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Mackdonald Shiwani kept his options open as an undergraduate student. He studied electrical and computer engineering at a local university in Kenya while simultaneously completing the Applied Data Science Lab at WorldQuant University.

Later, Mackdonald completed the Computer Vision Lab at WorldQuant University. Along the way, he learned to code in Python and manage SQL and NoSQL databases.  Now he is ready to innovate at the intersection of electrical systems, software development, and data science.

He says WQU helped prepare him for his career by focusing on practical application. For one assignment, he analyzed air quality in Nairobi, Kenya. Other projects focused on housing in Argentina, earthquake damage in Nepal, and market forecasting on the Bombay Stock Exchange in India.

“The programs encouraged us to tackle real-world projects,” he says.

Mackdonald also enjoyed collaborating with peers from multiple countries and continents.

“Proud to be part of a university that offers free and virtual courses accessible to learners worldwide, truly democratizing education and empowering us to transform data into impact,” he wrote on social media after meeting WorldQuant University CEO at an alumni mixer on Sept. 12, 2025, in Nairobi.

He now serves as a Global Alumni Ambassador and recommends WorldQuant University to anyone interested in data science and computer vision.

“I would tell someone considering WorldQuant University to join because it provides quality education that is virtual and accessible,” he says.

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Impact in Kenya: Mackdonald Shiwani (0:55)