Best in Class

Each semester, the Office of Graduate and Professional Programs at the C. T. Bauer College of Business selects graduates from each program to recognize as outstanding students.

The Fall 2024 list includes recognition for students in the MS in Accountancy, Master of Science in Business Analytics, MS in Management Information Systems, MS in Supply Chain Management, MS in Entrepreneurship, MS in Finance, MS in Management & Leadership, MS in Marketing, MS in Global Energy Leadership, and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs.

Rosalie Semaska

Outstanding MSACCY Student

Rosalie Semaska is an MS Accountancy student pursuing a certificate in Assurance and Financial Reporting. She obtained her BBA in Accounting from the University of Houston in Fall 2023 and received a departmental-level award for Outstanding BBA Accounting Student.

Semaska always had a passion for accounting, financials and anything to do with money. Over the years this included figuring out the budgets for a multitude of Vietnamese church community and annual festivals, reconciliation of expenses and profits, creating plans for friends and family to pay off their debt or save up to buy their dream home. These opportunities helped make her aware of her passion for helping people.

During Semaska’s academic career at UH, she was able to experience teaching and student interactions through in-person and online classes. Semaska’s instructors helped cultivate her passion for accounting and for that she is truly grateful. Each of them expressed their desire to see students succeed, and she experienced that firsthand.

Semaska looks forward to sharing her knowledge with incoming and current students so they can enjoy their time at UH like she did.  

Lakshmi Lakshminarasap

Outstanding MS Business Analytics Student

Lakshmi Lakshminarasap has a background in real estate consulting and analysis, previously working with CBRE India, specializing in consulting, valuation, feasibility studies, and business plan formulation form various asset classes. Her experience includes guiding teams, training interns, and collaborating with stakeholders such as developers and government officials.

As a Teaching Assistant for the program, Lakshminarasap has supported faculty by managing Canvas-related tasks and assisting students, contributing to the academic community through her expertise and mentorship.

Her MS Capstone Project showcases her passion for data-driven solutions, focusing on using supervised machine learning to predict risk factors for Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI) and developing preventive strategies.

A new mother, she has successfully balanced the challenges of parenthood while excelling academically, demonstrating resilience and commitment. With her diverse skill set, strong analytical background, and adaptability, she is well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in the field of Business Analytics.

Carol Chandler

Outstanding MS Management Information Systems Student

Carol Chandler earned her BS in Computer Science from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, launching a career as a programmer specializing in database applications and web development. After several years in the field, and time dedicated to familial responsibilities, she decided to refresh her technical skills by taking a database class at Lone Star College, which led to an invitation to serve as an Adjunct Professor.

Inspired by that teaching experience, Chandler pursued a master’s degree. Though she considered Computer Science, the blend of business and technical coursework at Bauer College offered a more practical and engaging path. Her passion for uncovering patterns and stories in data grew, especially during her database and analytics classes.

At the beginning of her first semester, Chandler was diagnosed with cancer but is proud to “graduate” from chemotherapy in December.

She is proud to be the third member of the family to graduate from UH, following her son in Computer Science and her husband in Law.

After graduation, Chandler plans to continue teaching at Lone Star, join her family consulting business, and join Bauer as an Adjunct Professor.

Lyndee Le

Outstanding MS Supply Chain Management Student

Lyndee Le is an international student from Vietnam and one of the first 4+1 Accelerated SCM students at Bauer College.

Le’s academic journey has equipped her with strategic planning, both quantitative and qualitative analysis through multiple business simulations, case competitions, and advanced analytical projects, all of which equipped her to successfully complete multiple internships with TechnipFMC & AlpHa-Measurement Solutions.

As a graduate student, Le assisted Senior Professor of Practice Bradley Miller with SCM 4367, which gave Le insight on the administrative side of coursework.

Upon graduation, Le will transition into her professional career working as a Procurement Analyst for AlpHa Measurement Solutions.

Elaine Fu

Outstanding MS Marketing Student

As a marketing graduate student, Elaine Fu is passionate about creating impactful strategies that align with her values and contributing to meaningful change. She thrives on crafting compelling stories and campaigns that connect with audiences, drive engagement, and achieve measurable results.

Throughout her academic and professional journey, Fu has developed data-driven marketing initiatives that enhance brand awareness and foster lasting relationships. Whether planning events, managing campaigns, or leveraging digital platforms, she approaches each project with a creative and detail-oriented mindset to ensure success.

While she holds a deep respect for the nonprofit sector, her passion extends to collaborating with organizations that share her commitment to making a positive difference. Fu excels at using market insights and innovative approaches to help brands reach their goals while staying true to their mission and values.

Eager to grow and contribute, she welcomes opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals and organizations to build strategies that inspire action and create lasting impact.

Maddie DeJong

Outstanding MS Entrepreneurship Student

Raised in Houston, Maddie DeJong was heavily involved in art and athletics at Second Baptist School before attending New York University to study Fashion and play Varsity Volleyball. After transferring to Texas Christian University (TCU) for her junior year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, DeJong intended to play Beach Volleyball but retired from college athletics due to injury. She graduated from TCU in 2022 with a BS in Fashion Merchandising and a Business Minor.

DeJong began her career at Fibre52, a textile manufacturing startup, where she serves as Innovation Specialist and has led the creation of the company’s wholesale department, rebranded as Midori Apparel. As Business Director of Midori Apparel, she spearheads the brand’s growth while continuing to support Fibre52's innovation initiatives.

During her final semester in the MS in Entrepreneurship program, DeJong created the Green Sling, a sustainable running belt made from upcycled leggings. She officially launched the product this October.

Alyssa Johnson

Outstanding MS Global Energy Leadership Student

Alyssa Johnson works full-time in the energy industry at Energy Transfer as a crude oil marketing analyst. Prior to her current position, she worked as a refined products and natural gas liquids pipeline controller in the control center.

Once she receives her degree in December, she intends to continue her career with Energy Transfer and transition into a commodity scheduling role. Eventually, she would like to expand her industry experience to include power markets and renewable energy.

Johnson earned her undergraduate degree in Human Resource Development with an Honors minor in Energy and Sustainability.

Anshul Shah

Outstanding MS Finance Student

Anshul Shah, an international student from India, joined the MS in Finance program to deepen his expertise and broaden his understanding of the financial domain. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management and a bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering.

With over eight years of professional experience in the Financial Risk domain, Shah has undertaken diverse analytical roles at esteemed institutions such as Credit Suisse, Moody’s, and a leading commercial bank. His work spans a broad spectrum, including OTC derivative counterparty risk assessment and credit rating assignments. At Bauer, he served as a Teaching Assistant for Energy Trading and Energy Valuation courses, providing valuable support to both peers and faculty. He is currently employed as a Financial Analyst at Elara Caring, a healthcare organization.

Shah exemplifies a passion for lifelong learning and professional growth. He holds the esteemed Financial Risk Manager (FRM) charter and is on the verge of completing the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Augustaheavens Ikevuje

Outstanding Master of Business Administration Student

Augustaheavens Ikevuje is an energy professional with engineering, energy, and clean energy solutions expertise. Obtaining her MBA at the University of Houston with a focus on Energy Transition and Consulting, she combines technical acumen with strategic insight to deliver impactful results.

She has contributed to leading organizations like Kinder Morgan, SLB, and Mavi Energy, where she drove projects that reduced costs, enhanced efficiency, increased sales, and supported sustainability goals.

Passionate about advancing the energy transition, Ikevuje focuses on carbon capture, hydrogen supply chains, and operational excellence. Her entrepreneurial mindset and results-driven approach consistently deliver innovative solutions that align with global sustainability objectives

She was the Director of Mentorship for the Bauer Graduate Women's Network, where she partnered with industry leaders to mentor and empower graduate students, fostering their professional growth and career success. She is a Stimulating Urban Renewal through Entrepreneurship (SURE) consultant, a University of Houston program that strives to ensure small businesses around our community succeed.

Carisa Zientek

Outstanding MS Management & Leadership Student

Carisa Zientek earned her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in May 2011 from Prairie View A&M University and began working in the education field.

In 2014, after spending a few years out of the workforce, she went back to work and started her career in the corporate sector of the oil & gas industry. Zientek worked in various roles and for different companies over the past decade, primarily in the Customs Compliance field.

After graduation, she hopes to use her skills to advance her career into more leadership-based roles to apply the knowledge gained in the MSML program.