I am a curious, compassionate, and creative leader who embraces growth, fosters meaningful connections, and inspires others while navigating challenges with grace and resilience. With a PhD in Astronomy from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, my analytical journey began by studying the unseen aspects of the Universe. This foundation in rigorous problem-solving naturally led me on a winding career path into data science and beyond.

Along this journey, I gained over 15 years of experience in machine learning and AI, including eight years in executive roles at early-stage startups, where I excel at setting strategic directions for technical teams that need to innovate quickly with tight resources. My entrepreneurial spirit also led me to co-found Astraea, a startup developing an AI platform for big geospatial data, where I built and led a new team of data scientists.

I'm known for my people-first approach to leadership, clarity in aligning business and technical goals, seamless communication across teams and with customers, and innovative design in AI solutions. I have successfully led teams of 2-12 members on budgets ranging from $1M to $8M to develop impactful AI solutions and applications in a wide range of industries, including Healthcare, Climate, Energy, Finance, and Agriculture.

My Approach & Impact My work consistently drives the development of impactful AI solutions and products, achieving business goals and ensuring customer satisfaction. I bring the resourcefulness and adaptability needed in fast-paced environments, and have successfully delivered numerous solutions, such as securing a multi-million-dollar award from NASA at Pixxel, developing high-accuracy carbon quantification solutions for EarthOptics, and leveraging satellite data and computer vision to detect undocumented cement and steel plants at Astraea. I am passionate about leveraging technology for meaningful impact and solving real-world problems.

Beyond Technical Expertise My leadership is deeply rooted in a people-first approach and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. I believe that true innovation flourishes in humane workplaces where individuals feel valued, supported, and psychologically safe to express ideas and learn from mistakes. I am passionate about ensuring that technology serves a purpose-driven mission, delivering genuine value rather than just chasing hype.