When Lisha Hassan Vasudev was growing up in India, she was drawn to mathematics for its clarity and logic. That passion has followed her through every phase of her education, culminating in her current journey as a graduate student in SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s Data Science and Analytics (MS) program. What began as a love for numbers has transformed into a full-scale pursuit of using data to solve real-world problems.
Lisha earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Mysore in 2021, majoring in Physics, Mathematics, and Computer Science. After completing her studies, she chose to pursue graduate school abroad and enrolled at SUNY Poly, where she is currently on track to graduate in May 2026. Her decision to attend SUNY Poly was rooted in the institution’s small class sizes, modern facilities, and welcoming academic community. She was also drawn to the program’s curriculum, which combines strong theoretical grounding with practical application.
“The Data Science program at SUNY Poly has been exactly what I hoped for,” Lisha said. “The professors are incredibly interactive and supportive. Their approach has helped me grow not just academically but also personally.”
A major part of her graduate experience has involved working as a Graduate Research Assistant at the Artificial Intelligence Explorations (AIX) Center, under the guidance of Dr. William Thistleton, who is a co-director of AIX and also the DSA Program Coordinator. The opportunity has been transformative. She has explored advanced topics in artificial intelligence and deepened her understanding of knowledge graphs, data visualization, and predictive modeling. She credits Dr. Thistleton’s mentorship with shaping her academic confidence and professional growth.
One turning point in her academic path came during her first major project in the program, when she successfully applied analytical techniques learned in class to generate real-world insights. “That moment helped me see the power and impact of data science in action,” she shared. “It affirmed my decision to be in this field.”
Beyond her academic responsibilities, Lisha is deeply involved in community seminars and events at SUNY Poly. These experiences allow her to stay engaged with current research while also helping others. She frequently supports her peers through academic guidance and encouragement, contributing to a culture of collaboration and support.
Looking ahead, Lisha is eager to apply her skills to benefit industry professionals, researchers, and the broader community. She is especially passionate about using knowledge graphs to make complex data more accessible and intuitive. She views data science not as a fixed destination but as a constantly evolving field, one that invites ongoing curiosity and exploration.
“My time at SUNY Poly has been incredibly enriching,” Lisha said. “The confidence and skills I’ve gained here will stay with me for life.”