Success Stories

Saumya Gupta – MS, Artificial Intelligence, Northeastern University

I was an AI Co-op and later an AI Research Associate at the Neural Dynamics lab. I built large-scale foundational AI systems for RNA biology to map complex genetic mechanisms. I also built novel generative AI methods that generate neural network weight spaces to enable better transfer learning and uncertainty quantification. I developed a deep intuition for designing reliable and scalable AI systems, strengthened my ability to translate complex ideas into practical solutions, and grew significantly as a researcher. I am now an Applied AI Scientist at Microsoft, where I will be part of the Microsoft Copilots team and will lead projects from ideation to deployment, working with advanced AI models to deliver impactful features to millions of users.

Vitali Bahatyrevich – MS, Bioinformatics, Northeastern University

During my time at the Neural Dynamics lab, I worked as a Bioinformatics Co-op, where I helped build a long-read sequencing analysis framework aimed at uncovering new gene isoforms and strengthening our ability to interpret complex transcriptomic data. Working at the lab gave me invaluable hands-on experience, from problem-solving in a collaborative environment to learning how to design clear, reliable, and well-documented workflows that support meaningful scientific discovery. I'm now working as a Clinical Bioinformatician at Advocate Clinical Laboratories, where I support and validate clinical NGS workflows and develop automation tools that help ensure accurate, efficient, and compliant genomic reporting for patient care.

Niraj Chaudhari – MS, Data Science, Northeastern University

As a Research Associate at the Neural Dynamics Lab, I worked on de novo protein design, building models that could generate novel proteins from text descriptions with specific biological functions and built state-of-the-art AI models for the challenging and unsolved inverse protein folding problem. I gained deep expertise in generative models, diffusion techniques, and reinforcement learning, which shaped how I approach AI problems today. Now I'm a Deep Learning Architect at AWS, helping clients customize large language models for their specific business needs.

Tanuj Thakkar – MS, Bioinformatics, Northeastern University

I was a Bioinformatics Co-op at the Neural Dynamics lab, and I worked on developing data-driven approaches to analyze complex biological datasets, with a focus on extracting meaningful insights from large-scale sequencing data to support translational research. I gained hands-on training in applying computational thinking to real biological problems, learned how to design scalable analytical workflows, and developed the ability to translate complex data into clear biological interpretations within a collaborative environment. I am now a Senior Research Assistant at Modalis Therapeutics, supporting therapeutic development by integrating computational analysis with experimental research across multidisciplinary teams.

Shalini Kartyk – MS, Bioinformatics, Northeastern University

I worked as a Bioinformatics Co-Op and then as a Bioinformatician at the Neural Dynamics lab, where I led advanced computational and machine-learning initiatives to uncover fundamental regulatory mechanisms underlying gene expression and immune function. Through this experience, I learned how to translate complex biological questions into rigorous, interpretable analytical frameworks while collaborating closely across disciplines. I am now an Associate Bioinformatics Scientist at Breaking, Inc., where I build scalable, high-throughput computational systems to advance microbial and environmental genomics research with real-world impact.

Matthew Runyan – MS, Bioinformatics, Northeastern University

I joined the Neural Dynamics Lab at the Institute for Experiential AI as a Bioinformatics Co-Op and continued as a Graduate Research Assistant, developing machine learning models that predict how genetic variants disrupt gene regulation and contribute to disease. This experience has taught me how to work at the intersection of machine learning and biology, and how to use these models as tools for biological and therapeutic discovery. I am now a Machine Learning Engineer in Computational Biology at EAI, expanding on this work and contributing to the lab's broader research efforts.

Malathi Gadupudi – MS, Health Informatics, Northeastern University

I was a Research Associate at the Neural Dynamics lab where I developed ML models to predict cognitive fitness and development in children with CBH and conducted a cost analysis between telehealth and outpatient visits using IQVIA claims data. I gained experience analyzing large datasets, building machine learning models, and uncovering patterns in cognitive and clinical data. I also developed critical thinking, and collaboration skills while working closely with researchers. I am now a HEDIS Data Analyst at Mass General Brigham Health Plan, where I abstract and analyze healthcare data from EHRs and claims systems to support quality measurement, reporting, and compliance with HEDIS standards.

Nihar Sanda – MS, Computer Science, Northeastern University

I joined the Neural Dynamics Lab at the Institute for Experiential AI as a Research Associate, where I developed an innovative algorithmic framework for intelligent information retrieval in advanced AI systems. My primary work focused on architecting PRISM, a unified knowledge aggregation platform for biomedical research, and developing eGoT (enhanced Graph-of-Thoughts), a novel methodology that combines iterative reasoning with knowledge graph traversal. Over eight months, the lab provided me with the creative freedom to explore unconventional approaches while maintaining accountability for impactful results. I learned to architect scalable AI systems, optimize complex knowledge graphs, and translate cutting-edge research into practical applications, establishing partnerships with five major medical institutions. I am now a Machine Learning Engineer at EAI, where I'm responsible for commercializing the knowledge aggregation platform in biomedicine and building next-generation scientific discovery engines that accelerate research across the life sciences.

Aathira Pillai – MS, Artificial Intelligence, Northeastern University

I joined the Neural Dynamics Lab as an ML/AI Co-op. During this time, I contributed to a drug synergy initiative focused on developing data-driven models that could infer effective drug combinations to streamline and accelerate the early stages of combination drug discovery. This experience significantly strengthened my technical foundation while also expanding my overall skill set. It provided valuable exposure to a research-oriented way of thinking, including how to frame open-ended problems, evaluate ideas critically, and collaborate effectively with research scientists by synthesizing diverse perspectives into cohesive solutions. I am now a Machine Learning Engineer at EAI funded by Duet Biosystems modeling efficacy and toxicity of drug combinations.

Meghana Dropathi – MS, Bioinformatics, Northeastern University

As a Research Associate in the Neural Dynamics Lab, I led the development of an end-to-end MeRIP-seq analysis pipeline and the integration of both publicly available and proprietary computational models to advance our understanding of epitranscriptomic regulation. My time at the lab sharpened my ability to bridge cutting-edge AI methodologies with complex biological data, giving me the confidence and technical foundation to tackle real-world problems at the intersection of machine learning and genomics. I'm currently a Senior Bioinformatician at Emory University, where I design and build computational pipelines across diverse data modalities, develop AI-driven analytical tools, and contribute to research efforts focused on HIV cure strategies.

Trainees from the Neural Dynamics group (AI + Life Sciences, EAI) – 2024 & 2025