27 graduates — across Data Science and Biomedical Data Science — carry SACS momentum to the next chapter.
This class represents everything SACS was built for. Every year we see our numbers grow, our placements strengthen, and our research presence deepen — and it is because of students like these that the world is beginning to take notice. I am profoundly proud of each and every one of you. We could not do what we do without you,” said Dean Fortune Mhlanga, Meharry School of Applied Computational Sciences
A School on the Rise
Founded in 2021 as part of Meharry Medical College’s storied academic tradition, the School of Applied Computational Sciences (SACS) has grown from an ambitious idea into a thriving hub of research, scholarship and career-ready graduates. The Class of 2026 — the most diverse and accomplished cohort yet — is the clearest proof of that trajectory.
This spring, 28 students officially completed their graduate programs: 16 in the Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) and 12 in the Master of Science in Biomedical Data Science (MSBD). Their achievements, measured across research, placement and academic distinction tell a story of a school finding its stride.
By the Numbers: Class of 2026
Of the 21 students enrolled in the MSDS program, 16 graduated on time, with an on-time graduation rate of 76%. In the MSBD program, 12 of the 13 enrolled students completed their degrees on schedule, a remarkable 92% on-time rate.
Program | Enrolled | Graduated | On-Time Graduation |
MSDS | 21 | 16 | 76% |
MSBD | 13 | 12 | 92% |
Caption: Stats for the Class of 2026 graduating cohort.
Research That Reaches the World
Beyond the classroom, SACS students are making their mark on the broader scientific community. In 2025 alone, students published work in 17 peer-reviewed journals and delivered 21 conference presentations along with 23 poster presentations. Across all outlets — journals, conferences and posters — SACS students were featured a combined 120 times.
For a school only a few years old, this level of scholarly output is extraordinary, and it reflects the research culture that faculty and leadership have worked hard to build.
Graduating with Distinction
The Class of 2026 also excelled academically, with a number of students earning honors recognition at Meharry’s Sesquicentennial Commencement.
MSDS graduates earning the highest honors include Broderick Bellard, Lexus Brinkley-Tapp, Mikel Houston, Isaac Adebayo, Charnisha Azubuike, Lisette Batiste, Habeeb Kotun, Mian Pan and Dario Perez.
MSDS graduates earning high honors include Ada’Jiah Burton, Jalen Jackson, Michella Maddox-McGhee, Brian Strong, Kweku White, Jessica Owens and Aysia Veal.
MSBD graduates earning highest honors include Evann Leigh Bailey, Ariana Lee Baker, LaPorchia C. Davis, Sadé M. Graves, Alyshondria D. Hicks, Megan Mistrel Leak, Collin Mikhel Lindsay, Ijeoma Njoku, Dyani Zocoya Peterson, James Russel Walton II and Sheronda N. Wilson.
What Comes Next
As the Class of 2026 disperses into industry, research labs, doctoral programs and health systems across the country, SACS looks ahead to its largest and most ambitious cohort yet. The pipeline of enrolled students continues to grow, and the school’s research partnerships and industry connections are expanding alongside it.
To each member of the Class of 2026:
Congratulations. The school you leave behind is stronger for having you in it.
