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School of Data Science Welcomes Three New Advisory Board Members
The University of Virginia School of Data Science announces the appointment of three distinguished leaders to its Advisory Board. Beginning their terms this fall, Kane Geyer, Ramesh Durvasula, and Lexi Reese will join the board, bringing its member count to 14 and with them decades of expertise in business, technology, life sciences, and innovation.
The Advisory Board plays a vital role in guiding the School of Data Science in its mission to practice responsible data science for the common good. Members provide strategic insights that help shape the School’s academic programs, research priorities, and partnerships with industry and community organizations. They also serve as ambassadors, strengthening the School’s reputation and fostering connections that create opportunities for students and faculty. By offering mentorship, guidance, and resources, the Advisory Board ensures the School continues to shape the field as a model for responsible data science.
“The Advisory Board has proven to be vital in the development and evolution of the school. I am exceedingly grateful to past, current and new members for their contributions to our past and anticipated future success” said Dean Phil Bourne.
Ramesh Durvasula
Ramesh Durvasula earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry and his Ph.D. in biophysics from the University of Virginia. He serves as SVP, R&D Tech at Eli Lilly and Company, where he leads the technology portfolio that powers drug discovery, clinical development, and regulatory efforts. His career has spanned pharmaceutical research, digital integration, and computational chemistry, including leadership roles at Bristol Myers Squibb and Tripos. He is also active in industry forums such as the Pistoia Alliance and serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council at Indiana University’s Luddy School of Informatics.
Kane Geyer
Kane Geyer, a 1998 graduate of the University of Virginia with a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, is a Principal at PwC and leader of the U.S. and Global Chief Data Office. Over his 20-year career, he has worked across business, technology, and operations to build enterprise-scale decision capabilities and high-impact analytics teams. He has overseen the development of global enterprise data and knowledge strategies and has guided organizations in navigating the complex regulatory landscape of analytics at scale. Geyer also earned an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business.
Lexi Reese
Lexi Reese, a 1996 graduate of the University of Virginia with a bachelor’s degree in Latin American history, is co-founder and CEO of Lanai, an AI Empowerment Platform that helps enterprises safely scale AI success. A recognized leader in technology and finance, she has held senior roles at Google, where she scaled global programmatic advertising, and as COO of Gusto, where she grew the customer base to more than 200,000 businesses. Reese has also served as Executive in Residence at venture capital firm General Catalyst.
About the UVA School of Data Science
Founded in 2019 as the University’s 12th school, the UVA School of Data Science is the first of its kind in the nation. With a mission to further discovery, share knowledge, and make a positive impact on society through responsible data science, the School offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, fosters interdisciplinary research, and builds partnerships across industry, government, and academia. The School is guided by a vision of a “school without walls” — open, collaborative, and deeply engaged with the community.