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Zhanna W

- Research Program Mentor

MS at Georgia Institute of Technology

Expertise

Data science, machine learning, geology, geochemistry, planetary sciences, mass spectrometry, isotopes, radioactive dating

Bio

I am a recent MSc in Data Science graduate from Georgia Tech with a strong background in machine learning and statistical data analysis with 3 years of research experience at California Institute of Technology (Caltech) where my work was focused on geochemistry and geochronology projects involving mass spectrometry, data analysis, and laboratory management. I enjoy working with all types of data, and I am particularly interested in combining data science and geosciences. I have an adorable chocolate Labrador named Bosco, and I live in sunny Los Angeles.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Predict gold content in minerals using machine learning

Apply different types of machine learning algorithms to geological data to try and predict gold concentrations in different ore samples. This project will be focused on writing a code using Python and studying different machine learning approaches.

Identifying the best places to land a rover on Mars for a future NASA mission

This project will combine multiple disciplines such as chemistry, geology, topography, and biology. You will study the Mars map in details, understand what type of data Mars rovers collect and why, and what are the biggest Martian questions that need answers! You can write a research paper based on your findings.

Studying the beginning of the solar system through meteorites

How do scientists classify meteorites? What are Calcium-Aluminum-Rich inclusions in meteorites and why are they so important to scientists? Can we calculate the age of the Solar System using meteorites? What type of research equipment is used to study meteorites? Use chemistry, geology, and other sciences to answer these questions! You can write a research paper based on your findings.

Analyzing language of your favorite influencer using Python

Apply Natural Language Processing techniques to analyze the most common words or emojis that your favorite influencer uses on social media. This project will result in a Python code with visualizations that can be published in an online blog.

Coding skills

Python, SQL, Excel, VBA Macros

Languages I know

Russian, native speaker

Teaching experience

I tutored students in math and programming for several years, both individually and in groups. I also mentored students in a lab setting, helping them with their Earth Sciences research projects.

Credentials

Work experience

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) (2018 - 2021)
Assistant Research Scientist
Comb Analytics (2023 - Current)
Junior Data Scientist

Education

St Petersburg State University-Russia
BS Bachelor of Science (2018)
Geology
Georgia Institute of Technology
MS Master of Science
Data Science

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