From Raw Data to Real Impact: My Journey as a Data Scientist

Introduction In a world driven by numbers and fueled by insights, data science isn’t just a profession; it’s a way of making sense of the chaos around us. My name is Harshit Barde, and I am passionate about uncovering stories hidden within datasets, crafting innovative solutions, and shaping the future of technology through the lens of data. This is my journey — a blend of curiosity, innovation, and impact.

The Beginning: Where Curiosity Met Data Every journey starts with a spark. Mine began during my undergraduate studies in Computer Science, where I discovered the power of data. From simple algorithms to complex systems, I realized that every byte of information had a story to tell. This fascination led me to pursue a Master’s in Data Science at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where my academic foundation met real-world challenges.

Exploring the Art and Science of Data Over the years, I’ve delved into diverse domains of data science, from engineering pipelines to building machine learning models. Some highlights include:

• Real-Time Vehicle Identification System: I developed a solution using Python and Azure to enhance vehicle cybersecurity. By leveraging a hybrid CNN and LSTM model, I identified vehicles with precision, showcased at industry expos like Ward Auto Show.
• Sales Forecasting for Walmart: Utilizing tools like AWS S3, Redshift, and ARIMA, I built a forecasting model that accurately predicted peak sales trends, factoring in holiday effects.
• IMDB Network Visualizations: By analyzing over 100,000 movies, I mapped collaboration networks between actors and directors using Power BI and Python, revealing genre-specific trends and patterns.

What Drives Me: Impact, Innovation, and Connection For me, data is more than just numbers. It’s about creating real-world impact — whether it’s reducing hazards on the road with LSTM-based steering models or improving decision-making with insightful dashboards. I thrive on:

• Innovation: Experimenting with emerging technologies like AI and cloud platforms to solve complex problems.
• Collaboration: Engaging with cross-functional teams to brainstorm, build, and deliver.
• Continuous Learning: Staying ahead by exploring new tools, methodologies, and trends in the data space.

Showcasing at Industry Expos Presenting my work at platforms like the Ward Auto Show has been an exhilarating experience. Interacting with leaders from Ford, GM, and Stellantis not only validated my efforts but also inspired me to push boundaries and think beyond conventional solutions.

The Bigger Picture: My Vision for the Future As a data scientist, my mission is simple yet ambitious: to bridge the gap between raw data and meaningful insights. Whether it’s enhancing cybersecurity, driving business efficiencies, or creating innovative AI solutions, I aim to leave a lasting impact on the world.

Let’s Build the Future Together The beauty of data science lies in collaboration and shared innovation. If you’re as passionate about data as I am or have a problem waiting for a solution, let’s connect and create something extraordinary together. After all, the most powerful insights often come from the most unexpected collaborations.

Conclusion This journey is just the beginning. With every dataset I analyze and every model I build, I am reminded of the infinite possibilities that data holds. Here’s to discovering more stories, solving more challenges, and making a bigger impact — one data point at a time.