Resolution to Make an Impact: A Non-Math Major’s Journey to Becoming a Data Science Innovator

“As a data scientist, the ability to develop innovative solutions is not just an advantage; it’s a necessity,” says Sumit Makashir, a senior data scientist dedicated to protecting e-commerce from abusive activities. His words resonate with digital marketplaces’ transformative and complex nature, where billions of transactions occur daily.

Sumit’s journey from a biotechnology undergraduate in India to an industry-leading data scientist is a proven result of his pursuit of education and determination to make impactful contributions to today’s world.

From Biotechnology to Data Science

Sumit Makashir’s professional trajectory is anything but conventional. With an undergraduate degree in Biotechnology, Sumit initially had minimal exposure to mathematics. Upon moving to the United States, he recognized the pervasive role of mathematics in solving real-world problems. This realization sparked his interest in the subject, leading him to pursue a master’s degree in Biostatistics and another in Business Analytics. His academic journey led him to bridge the gap in his mathematical education, meeting the challenge head-on by concurrently enrolling in undergraduate math courses.

Sumit’s desire to apply his skills to solve practical challenges drove his transition into data science. While completing his graduate studies, he worked as a research assistant at MD Anderson Cancer Center and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, where he honed his hands-on data science skills in solving biology problems. The skills he learned from this research work laid the foundation for his subsequent industry roles.

In the course of his journey, Sumit had to face several challenges. During his early days, universities denied his application for graduate studies in biostatistics due to his lack of advanced math education. He kept pursuing and finally found a university program that recognized his passion. The University of Texas Health Science Center offered him admission and gave him a scholarship based on his exceptional credentials. Another substantial challenge he faced later on was breaking into the tech industry. Sumit wanted to join this industry because he saw it as a path to make meaningful contributions to billions of lives. His lack of relevant experience in this sector made it difficult for him to get through the doors. Again, with his “never give up” attitude, he prepared himself for the uphill battle and eventually won it.

Seven years later, Sumit’s perseverance and hard work have made him an established data scientist. He has successfully led several high-impact data science initiatives at multiple top-tier tech companies.

Leading Data Science Initiatives with Innovation

Sumit’s contributions throughout his career have been nothing short of innovative excellence. With only three years of academic study in data science, he developed a novel statistical meta-analysis framework for detecting differential gene co-expression. The framework was applied to Lupus disease patients’ data to detect dysfunctional networks of genes. This research was published in The Pacific Symposium on Biocomputing, an international, multidisciplinary conference.
As a senior data scientist, Sumit has led numerous initiatives across various organizations including fraud prevention, supply chain management, and voice assistant devices. He has delivered innovative solutions that have not only solved business problems consistently but also influenced the organizations’ strategies. One of his most noteworthy contributions is his patented research on reducing undesired activations in speech-processing systems, for which he is the primary inventor. The application of innovation has reached millions of customers across the globe.

Sumit’s work in previous tech companies further emphasizes his versatility and command. He has led data science initiatives focused on maintaining the integrity of product listings and reducing negative customer experiences. One of his roles also involved driving customer growth and lowering marketing costs. These roles highlight his ability to apply data science principles across different contexts, delivering impactful results.

Pioneering the Future of Data Science

Data science enables businesses to leverage big data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) to enhance operational efficiencies and customer experiences. With significant advancements on the horizon, the future of data science is bright. By 2030, AI, ML, and big data analytics will revolutionize several industries.

However, these technological advancements will bring new challenges that require innovative solutions. In this fast-changing world of technology, individuals like Sumit Makashir, who think from first principles and deliver innovative solutions, will be invaluable assets. As data science becomes increasingly ingrained in sectors like e-commerce, figures like him will undoubtedly play a huge role in shaping the future of digital marketplaces.

Sumit offers a poignant observation: “The path to innovation is not to aim for innovation but to do whatever it takes to solve the problem at hand. Innovation will happen in the process.” His story is a powerful reminder of the potential of education, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. In the end, Sumit’s journey from a non-mathematical background to becoming a data science innovator is a personal triumph and a reflection of the broader possibilities within the industry.