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Early Life and Academic Foundation

Nikhil’s academic foundation laid the groundwork for his exceptional career in data science. He earned a Bachelor of Technology in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from JNTU College of Engineering and Technology in Hyderabad, India, where his curiosity for intelligent systems first took shape. Eager to deepen his technical expertise, he pursued a Master of Professional Studies in Data Science and Applications from the University at Buffalo, SUNY, graduating in 2022.

His graduate studies refined not only his technical acumen in areas such as machine learning, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence, but also his strategic thinking—enabling him to approach data as a tool for business transformation. This academic journey set the stage for a career that would bridge innovation, analytics, and leadership in equal measure.

Professional Journey

Nikhil’s professional trajectory reflects his commitment to excellence and his ability to evolve alongside rapidly changing technological landscapes. He began his career at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Hyderabad, where his early work in data engineering and demand forecasting for Procter & Gamble (P&G) demonstrated both his analytical sharpness and creative problem-solving skills. By developing SARIMAX-based forecasting models, Nikhil helped P&G achieve a 15% reduction in pre-season stocking costs translating into an impressive $2 million annual savings.

At TCS, Nikhil quickly advanced into roles of greater responsibility, where he pioneered solutions that blended automation, machine learning, and big data. Notably, he built an AutoML package to enhance building energy efficiency, improving forecasting accuracy by 15% and reducing energy costs by 10%. His work reflected a deep understanding of both data systems and business outcomes a hallmark of effective leadership in tech.

In 2022, Nikhil’s journey took him to Apple (via TCS, Austin, TX), where he led initiatives in Large Language Model (LLM) evaluation and optimization. His innovations improved model reliability by 20% and accelerated deployment cycles by 30%. These contributions reinforced his reputation as a data scientist who not only codes solutions but also architects systems that drive measurable business growth.

Today, as a Senior Data Scientist at Exelon in Washington, D.C., Nikhil leads the development of enterprise-scale AI Knowledge Base Tools that process and analyze vast organizational datasets. His leadership in designing architectures using Azure ML Studio, Azure Data Lake, and OpenAI APIs exemplifies his skill in combining technical expertise with strategic enterprise goals. His work in vegetation management using LiDAR and satellite data to predict storm-related threats and enhance grid reliability underscores his commitment to impactful, data-driven innovation.

Leadership and Innovation

Nikhil’s leadership style is characterized by collaboration, precision, and foresight. He thrives on building cohesive teams that translate vision into execution, guiding them through iterative innovation. His approach balances the discipline of data science with the creativity of engineering, driving efficiency while nurturing exploration. Whether aligning technical frameworks with business objectives or mentoring emerging talent, Nikhil demonstrates a leadership philosophy rooted in empowerment and purpose.

Notable Achievements

Across multiple organizations, Nikhil has achieved milestones that distinguish him as a standout innovator. His LLM evaluation frameworks have enhanced AI product reliability; his predictive vegetation management models have improved public infrastructure resilience; and his AutoML and OCR innovations have significantly reduced operational costs. Recognitions such as the Service & Commitment Award and Xcelerate Warrior Certificate from TCS underscore his consistent pursuit of excellence.

Academic and Technical Contributions

Nikhil’s technical expertise extends beyond corporate applications; he actively contributes to the academic and practical evolution of data science. His projects demonstrate a deep integration of theoretical modeling techniques like ARIMA, LSTM, and CNN with real-world implementations in forecasting, image recognition, and generative AI. Through this synthesis, he effectively bridges the gap between research and application, advancing the field of data science from concept to commercial impact.

Future Vision and Impact

Looking ahead, Nikhil envisions a world where AI systems seamlessly augment human decision-making, enabling organizations to anticipate challenges and act with precision. His ongoing work at Exelon, leveraging AI to enhance grid resilience and operational efficiency, is only the beginning of his broader mission to create intelligent systems that are both sustainable and transformative.

As he continues to mentor teams and push the boundaries of AI innovation, Nikhil Dodda stands as a testament to the power of combining technical brilliance with visionary leadership. His journey reminds us that in the evolving world of artificial intelligence, it is not just data that drives progress but the people who dare to redefine what’s possible.