food systems, alongside Bayesian phylodynamic modelling to infer the evolutionary history of diseases. Prior to starting my PhD, I worked within data scientist roles at PlantTech Research Institute and Plant and Food Research, where I synthesised computational statistical methods with deterministic process-based simulations to construct semi-mechanistic probabilistic models, which was very unique and exciting work. Outside of statistical modelling, I am enthusiastic about model deployment, automation, and pipeline development using DevOps and MLOps principals. I’m excited to serve as co-chair of SECS and look forward to connecting with you to shape networking, professional growth, and community initiatives together. I am enthusiastic about engaging with you all in these collaborative efforts. James.Bristow@plantandfood.co.nz or secs@stats.org.nz
	Jyotsna Garg SECS Network Representative I began my academic journey immersed in pure mathematics, first at the University of Delhi, India, and later through a Master’s focused on Applied Mathematics. For a while, I genuinely believed I had managed to steer clear of statistics. That belief didn’t last very long. After exploring actuarial science, working in political data analytics, and spending several years tutoring high school students, I became increasingly drawn to questions that needed more than just clean equations. I wanted to understand behavior, policy, and the stories hidden in data. That curiosity eventually brought me to New Zealand, where I transitioned from pure math to applied statistics and from theory to real-world impact. I’m currently pursuing a Master’s in Statistics at the University of Canterbury, where my thesis explores how policy and pricing influence electric vehicle adoption in Aotearoa. My work blends time series and econometric methods with a genuine curiosity about how data can drive sustainable change. This research reflects my broader goal of applying statistical thinking to real-world challenges, especially those at the intersection of sustainability, technology, and consumer behaviour. Beyond research, I work as a tutor for different statistics courses, support students on UC’s online platforms, and stay actively involved in the local statistics community. I also volunteer with organisations such as the SPCA and St. John of God Halswell, where I contribute to inclusive community initiatives and support individuals in meaningful ways. I care deeply about making data accessible and meaningful, whether in the classroom, in policy, or through community work. Statistics may not have been part of the original plan, but it has become a place where I feel both inspired and grounded. I am excited to keep learning, contributing, and building something that matters. jyotsnagarg94@gmail.com
	Andre Macleod Hungar SECS Network Representative Hi, I'm Andre, SECS representative currently working at Stats NZ for just over two years. I graduated first with a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics, then more recently with Masters in Applied Data Science, with the intention of pursuing a career in the field of Data Science. I've now been working in this field for two and a half years, first supporting the imputation model in the 2023 Census, and now working in the design of future Census. I have an interest in sports and geography, and always intrigued by the use of data and statistics in these fields. I am excited to and always enjoy giving guidance to other budding statisticians as to what life in the early stages of one's career in Statistics looks like, and happy to answer questions about what to expect - of course, it's different for everyone. andre.macleodhungar@stats.govt.nz
	Yongshi (Agnes) Deng SECS Network Representative Hi, I am Yongshi (Agnes) Deng. I completed my BSc in Mathematics and Statistics, BSc (Hons) in Statistics, and a PhD in Statistics, all at the University of Auckland. My doctoral research focused on investigating the use of statistical learning methods to solve missing data problems for large datasets. After submitting my thesis, I worked as a Data Scientist at the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), and since March 2025, I have been working as a Statistical Data Scientist at Oritain Global Limited. I have always enjoyed learning mathematics and statistics, and I am particularly interested in how statistical learning methods can be effectively applied to solve domain-specific challenges. I am so excited to be a volunteer for the Student and Early Career Statisticians Network (SECS). yden863@aucklanduni.ac.nz
	Allen Li SECS Network Representative Hi there! My name is Allen and I am entering my honours year at University of Auckland, after completing my bachelors in Mathematics and Statistics. I am interested in stochastic processes, markov chains, machine learning and queueing systems. I wish to pursue a career in quantitative finance. Originally when I first came to university I intended just to study mathematics but after taking courses in optimisation and probability I realised what I was missing and now I'm only taking statistics courses. In my free time I enjoy playing chess or gaming with my friends. My dissertation this year is about Machine learning and queueing systems, and I am interested in R, especially since I am studying at its birthplace . ali693@aucklanduni.ac.nz
	Sanduni Malluwawadu SECS Network Representative I began my academic journey in Sri Lanka, where I completed a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Mathematics at Rajarata University, with studies spanning Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, and Chemistry. Those early years nurtured a deep fascination with analytical thinking, modelling, and problem solving interests that later grew into a professional pathway shaped by both teaching and data driven research. My desire to understand complex systems more deeply brought me to New Zealand, where I pursued a PhD in physics based brain modelling at the University of Waikato. My doctoral work, Investigating the dynamics of a population of spiking neurons across spatial scales, combined differential equations, computational simulation, and mathematical modelling to explore neural behaviour. This period strengthened my skills in both theoretical and applied analysis while reinforcing my commitment to meaningful, research informed impact. Professionally, my career has bridged academia, industry, and community engagement. I am currently involved in statistical analysis at Stats NZ, where I contribute to evidence based insights for national decision making. Prior to this, I served as a Data Scientist & Statistician at Iris Data Science and Proteus, leading and contributing to data driven projects and physics based analytical approaches. My background also includes several years of experience as a tutor and lecturer in Mathematics, Statistics and Physics across institutions in New Zealand, Australia and Sri Lanka, where I supported learners through teaching, lab coordination, and academic assistance. Across these roles, I've grown increasingly passionate about using data to illuminate complex systems, whether biological, social, or environmental and to support decision making grounded in clarity and fairness. I care deeply about helping others access and understand data, and I strive to make analytical insights both accurate and accessible. I'm excited to support the Student and Early Career Statisticians Network and help bring our community together. Sanduni.Malluwawadu@stats.govt.nz