I'm Akanksha Garg
Data Engineer | AI Enthusiast | Software Engineer
Operations & Analytics
Didn't just pivot - I evolved
Teaching myself CS fundamentals while pursuing Master's
Building systems that matter
Every algorithm from scratch
Shape the world being redefined by technology
I am a software engineer and data systems builder with experience spanning industrial analytics, machine learning, and scalable backend development. My work focuses on designing systems that transform real-world data into actionable intelligence, combining engineering rigor with applied problem solving.
Before pursuing my master's in Computer Science at Rochester Institute of Technology, I spent several years leading analytics and optimization initiatives in a large-scale industrial environment, where I applied statistical modeling, process analysis, and data engineering to improve production efficiency, yield performance, and operational reliability. That experience shaped my interest in building intelligent systems that operate under real-world constraints.
Currently, I am developing PantryPal, an AI-powered smart kitchen platform that integrates backend systems, data modeling, and computer vision to automate inventory tracking and personalized meal recommendations. My technical interests include machine learning systems, data engineering, distributed architectures, and applied AI in production environments.
I enjoy working on problems that sit at the intersection of software engineering and intelligent decision-making, particularly where system design, data pipelines, and optimization come together.
Technical areas I work in:
I am actively seeking software engineering and machine learning internship opportunities where I can contribute to building scalable, intelligent systems.
Rochester, NY 14623
(585) 506-1121
akankshagarg0063@gmail.com
Feb 2025 - Present · 1 yr 1 mo
Designing an AI-powered pantry management platform converting inventory data into personalized recipe and grocery recommendations.
AI Inventory Recognition Pipeline (Python, Computer Vision, Deep Learning – Planned)
Recommendation & Meal Planning Engine (Python, SQL, Backend APIs)
Platform & Infrastructure
Technologies:
Jun 2017 - Jul 2024 · 7 yrs 2 mos
Led data-driven optimization initiatives across industrial production operations, applying analytics, process modeling, and operational engineering to improve yield, efficiency, and cost performance.
Optical Sorting Optimization (Sortex Systems)
Industrial IoT Analytics for Milling Operations
Fluidized Bed Cooling Optimization
Procurement & Cost Modeling
Technologies:
Jan 2017 - May 2017 · 5 mos
Conducted cognitive workload and brain-signal analysis experiments using EEG data acquisition and processing frameworks.
EEG Signal Processing and Cognitive Workload Analysis (MATLAB, EEGLAB, OpenViBE, NASA-TLX)
Virtual Environment Simulation for Human Performance Studies (Unity3D, Java)
2015
2015 - 2018
Built complete ETL pipeline processing 663K emergency dispatch records. Implemented DBSCAN clustering algorithm from scratch (no sklearn) with custom batch processor achieving 73% memory reduction. Optimized queries from 45s to under 1s, resulting in 25% staffing efficiency improvement.
Interactive simulator to practice coding and behavioral interviews with timeboxed challenges, feedback and scoring. Open-source - ideal for sharpening interview skills under pressure.
Developed deep learning model using DINOv2 transformer achieving 95% accuracy across 88 plant disease classes on 76K images. Solved overfitting through 2-stage training strategy (frozen backbone → fine-tuning) with custom augmentation pipeline. Deployed interactive web interface with Gradio.
Engineered custom NMEA parser from scratch after existing library (pynmea) failed, achieving 99.86% accuracy (1 error in 10,780 lines) on 600K coordinates. Optimized processing for 79% speed improvement. Automated KML generation reducing manual work from 8 hours to instant processing.
Built decision tree and random forest algorithms from scratch (no sklearn) achieving 72% accuracy on temperature/precipitation prediction. Scraped 1,197 CF6 weather reports with 100% success rate. Engineered 34 features including circular wind direction transforms. Tested 342 model configurations for optimization.
Comparative research analysis examining how Genetic Algorithms solve complex engineering problems across vastly different domains: aerospace (NASA's evolved X-band antennas for ST5 mission) and bioengineering (living reconfigurable organisms). Investigated representation strategies, fitness evaluation methods, and robustness mechanisms. Explored how the same algorithmic framework adapts to domain-specific constraints, from electromagnetic optimization to biological realizability, highlighting GA versatility in high-dimensional, non-linear design spaces.
Designed multi-module renewable energy system harvesting highway energy through wind turbines (VAWT), kinetic rollers, and piezoelectric sensors. Implemented 8051 microcontroller-based automation with IR/LDR sensors for intelligent street lighting. System demonstrated complete energy self-sufficiency: generation → storage → consumption cycle with zero external power requirements. Undergraduate research project at Thapar University exploring distributed renewable infrastructure.
Co-founded an education-focused NGO supporting out-of-school children through bridge learning, mentorship, and community engagement, helping learners transition into formal education and build confidence for long-term growth.
You can become a changemaker by making a fundraiser for this organization. Click here
Expected Dec 2026 | Graduate GPA: 3.6 / 4.0
2025 - Present
React, Node.js, MongoDB, Express.js, Java
2017
Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Punjab, India
College TranscriptAwarded 2009 | Top 0.16 % Nationwide
NTSS CertificateStepping into the Grace Hopper Celebration felt like entering a space shaped by hope, courage, and collective possibility. Thousands of women gathered not just to talk tech, but to share stories of growth, resilience, and community.
"As I left McCormick Place, I carried with me not just business cards or LinkedIn connections - but stories, lessons, and hope."
GHC 2025 reminded me that no journey is linear, no background limits your potential, and no dream is too unconventional when women choose to lift one another.
I'm beyond grateful to everyone I met for their time, kindness, and wisdom. 💜
Whether you're looking for a passionate data engineer, an AI enthusiast ready to tackle complex challenges, or someone who brings 7 years of business acumen to tech - I'd love to connect.
Full-time roles, internships, and contract work in Data Engineering, Machine Learning, and AI
Interested in discussing innovative projects, research ideas, or just connecting over tech?
