3 new fellows join Delaware Data Innovation Lab

Delaware Data Innovation Lab (DDIL), the data consultancy that applies data science to public challenges, recently brought on three new fellows for a one-year cohort.

DDIL received applications from around the world for this round of fellows, but those selected come from programs in the region. Mehak Gupta, Mohammed Baksh and Jameelah Young have varied backgrounds, with a shared passion for data science, according to the org.

“We had everyone from current students to industry-based applicants who wanted to transition into a role with a more direct impact,” said Héctor Maldonado-Reis, a DDIL associate director.

Gupta, who grew up in India, is in a doctorate program at the University of Delaware and has a background in health analytics and machine learning. She is studying health claims data to learn the drivers behind obesity-related comorbidities, such as diabetes and heart disease. Gupta’s past work has involved using electronic health records data over a period of time to predict childhood obesity.

Baksh, who grew up in Saudi Arabia, is researching transportation analytics and computer vision (think: self-driving cars recognizing road signs). He received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and master’s in electrical and computer engineering from UD. He’s currently pursuing a doctorate in the same subjects at the university.

Young has a master’s degree in data science from Johns Hopkins University and will focus on housing security analytics and a community well-being index. Previously, she was a research data scientist for the Facebook Open Research and Transparency team, which provides tools and data to academics and independent researchers who study Facebook’s impact on the world.

“We’re excited to have such a talented and enthusiastic group of talented people joining us at DDIL,” said Ryan Harrington, another associate director, who’s been with the nonprofit since its founding in November 2020. “Each fellow brings unique qualities to our mission, which is to use data analytics, artificial intelligence and augmented realities to help solve problems and move solutions into the marketplace.”

DDIL, originally founded by CompassRed, is an independent entity that was initially funded with CARES Act funds for projects focusing on COVID-19-related issues in the community and public health sectors.

DDIL has a limited number of data science fellowships still available.