Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Profile
Personal Information
References
Training
Timeline
Generic

Girma Ayana

Fort Collins,CO

Summary

Skilled crop and data science expert in breeding, genomics, genomic selection, advanced analytics, machine learning, and software development. Focused on delivering data-driven solutions to complex business problems.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

data scientist/BI-analyst

UNC Medical School
12.2022 - Current
  • Data transformation (Extract-Transform-Load), data migration and storage on premises and AWS (S3 V2), and data warehousing on AWS Redshift using tools such as SQL-SISIS, and Informatica Intelligent Cloud (IIC).
  • Developed custom data analytics solutions, leading to improved operational performance and strategic planning using R, Python, SAS, and SQL (SSAS, SSRS) for clients.
  • Data reporting, dashboarding, and business intelligence using SQL tools, Tableau, and Power BI tools.
  • Automate repetitive tasks using scripting languages such as Python or R, saving time during the analytical process significantly.
  • API development, get/post data from several sources using API and database tools.
  • Preparing data pipelines, data libraries, and standard code documentation.
  • Evaluated emerging technologies to assess potential applications within the organization''s existing infrastructure or future projects.

Breeder Data Scientist

CARGILL Inc
08.2019 - 12.2022
  • Formulated breeding objectives and leveraged interdisciplinary approaches in genetics and data science to innovate crop varieties with superior traits.
  • Managed statistical designs and analytics for research across varying conditions, trait heritability estimation, and enhancing line/hybrid selection through genotype-environment (GxE) analysis.
  • Performed advanced genetic analyses across (bi-parental mapping, GWAS, etc.) four crops, identifying patent-pending markers/QTLs in stevia and implementing gene mapping and association studies.
  • Developed genomic selection models using AI and machine learning, achieving significant prediction accuracy mainly for qualitative traits and cost reduction across five crops.
  • Optimized genomic selection strategies for time and cost efficiency in the South Dakota State University oat breeding program.
  • Proficient in predictive modeling and analysis using a suite of software tools, including JMP genomics, several R packages and in-house coding, Python modules (PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras, Scikit-learn, Pandas, NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib, etc.), and SAS.

Graduate Assistant

South Dakota State University
01.2016 - 08.2019
  • Developed and deployed predictive models using machine learning algorithms, choosing the most accurate ones. Utilized R, R-Shiny, R-Markdown, and Python.
  • Supported PI with research design review, protocol preparation, literature reviews, and case studies varies research projects and initiatives.
  • Engaged in data collection and integration, analyzing spatial and temporal data, testing hypotheses, and presenting results to varied audiences.
  • Assisted the research in visualizing, publishing, and communicating findings.

Data Science Project:

  • Created models for predicting credit default and conducted data-driven customer segmentation using various techniques, including logistic regression, decision trees, random forest, boosting, Naive Bayes, KNN, SVM, MARS, and unsupervised learning methods.

Researcher and Director of Research Center

Ethiopia Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR)
11.2003 - 12.2013
  • Directed 141 research and administrative staff, project funds, and research activities
  • Directed research projects that led to developments of six improved varieties and 41% increase in business performance
  • Provided technical leadership about business insights, product profiling and demand projections
  • Created statistical analysis plans, design of experiments, hypothesis testing, data management activities, and programming specifications for a wide range of studies
  • Conducted organizational skill, technology, and business need analysis
  • Auditing business KPI and the work environment to ensure business goals and compliance with legal, health and safety standards.

Education

Ph.D. - Plant Breeding And Genetics

South Dakota State University
Brookings
11.2023

Master of Science - Data Science

South Dakota State University
Brookings, USA
09.2019

Master of Science - Plant Breeding And Genetics

South Dakota State University
Brookings
12.2017

Master of Science - MSc Phytopathology (molecular Phytology)

Haramaya University of Ethiopia, And Institute of Biochemistry And Molecular Biology At The Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg in Germany
Alemaya, Ethiopia
05.2010

Bachelor of Science - Plant Scinces

Haramaya University
Alemaya, Ethiopia
07.2003

Skills

  • Biologicals: Breeding methodologies and selection theories, trait phenotyping Disease diagnosis, diseases diagnosis and identification, molecular biology, genomics, and genetics

  • Programming language: R and Python

  • Database: Requirement analysis, T-SQL, SSIS (ETL), SSRS, SSAS, Hadoop ecosystem, and AWS

  • Business Intelligence: Reporting and dashboarding using Power BI and Tableau

  • Analytical tools: SAS, R, SPSS, JMP, JMP genomics, several bioinformatics tools

  • Statistics: research and experimental design, hypothesis testing, data mining, prediction modeling advanced time series data analysis, machine/deep learning, AI, coding, and result visualization

  • Leadership and communication: positive thinker, willing to take risks, flexible, creative, and adaptable

Profile

Data scientist, crop breeder, crop geneticist, and crop pathologist, Ample experience in crop sciences, genomics, biostatistics, data mining, advanced big data analytics, prediction modeling, machine/deep learning, business intelligence (BI), software development, system automation, computer programming, and digital technologies to bring data-driven solutions to complex business problems.

Personal Information

Gender: Male

References

  • Melaku Mekonnen, Germplasm Development Lead-Americas, Syngenta, 4082013014
  • Dr. Melanie Caffe (PhD), South Dakota State University, 6056885950, 7853175465
  • Dr. Ted Zheng (PhD), CARGILL, 9372372573, 573, +1 (937) 266 0114
  • Dr. Mulugeta Kassaye (PhD), Targeted Technology Institute, +1 (703) 586 5267
  • Dr. Sunish Kumar Sehgal (PhD), South Dakota State University, +1 (605) 688 5709, Sunish.Sehgal@sdstate.edu

Training

  • Big Data Hadoop Training, Edurica, 09/26/2019, 10/02/2019, https://www.edureka.co/
  • Intensive Training on SQL, BI and Data Visualization, Targeted Technology Institute, 12/14/2021, 04/30/2022, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, US, https://targetedtec.com/

Timeline

data scientist/BI-analyst

UNC Medical School
12.2022 - Current

Breeder Data Scientist

CARGILL Inc
08.2019 - 12.2022

Graduate Assistant

South Dakota State University
01.2016 - 08.2019

Researcher and Director of Research Center

Ethiopia Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR)
11.2003 - 12.2013

Ph.D. - Plant Breeding And Genetics

South Dakota State University

Master of Science - Data Science

South Dakota State University

Master of Science - Plant Breeding And Genetics

South Dakota State University

Master of Science - MSc Phytopathology (molecular Phytology)

Haramaya University of Ethiopia, And Institute of Biochemistry And Molecular Biology At The Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg in Germany

Bachelor of Science - Plant Scinces

Haramaya University
Girma Ayana