Hey there! I’m Harsh – which means ‘happiness’ in Hindi, and I’m thrilled you’ve landed here.
My mission? To decode the hidden stories in data and transform them into solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s uncovering socio-economic trends, crafting data-driven policies, or simply satisfying curiosity with fascinating insights, I’m your go-to data storyteller. I’m passionate about using technical skills to build and improve products and programs that genuinely enhance lives.
If you’re intrigued by the idea of turning raw data into powerful narratives or using technology for social good, let’s connect! I’m always eager to meet fellow enthusiasts and innovators.
About Me
I’m a data scientist and program evaluator with over 6 years of experience spanning the United States and India. I’m passionate about leveraging data-driven techniques to build products and design programs that enrich lives. In my free time, I enjoy using data to uncover insights and understand the world around us better. I’m currently a data scientist at the Energy & Environment Lab in Chicago, applying machine learning models to combat pollution. I hold an MSc in Computer Science & Public Policy from the Harris School and CS department, University of Chicago.
During my graduate degree, I worked as a data scientist on projects at the Energy Policy Institute at Chicago and the Energy & Environment Lab. Previously, I was a data fellow at the World Bank making use of private, high-frequency data to investigate COVID-19 recovery efforts. I also led the data science unit at Artha Global (formerly IDFC Institute), a public-sector research and consulting organization. At Artha, I worked with different governments on designing, implementing, and evaluating technical products and programs to improve the delivery of services. I’ve written for various publications including the World Economic Forum, and Hindustan Times, and had my work featured on the front pages of Times of India and Indian Express.
I’ve lived in four megacities, Chicago, Mumbai, New York, and London. I studied Business and Political Economy at the Stern School of Business, New York University alongside minors in Computer Science & Mathematics and Public Policy Management.
- The EU’s Digital Services Act takes on “The Algorithm”
Policy analysis of the EU’s Digital Services Act which aims to reduce illegal content and hate speech on the internet, and address what we all hate most – the dreaded “Algorithm”.
- The lead and the lag: Societal response to COVID-19
Using big data to investigate societal responses to policies undertaken during emergencies.
- The bathwater and the baby
Data regulation must balance the need for privacy and gains from open data. The state must embrace its role as a data generator and disseminator.
- Data can play an important role in helping India recover from COVID-19
A structural shift in thinking about data within Indian urban governance is needed. This piece highlights how data can play an important role in India’s response and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Assessing geomasking techniques to protect the spatial privacy of individuals during COVID-19 and beyond
Summarises various geomasking techniques that can be applied by Indian policymakers to continue using GIS for tracking COVID-19 spread but also for monitoring and improving the delivery of healthcare beyond the pandemic.
- The costs of congestion: A case study of Mumbai
From economic efficiency to environmental damage, citizens pay a heavy price. There are ways to address this.
