I have a multidisciplinary background in computer science, mechanical engineering and environmental engineering and love solving hard problems that create impact. All data, big or small, is hiding something – and I love juicing that information out! Call my methods what you will: data science, experimentation, deep learning, or statistical analysis. I am a proficient user of multiple languages – Hindi, French, Punjabi & English. But, the list isn’t complete without ANSI SQL, Python (and its numerous dialects: PySpark, scikit-learn, Tensorflow, pandas…), Scala and C++. I really care about technology which enables social good. In my doctoral research, I am combining deep learning methods with domain knowledge to devise environmental remote sensing methods that are critical for sustainability assessment of our coastlines. By night, I volunteer my time as a Data Ambassador at DataKind to help mission driven non-profits with their data issues.
Education
| Ph.D., Civil & Environmental Engineering, Stanford University (In progress) |
| Ph.D. Minor, Computer Science, Stanford University (In progress) |
| M.S., Civil & Environmental Engineering, Stanford University (2018) |
| B.Tech. (Honors), Mechanical Engineering & Computer Science, IIT Bombay (2017) |
Projects
Peer-reviewed Publications
[4] “On the surface expression of bottom features in free-surface flow”
Gakhar S., Koseff J.R., Ouellette N.T. | Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 2020. [Published Article] [Full Access Article]
[3] “On the surface expression of a canopy-generated shear instability”
Mandel T. L., Gakhar S., Chung H., Rosenzweig I., Koseff J.R. | Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 2019. [Article]
[2] “Comparison of Embedding Strategies for Patient Readmission Prediction using Administrative Healthcare Datasets”
Gakhar S., Salinas A.J., Papini A.B., Kim D. | (in preparation)
[1] “Analysis of Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer in Corrugated Perforated Plate Fin Heat Sinks”
Upalkar S.A., Gakhar S., Krishnan S. | (in preparation)
Conferences & Talks
[8] “Spatiotemporally reconstructing free surfaces of flows”
Gakhar S., Koseff J.R., Ouellette N.T. | Fall 2020 Meeting of The American Geophysical Union
[7] “Identifying Surface Expressions of Submerged Bottom Features Using Machine Learning”
Gakhar S., Koseff J.R., Ouellette N.T. | DFD2020 Meeting of The American Physical Society
[6] “What Lies Underwater?: Surface Expression of Bottom Features in Shallow Flows”
Gakhar S., Koseff J.R., Ouellette N.T. | Stanford Environmental Fluid Mechanics Laboratory Seminar, April 23 2020, Stanford, CA [Invited Talk]
[5] “Designed Periodic Cellular Materials for Enhanced Air-cooled Heat Sinks”
Gakhar S., Krishnan S. | 24th National and 2nd International ISHMT-ASTFE Heat and Mass Transfer Conference, December 2017. [Abstract]
[4] “On the surface expression of a canopy-generated shear instability”
Mandel T. L., Gakhar S., Chung H., Rosenzweig I., Koseff J.R. | Ocean Sciences Meeting, 11-16 Feb. 2018, Portland, Oregon. [Presentation]
[3] “The surface signature of a canopy-generated shear instability”
Mandel T. L., Gakhar S., Chung H., Rosenzweig I., Koseff J.R. | 71st Annual Meeting of the APS Division of Fluid Dynamics, Nov 18-20, 2018. [Abstract]
[2] “Impact of streamwise heterogeneity due to gaps and patchiness on canopy flow dynamics”
Chung H., Mandel T. L., Gakhar S., Koseff J.R. | 71st Annual Meeting of the APS Division of Fluid Dynamics, Nov 18-20, 2018. [Abstract]
[1] “Experimental study of splashing mechanisms by an immersed rotating body”
Bourgoin M., Rodriguez D., Gakhar S., Matas J.P., Berger R. | 69th Annual Meeting of the APS Division of Fluid Dynamics, Nov 20-22, 2016. [Abstract]
Awards & Achievements
- $2,050 Google Cloud Academic Research Grant (2021)
- Google Cloud Ready: Completed 2020 Google Data Analyst Challenge (2020)
- $30,000 Link Foundation Ocean Engineering & Instrumentation Ph.D. Fellowship (2019-20)
- $5400 K.C. Mahindra Education Trust Scholarship for Graduate Studies (2017-2019)
- Fully-funded summer research opportunity at Purdue University through Purdue Undergraduate Research Experience program (Summer 2016)
- Charpak Research Scholarship by the French government to pursue internship in France (awarded to 31 students pan-India) (Summer 2015)
- Professional Working Proficiency in French. DALF C1 certified by French Ministry of Education
- Outstanding performance in 3 core subjects in IIT Bombay: Numerical Analysis, Data Analysis & Interpretation, Sociology (2014-15)
- Kulapati K.M. Munshi Award for excellence in Mathematics (2011)
- Fully sponsored astronomical expedition to China for securing All India Rank 2 from 8000+ participants in National Science Quiz (2009)
Community & Service
| Data Ambassador at DataKind (Present) |
| President, Stanford-India Association Board (Present) |
| Stanford Environmental Fluid Mechanics Seminar Coordinator (2019-2020) |
| Graduate Leadership Committee Member, Stanford Civil & Environmental Engg (2019-2020) |
| Activity Associate, National Service Scheme India (2013-2015) |
Teaching & Mentorship Highlights
- Section Leader and Mentor for Problem-solving with MATLAB course for high-school students (Stanford’s Summer Environmental and Water Studies program)
- Course which I assisted in teaching was rated the “best” in Civil and Environmental Engg. [see article]
Miscellaneous
- Love playing Sudoku (it’s fun to keep track of so many intertwined variables!)
- Enjoy learning the harmonica (only hurting cheek muscles stop me!)
- Dig espionage thrillers (Flynn’s Rapp series is my fav!)