Saravanakeerthana Perumal

I've always had an interest to learn and understand more about the world around me, which is what initially drew me to physics. My knowledge and interest gained me one of the few spots in the the Research Science Initiative program at IIT Madras in 2017, where I worked alongside brilliant scientists on a research project. Thereafter, I pursued my bachelor's degree in physics, where I grew used to looking at the world through the lenses of probability and statistics.

In my final year, I worked on a research project studying the impact of reverse migration on COVID-19 dynamics in collaboration with IIT Mandi. Applying a predictive mathematical model in python to real world data and processes was incredibly exciting to me. I gained skills in data analysis, plotting and visualization, parameter estimation and optimization, and coding in python. My background in physics gave me a strong foundation in mathematics which allowed me to understand and analyze data on a more deeper and meaningful level. I became fascinated with learning how to use software packages and techniques to unravel meaning and hidden patterns in data and how they connect with real world situations, whether it be sales data of a business or weather data from satellites.

My ability to see the world in terms of probability distributions as well as through an algorithmic perspective helped me realize data science in the right career choice for me.