Sardar Afra, Ph.D., Mba

Sardar Afra, Ph.D., Mba Email and Phone Number

Data Science & Engineering Leader | Wharton MBA @ Syngenta
Sardar Afra, Ph.D., Mba's Location
Houston, Texas, United States, United States
Sardar Afra, Ph.D., Mba's Contact Details

Sardar Afra, Ph.D., Mba personal email

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About Sardar Afra, Ph.D., Mba

A business-minded data scientist with broad spectrum of domain expertise and proven track record of delivering valuable insights and action-oriented solutions to challenging business problems via machine learning and advanced data-driven techniques.Sardar is now a Manager of Data Science at American Family Insurance with more than ten years of experience in leading-edge Statistical Machine Learning, Big Data Queries and Interpretation, Predictive Modeling, Data-Driven Personalization, Deep Learning, Business Intelligence (BI), and Agile Management focusing on applications of Artificial Intelligence in Insurance, Retailing, Health Care, and Energy industries. Prior to joining American Family Insurance, Sardar was a senior data scientist at Sears Holdings and Lynntech inc., working on exciting retail and computer vision projects and government agencies as direct client. His PhD work determined the applications of machine learning and model order reduction in subsurface modeling (reservoir simulation) and data assimilation (history matching and uncertainty quantification).He developed and introduced a new parameterization technique for subsurface modeling employing Higher Order Singular Value Decomposition through tensor multilinear algebra. He also developed a deep understanding of various machine learning, pattern recognition, statistical, and data-driven methods including support vector machines (SVM), random forest and hierarchical clustering, Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE), Hierarchical Bayes (HB) Estimation, Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC), Artificial Immune Systems, Gaussian Mixture Models. Sardar also has a firm set of skills in scientific programming especially in the following software: Statistical Inference (R, SparkR, Python), Object-Oriented Programming (OOP in Java and Python); Database (NoSQL, SQL); Big Data Analytics (Hadoop, Spark).

Sardar Afra, Ph.D., Mba's Current Company Details
Syngenta

Syngenta

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Data Science & Engineering Leader | Wharton MBA
Sardar Afra, Ph.D., Mba Work Experience Details
  • Syngenta
    Global Head Of Data Science And Engineering
    Syngenta Nov 2023 - Present
    Basel, Basel, Ch
    Currently serving as the Global Head of Data Science and Engineering at Syngenta in the USA, where I spearhead the strategic integration of data science and engineering into seeds R&D. My role involves leading a dynamic team in the development and deployment of advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI solutions to drive innovation in sustainable agricultural practices. By focusing on the power of data to unlock new insights, we aim to enhance crop resilience, improve yield predictions, and foster sustainable growth. Committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in agriculture, I am passionate about leveraging technology to solve complex challenges and contribute to a more sustainable future.
  • Syngenta
    Global Head Of Data Science
    Syngenta Jan 2023 - Feb 2024
    Basel, Basel, Ch
  • American Family Insurance
    Manager Of Data Science
    American Family Insurance Nov 2017 - Jan 2023
    Madison, Wi, Us
    Lead a team of data scientists, data engineers and strategists at Digital Transformation Office. We serve as the center of excellence for leveraging Artificial Intelligence and machine learning across the enterprise. My team is responsible for development and resolution of critical initiatives to support customer growth and provide critical decision support for various lines of business including P&C insurance products and Claims.
  • Sears Holdings Corporation
    Senior Data Scientist
    Sears Holdings Corporation Oct 2016 - Nov 2017
    Chicago, Il, Us
  • Lynntech, Inc.
    Data Scientist Ii
    Lynntech, Inc. Dec 2015 - Oct 2016
    College Station, Tx, Us
    □ Developed real-time machine learning algorithms for texture anomaly detection.□ Created user interface applications for commercial-o -the-shelf (COTS) mobile devices to interact real-time with the operator.□ Implemented machine vision and image processing techniques using Open Source Computer Vision (OpenCV), OpenGL ES, and Point Cloud Library (PCL).□ Experience on parallel processing and distributed modeling and environments such as Hadoop, Spark (PySpark).□ Developed great understanding of key concepts of deep learning and experiences in libraries such as Theano, TensorFlow.□ Built near production ready prototypes to test and improve anomaly detection algorithm and tablet-based application.
  • Texas A&M University
    Research Assistant (Ph.D.)
    Texas A&M University Jan 2011 - Dec 2015
    College Station, Tx, Us
    □ Introduced higher order singular value decomposition (HOSVD) re-parameterization for reservoir characterization.□ Developed history matching and production optimization using a reduced-order reservoir model.□ Built in-house 3D, three-phase large scale reservoir simulators utilizing finite element and finite difference methods.□ Performed reservoir model and production uncertainty assessment using Monte Carlo simulation in MATLAB.□ Implemented high performance computation methods for large scale reservoir simulator to solve reservoir inverse problem.□ Programmed in Multi-Thread environment (HPC/Parallel Computing) to develop a parallel reservoir simulator in MATLAB.□ Automated probabilistic EOR method screening based on Taber's criteria using MATLAB.□ Programmed numerical reservoir simulators using IMPES and fully implicit methods in MATLAB.□ Applied HOSVD to the in-house simulator to build reduced-order models for fast reservoir characterization.□ Performed stochastic reservoir parameter estimation by ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF).□ Built surrogate reservoir models using nonlinear model order reduction techniques.□ Modeled and calculated API rheological properties of an oil based drilling system using MudWare.□ Reviewed drilling hydraulics, pressure drop calculations, drilling fluids models and properties.
  • Texas A&M University
    Graduate Research Assistant (Ph.D. Candidate)
    Texas A&M University Jan 2011 - Aug 2012
    College Station, Tx, Us
    □ Performed and programmed pattern recognition/classi cation for gene expression and DNA sequencing in MATLAB.□ Adapted small-sample classi cation and error estimation methods for support vector machines (SVM) in R/Python.□ Developed algorithms in Python/Bash on dimension reduction and optimization for re nement of protein docking.□ Improved prediction assessment for classi cation of proteomic signals based on high dimensional small samples.□ Coded machine learning and Big Data Analytics in Python using Object Oriented Programming (OOP) techniques.□ Developed an error estimation method for SVM small sample classi cation problems as a MATLAB Toolbox.□ Developed deep understanding of the Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE), Hierarchical Bayes (HB) Estimation, Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) and Markov Chain Monte-Carlo (MCMC), Arti cial Immune Systems, Gaussian Mixture Models.□ Implemented SVM classi er using embedded feature selection for micro-array analysis for a series of 295 consecutive patients with primary breast carcinomas as having a gene-expression signature associated with either a poor prognosis or a good prognosis(in MATLAB).
  • Shell International E&P Inc., Drilling Mechanics Technology
    R&D Phd Intern
    Shell International E&P Inc., Drilling Mechanics Technology May 2014 - Aug 2014
    London, England, Gb
    □ Presented the project deliverables to supervisor, mentor and HR representative in four technical sessions.□ Conducted a detailed literature review on unconventional reservoir well testing and pressure transient analysis.□ Interpreted diagnostic fracture injection test (DFIT) data for different tight gas and shale reservoir data sets.□ Performed mini-frac analysis including synthesizing specialized plots specifically G-function related plots utilizing Saphir.□ Provided recommendation and detailed future plan for the project to clarify necessary steps for DFIT interpretation.□ Characterized real reservoir parameters through DFIT analysis and recommended a new efficient method to perform test.□ Directed sensitivity analysis to obtain type curves and diagnostic models for unconventional reservoirs data such as DFIT.
  • Exxonmobil — Joint Project With Texas A&M University, Petroleum Engineering Dept.
    Graduate Research Assistant (Ph.D. Candidate)
    Exxonmobil — Joint Project With Texas A&M University, Petroleum Engineering Dept. Sep 2012 - Jun 2014
    Us
    □ Presented the project deliverables to ExxonMobil representatives and project directors in six technical sessions.□ Cooperated with project PI to prepare fivee technical reports and published four papers in IEEE and ACC conferences.□ Developed and performed automatic history matching, optimal control and closed-loop reservoir management.□ Established a novel re-parameterization method to obtain geologically consistent reduced-order reservoir models.□ Performed reservoir model and production uncertainty assessment using Monte Carlo simulation.
  • Schlumberger Next Training Certificate
    Intersect High-Resolution Reservoir Simulator
    Schlumberger Next Training Certificate May 2014 - May 2014
    Houston, Texas, Us
    Schlumberger Information Solution (SIS), College Station, TXINTERSECT/Petrel Reservoir Engineering training workshop
  • Shahrood University Of Technology
    University Lecturer
    Shahrood University Of Technology Sep 2008 - Dec 2010
    Shahrood, Semnan, Ir
  • Skq
    Research And Analytics Engineer
    Skq Jun 2006 - Sep 2008
  • Sahand University Of Technology
    Vice President
    Sahand University Of Technology Mar 2004 - 2006
    Tabriz, East Azerbaijan, Ir
    Served 2 terms (24 months) as the Student Union Vice President. Committed to serving Sahand University of Technology by representing student opinion, addressing campus needs through targeted programming and the maintenance of tradition, and providing opportunities for leadership development in order to enrich the quality of student life.

Sardar Afra, Ph.D., Mba Skills

Simulations Matlab Characterization Numerical Analysis Optimization Machine Learning Mathematical Modeling R Big Data Finite Element Analysis Latex Reservoir Simulation Fortran Python Data Mining Simulink Data Science Sql Scala Pattern Recognition Well Testing Reservoir Engineering Apache Spark Big Data Analytics Predictive Analytics Reservoir Management Bayesian Inference Hadoop Business Intelligence Reservoir Modeling Numerical Simulation Software Development C/c++ Stl Deep Learning Scikit Learn Gitlab Eclipse Mathematica Bayesian Methods Computer Vision Nltk Natural Language Processing Quantitative Research Git Pandas Data Driven Decision Making A/b Testing D3.js Opengl Es Ggplot2

Sardar Afra, Ph.D., Mba Education Details

  • The Wharton School
    The Wharton School
    Finance And Business Analytics
  • Texas A&M University
    Texas A&M University
    Electronics And Communications Engineering

Frequently Asked Questions about Sardar Afra, Ph.D., Mba

What company does Sardar Afra, Ph.D., Mba work for?

Sardar Afra, Ph.D., Mba works for Syngenta

What is Sardar Afra, Ph.D., Mba's role at the current company?

Sardar Afra, Ph.D., Mba's current role is Data Science & Engineering Leader | Wharton MBA.

What is Sardar Afra, Ph.D., Mba's email address?

Sardar Afra, Ph.D., Mba's email address is sa****@****fam.com

What is Sardar Afra, Ph.D., Mba's direct phone number?

Sardar Afra, Ph.D., Mba's direct phone number is (847) 286*****

What schools did Sardar Afra, Ph.D., Mba attend?

Sardar Afra, Ph.D., Mba attended The Wharton School, Texas A&m University.

What skills is Sardar Afra, Ph.D., Mba known for?

Sardar Afra, Ph.D., Mba has skills like Simulations, Matlab, Characterization, Numerical Analysis, Optimization, Machine Learning, Mathematical Modeling, R, Big Data, Finite Element Analysis, Latex, Reservoir Simulation.

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