On Saturday, May 9, 2026, the Duke Master in Interdisciplinary Data Science (MIDS) program celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026 during a commencement ceremony honoring students, faculty, families, and alumni.
The ceremony featured remarks from student speaker Kayla Haeussler (MIDS 2026) and keynote speaker Sydney Donati-Leach (MIDS 2023).
Haeussler reflected on the shared experiences of the graduating class, from arriving at Duke for bootcamp in August 2024 to completing the program together two years later.
“Two years ago I did not know that any of you even existed,” Haeussler said. “And now through MIDS, I have met some of my best friends, people I hope to stay close to for the rest of my life.”
Throughout her remarks, Haeussler spoke about the challenges of graduate school, the importance of being present, and embracing uncertainty about the future.
“The largest thing I think I learned about myself while in MIDS is I am capable of hard things and solving hard problems,” she said. “There were assignments I genuinely did not think I was going to finish. There were concepts I was certain I would never understand.”
She also encouraged graduates to remain intentional and engaged in both their professional and personal lives.
“Show up for what matters. Show up for the people you care about,” Haeussler said. “Be a main character in your own life.”
Looking ahead to life after graduation, Haeussler challenged her classmates to approach uncertainty with optimism.
“What if it’s wonderful?” she asked. “What if the thing on the other side of this uncertainty is actually really, really good?”
The keynote address was delivered by Donati-Leach, a data scientist with eight years of experience delivering advanced analytics, machine learning, and enterprise AI solutions across federal, state, and life sciences sectors. She has served as a data science consultant for federal agencies including the CDC, VA, and ACF, and currently leads enterprise-wide AI initiatives at CMS.
During her remarks, Donati-Leach reflected on the different paths that brought students together in the MIDS program and the value of interdisciplinary collaboration. Using the metaphor of an hourglass, she described how students from different backgrounds converged during their time in the program before moving into a wide range of careers and industries.
“So let me ask you this,” Donati-Leach said. “What if those distinct differences that brought you here are also pointing you in the direction you should go? We aren’t all meant to go in the same direction.”
She concluded by encouraging graduates to recognize the unique strengths and perspectives they each bring to the field of data science.
“Remember, each grain of sand serves a unique purpose that, as a whole, allows them to achieve a common goal,” she said.
The commencement ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the graduating class as they join the growing network of Duke MIDS alumni working across industry, government, healthcare, research, and technology.
We are so proud of the Class of 2026 and all they have accomplished during their time at Duke, and wish our graduates continued success as they begin the next chapter of their academic and professional journeys.
Take a peek at the amazing photos of our celebration. (photos by Chris Hildreth)