Summary
My interests are in Large Language Models (LLMs), Conversational AI, Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Deep Learning. My professional journey includes contributions as a researcher at the Mayo Clinic and Northwestern University, along with leadership roles in various tech startups and at major companies like Microsoft and Amazon. Beyond practical applications, my passion for AI extends to academic contributions, with over 100 peer-reviewed papers and patents published in the field.
Professional Experience
Google, Mountain View, CA - Senior Staff Scientist/Manager (2022-Present)
- Contributing to the safety of Core Gemini model through multiple innovative and leapfrog approaches (e.g., instruction following, safety heads, reinforcement learning)
- Lead the team that reduced overblocking of Gemini safety filters by over 50%
- Working on next generation LLM applications for scientists, researchers, lawyers and knowledge workers in general
- Upgraded PaLM Embeddings Model to SOTA Gemini Embeddings Model deployed by both GCP and Labs
- Developed the pioneering PaLM Embeddings Model that powers Vertex AI and PaLM API, yielding unprecedented results in NLP applications.
- Built the innovative 'talk to menu' demo, sparking a pivotal collaboration with Wendy's that was featured in the Wall Street Journal.
- Powered the retrieval of NotebookLM and Gemini API's Semantic Retriever with SOTA embeddings model
- Facilitated cross-functional integrations of LLM into applications like Gmail, enhancing user experience and efficiency
Amazon (Alexa AI), Seattle, WA - Principal Applied Scientist (2020-2022)
- Led the design for Natural Turn-Taking (Conversation mode) and conceptualized a meta conversational assistant, improving Alexa's conversational dynamics.
- Fostered strategic collaborations with academic institutions like Columbia and UC Davis and advised teams for Alexa Prize SGC4.
- Created a three-year innovation roadmap for shaping the future of Alexa AI and contributed to key PRFAQs.
Conversica, Seattle, WA - Chief Scientist and SVP (2017-2020)
- Led AI initiatives, positioning Conversica as a leader in Conversational AI adopted by over 1500 diverse companies, including CenturyLink, IBM, and Mercedes Benz of Plano.
- Designed deep learning networks enriched with linguistic features, implemented a robust inference engine, and developed reinforcement learning algorithms to boost Natural Language Generation.
- Improved the platform's human intelligence to manage exceptions within a strict SLA and collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams.
Microsoft (Bing Next), Bellevue, WA - Principal Applied Scientist (2016-2017)
- Mentored over 15 developers and scientists globally, leading collaborations across multiple teams to advance conversational AI capabilities.
- Led successful collaboration with numerous product and research teams across Cortana, Office 365, LUIS, and external products, resulting in better automation and user satisfaction.
- Pioneered AI efforts to enhance conversation understanding metrics, driving key victories in presentations to top leadership including Bill Gates.
Northwestern University, Chicago, IL - Assistant Professor (2013-2016)
- Led a team of 10+ students and postdocs, securing funding from 15+ sources, including NIH, Novartis, Baxter, and Mayo Clinic. Developed ML strategies for efficient data extraction from biomedical literature.
- Designed impactful platforms for healthcare providers and patients, including an automatic health-related Q&A algorithm and a system for clinical trial patient identification, currently in use by Northwestern Medicine and Novartis.
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN - Research Associate (2011-2013)
- Enhanced Mayo Clinic’s AskMayoExpert system by integrating machine learning techniques to convert expert-based content to evidence-based content, retrieving relevant sentences from PubMed abstracts as potential evidence candidates.
- Operationalized cTAKES in Mayo Clinic’s Enterprise Datawarehouse, setting the foundation for several clinical informatics projects.
Education
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
Bachelor of Technology with Honours, Computer Science and Engineering, CGPA: 9.43/10.00
Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ
Doctor of Philosophy, Biomedical Informatics with emphasis in biomedical natural language processing
Honors and Awards (Selected)
- Alexa AI’s NU Spark Award for most customer-obsessed science
- Selected among the 'Top 5 Most Promising AI Technologies' at the VentureBeat Summit.
- Invited Keynote at AI with the Best
- 'AI 100 Award' list by CB Insights and AI Excellence Award From Business Intelligence Group (Conversica)
- National Institute of Health’s Pathway to Independence Award