About
I’m a Data Scientist & Research Analyst focused on turning complex datasets into decisions. I currently serve as a
Senior Research Associate at Old Dominion University, where I design analytics pipelines,
build Tableau dashboards, and deliver evidence-based insights for student success, accreditation, and strategic planning.
My toolkit includes Python, SQL, SAS, and Tableau—from ETL and data modeling to predictive analytics and compelling visualization.
Outside of work, I enjoy creative pursuits and community-building. I’ve led large teams, organized events, and collaborated across disciplines—skills that translate into stakeholder-friendly analytics and clear storytelling with data.
Data Scientist / Research Analyst
I build robust analytics and clear narratives so leaders can act with confidence.
- Website: https://divyaraj-t.github.io/
- Phone: +1 (757) 777-1394
- State: Virginia, USA
- Degree: Master of Science (Data Science & Analytics)
- Email: thakariadivyaraj@gmail.com
- Freelance: By referral
I specialize in transforming raw, messy data into reliable datasets and decision-ready insights. My experience spans statistical analysis, machine learning, dashboard design, and end-to-end automation, always with a focus on stakeholder needs and measurable impact.
Skills
Core tools and methods I use to deliver production-grade analytics and insights.
Resume
Data Scientist & Research Analyst leveraging analytics, ML, and data visualization to drive evidence-based decisions. Proficient in Python, SQL, SAS, and Tableau with experience building ETL pipelines, predictive models, and executive dashboards.
Summary
Divyaraj Thakaria
Analytical and detail-oriented data professional with experience delivering actionable insights, automation, and dashboards that improve organizational performance.
- Virginia Beach, VA
- +1 757-777-1394
- thakariadivyaraj@gmail.com
Education
Master of Science in Data Science & Analytics
2022–2024
Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
Coursework: Data Analysis & Visualization, Machine Learning, Big Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence
Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering
2018–2022
S.C.E.T, Surat, India
Coursework: Algorithms, Operating Systems, Database Management, Data Structures, Machine Learning, Data Mining
Certifications
Introduction to Data Science in Python
University of Michigan (Coursera)
Google Cloud Campus Facilitator
AI for India: Face Recognition with Python
GUVI
IT Security: Defense Against the Digital Dark Arts
Network and Database Security
Udemy
Professional Experience
Senior Research Associate
Jun 2024 – Present
Old Dominion University — Office of Institutional Effectiveness & Assessment, Norfolk, VA
- Lead institutional analytics and data governance supporting student success, accreditation (SACSCOC), and strategic planning.
- Design Tableau dashboards and SAS/SQL pipelines for enrollment, retention, DFWI, graduation, and satisfaction KPIs across demographics.
- Oversee survey lifecycle (sampling, administration, analysis) for Senior & Graduate Student Satisfaction and QEP assessment summits.
- Provide training/consultation on Qualtrics design and data interpretation; coordinate deliverables and supervise graduate assistants.
Data Science Research Assistant
Aug 2023 – May 2024
Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
- Libraries/Tools: SAS, Qualtrics, Tableau, Python, MS Access
- Built Python/SAS ETL scripts to clean and preprocess student/faculty/staff data for analytics and reporting.
- Developed and published multiple dashboards on Tableau Server for academic and executive stakeholders.
- Implemented a Random Forest model (with SMOTE) to predict first-year student retention using near real-time academic data.
Python Automation & Analytics Intern
Jan 2022 – May 2022
Tekdi Technologies Ltd, Pune, India
- Tools: Python (Pandas, NumPy), Django, Redminelib
- Automated analytics on Redmine via REST APIs and email alerts, reducing manual effort by ~90% and improving visibility.
- Built a Django backend for an agriculture & dairy client, enabling e-commerce workflows and analytics.
Data Science Intern
May 2021 – Jun 2021
Exposys Data Labs, Bangalore, India
- Tools: Python (Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, scikit-learn)
- Delivered customer segmentation using k-means, hierarchical, and mean-shift clustering, informing targeted marketing.
Lead Data Analyst
Jun 2020 – Jul 2021
D & H Secheron, Mumbai, India
- Automated social analytics for Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn & Instagram; built dashboards for reach and engagement insights.
- Launched chatbot for website & Facebook (Bot-Penguin) that generated ~2,000 leads and ~$37,000 in sales.
- Built KPI dashboards in Excel and Data Studio to streamline monthly performance reviews for HR and leadership.
Projects
Selected projects demonstrating analytics, ML, and dashboarding.
Reviews Analyzer Using Apache Spark
Analyzed the Yelp dataset with Spark to uncover customer behavior and market trends. Python for data cleaning/EDA and BI storytelling.
U.S. Employment Statistics Prediction
Time-series/ML approach in Python to model employment trends and forecast job counts across U.S. sectors.
Forest Fire Detection System
Built an XGBoost classifier to flag high-risk conditions; deployed a Flask app for simple inference.
Business Insights for Hilton
Designed performance dashboards for DoubleTree, including booking analytics and YoY comparisons to inform operations.
Customer Churn Prediction
Classification model for churn using customer attributes and usage patterns; feature engineering and evaluation in scikit-learn.
Recommendations
Excerpts from recommendation letters provided by prior managers and professors. Full letters available upon request.
Divyaraj is a rare talent—mature beyond his years. Across 100+ interns I’ve managed, he stands out for ownership and follow-through.
Arnav Maheshwari
Product Manager
He consistently demonstrates diligence and leadership, successfully coordinating technical and non-technical activities at scale.
Keyur Rana
SAWC University Dean
I observed his growth across four years—hard-working, diligent, and able to overcome obstacles to deliver results.
Bintu Kadhiwala
Professor, Computer Department
In two courses, he consistently applied logical analysis and collaborated effectively—engaged, curious, and solutions-oriented.
Jaydeep Barad
Professor, Computer Department
He delivers on time with precision. The dashboards he built were informative and gave us the insights we needed.
Pruthviraj Gadhavi
General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton
Contact
Feel free to reach out by email or phone for collaboration or speaking opportunities.
Location:
Virginia Beach, VA, 23455
Email:
thakariadivyaraj@gmail.com
Call:
+1 757-777-1394