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
	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
	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
	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
	Gali Mortimer-Webster SECS Network Representative Kia ora! I'm Gali, a generalist turned data grad, making up for lost time in statistics. I'm interested in explainable predictions, experimental design, topological data analysis, and building community. Whether it's for measuring societal impacts—or making them—I hope to tackle the hard questions with data. I studied computer science, drama and philosophy at Auckland Uni, and recently wrapped up computer science honours research about the ethics of synthetic data. I'm keen help other students and early-career data statisticians connect with the stats community. In my free time you might catch me writing a poem, making a coding language or acting in a play. If you have something in or out of statistics that excites you, reach out: you can bet I'd love to hear about it too! gmor924@aucklanduni.ac.nz
	Nasim Sadra SECS Network Representative I come from a Civil Engineering background, having completed both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the field before moving into interdisciplinary research that connects statistics, environmental science, and geospatial technologies. Currently, I am pursuing a PhD in Statistics at Massey University, where my research focuses on the use of remote sensing and spatial data analysis to better understand and support coastal resilience. My work is centred around extracting meaningful insights from environmental and remotely sensed data to address challenges related to changing coastal systems and sustainability. I am particularly interested in combining statistical approaches with geospatial information to improve the interpretation of environmental processes and contribute to evidence-based decision-making. Alongside my doctoral research, I work as an Academic Assistant, supporting teaching and student engagement across academic activities. Before beginning my PhD, I also worked as a Research Assistant, where I gained experience in applied research, data analysis, and collaborative project work. These experiences have helped shape both my technical and professional skills while supporting my interest in research that has practical and societal impact. Beyond academia, I enjoy learning about emerging developments in data analytics, remote sensing technologies, and interdisciplinary research methods. I value collaboration, continuous learning, and the opportunity to contribute to research that bridges engineering, statistics, and environmental applications. N.Sadra@massey.ac.nz