Priyanka Gautam

Ph.D. Candidate | AI/ML Researcher

Applying machine learning across FinTech, HR Analytics, Digital Marketing, and Energy sectors

Professional with 7+ years of experience in data-driven solutions

View My Work

About Me

Ph.D. candidate at Kansas State University with 7+ years of experience applying machine learning across FinTech, HR Analytics, Digital Marketing, and Energy sectors (NREL). Specialized in Graph Neural Networks, NLP, and causal modeling with a proven track record of building scalable, data-driven solutions.

Currently working as an AI/ML Software Developer Intern at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), focusing on resilient infrastructure modeling and deep learning pipelines on HPC systems.

Education

Ph.D. in Electrical & Computer Engineering
Kansas State University, USA
GPA: 3.9/4.0 | Expected: December 2025
2022 - Present
Master's in Computer Science & Engineering
IIT Gandhinagar, India
CGPA: 7.6/10
2017 - 2019
B.Tech in Information Technology
AKTU University, India
75%
2012 - 2016

Projects & Research Areas

Graph Neural Networks for Infrastructure
Developing GNN-based models for critical infrastructure analysis, achieving 97.24% node classification accuracy and 99.01% link classification accuracy.
GNNs PyTorch Infrastructure
NLP for Document Processing
Built automated document processing systems with 94% accuracy using NER, SpaCy, and hybrid NLP approaches for banking and HR applications.
NLP SpaCy Flask API
Computer Vision Solutions
Implemented YOLOv3-based image classification achieving 99% accuracy for security applications and industrial automation.
YOLOv3 CNN OpenCV
Knowledge Graphs & LLMs
Integrating Knowledge Graphs with infrastructure data and prototyping LLMs for metadata extraction at NREL.
Knowledge Graphs LLMs Neo4j
Influence Maximization
Dynamic graph influence maximization using cascade modeling, reinforcement learning, and opinion-aware approaches.
Graph Theory RL Networks
Infrastructure Resilience
Intelligent infrastructure analysis, optimization, and social equity research in critical infrastructure systems.
Resilience Optimization HPC

Research Interests

Graph Neural Networks Natural Language Processing Critical Infrastructure Network Dynamics Influence Maximization Causal Modeling Computer Vision Deep Learning

Professional Experience

AI/ML Software Developer Intern
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Colorado, USA
2024 – Present
  • Set up and tested deep learning pipelines on HPC infrastructure for anomaly detection and optimal sensor placement
  • Integrated Knowledge Graphs with infrastructure data to model interdependencies and improve interpretability
  • Explored and prototyped LLMs for metadata extraction and system-level insights
  • Collaborated with researchers to support resilient infrastructure modeling with Python-based workflow automation
Data Science Analyst
Accenture Applied Intelligence, Gurugram, India
2021 – 2022
  • Engineered automated workforce management tool, projecting 50% increase in task automation
  • Enhanced job classification model accuracy to 90% using intelligent augmentation
  • Utilized Python, NLP, Machine Learning, and Power BI for advanced analytics and strategic decision-making
Data Science Consultant
Eclerx Service Ltd., Mumbai, India
2019 – 2021
  • Developed automated document processing systems achieving 94% accuracy, reducing loan approval times
  • Built Flask API with hybrid NLP (NER + SpaCy) for resume parsing, improving accuracy to 92%
  • Designed image classification API using YOLOv3 with 99% accuracy for security applications
  • Built and optimized ETL pipeline for data extraction to Hadoop clusters
Teaching/Research Assistant
IIT Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
2017 – 2019
  • Developed crowd monitoring system for large-scale events using GPS/sensor data
  • Created web-based traffic prediction system with JavaScript and Google Maps API
  • Designed rebar counting solution for TATA INNOVERSE demonstrating computer vision in industrial settings
  • Mentored over 100 students in Pattern Recognition & Machine Learning Python lab

Technical Skills

Programming

Python NumPy Pandas SciPy C MATLAB R SQL JavaScript

ML/DL & AI

Graph Neural Networks LSTMs CNNs Transformers NLP LLMs Computer Vision YOLOv3 Causal Inference Time Series Reinforcement Learning

Frameworks

PyTorch TensorFlow Keras Scikit-learn Flask Hugging Face PyG DGL NetworkX

Data & Tools

Neo4j RDFlib Gurobi Docker Git GCP HPC Hadoop Power BI Dataiku ETL

Publications

GNN-Based Candidate Node Predictor for Influence Maximization in Temporal Graphs
P. Gautam, B. Natarajan, S. Munikoti, S. M. Ferdous, M. Halappanavar | arXiv preprint, 2025
View Paper →
GNN-based Criticality Analysis in Interconnected Infrastructure Networks
P. Gautam, B. Natarajan | 2024 IEEE Green Technologies Conference (GreenTech), Springdale, AR, USA
View Paper →
A Transductive Graph Neural Network learning for Grid Resilience Analysis
P. Gautam, A. Sreejith, B. Natarajan | 2023 IEEE SmartGridComm, Glasgow, UK
View Paper →
Scalable Criticality Analysis in Interdependent Infrastructure Systems using Functionality Graphs
P. Gautam, R. Madbhavi, B. Natarajan | Submitted to International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, under review, 2025
GNN-Based Candidate Node Predictor for Influence Maximization in Temporal Graphs
P. Gautam, B. Natarajan, S. Munikoti, S. M. Ferdous, M. Halappanavar | Submitted to Neurocomputing Journal, under review, 2025
Generative AI and Workforce Transformation: Opportunities, Risks, and the Future of Technology
P. Gautam, B. Balasubramaniyam, S. Malallah, H. Küçük McGinty | MINK WIC Conference, 2025

Mentored three graduate co-authors

Beyond Structure: A Causal Perspective on Network Influence
P. Gautam, B. Natarajan et al. | In preparation, 2025

Leadership & Service

ACM-W Chapter Leader
Association for Computing Machinery - Women
Kansas State University

Leading initiatives to support and empower women in computing through workshops, networking events, and mentorship programs.

Reviewer
Women in Machine Learning (WiML)
Active

Contributing to the machine learning community by reviewing research submissions and supporting women researchers in the field.

Mentor
K-State Engineering
Kansas State University

Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in engineering, providing guidance on research, career development, and academic success.

Certifications & Training

Professional Certifications

Machine Learning Specialist
LinkedIn Learning • 2020
View Certificate →
Dataiku Core Designer
Dataiku • 2020
View Certificate →
Certified Marketing Analytics Practitioner
Henry Havinson • 32-hour intensive training

Workshops & Summer Schools

AMS MRC on Complex Social Systems
June 18-24, 2023 • Opinion modeling & network reconstruction
Summer School in Computer Vision & Modern AI
IIIT Hyderabad • July 2-7, 2022
Summer School in Machine Learning & Advanced AI
IIIT Hyderabad • July 8-14, 2022

Talks & Conferences

2024
NSF-EPSCoR ARISE Annual Symposium
Kansas State University, Olathe
Poster: Critical Nodes/Link Identification in Interconnected Systems
2024
IEEE GreenTech Conference
Springdale, AR
Presentation: GNN-based Criticality Analysis in Interconnected Infrastructure Networks
2024
JMM Joint Mathematics Meeting
San Diego, CA
Progress Session: MRC Social Week
2024
3MT Talk - Three Minute Thesis
Kansas State University, Olathe
Ensuring the Heartbeat of Our City: Strategic System Hardening for Infrastructure Networks
2023
AMS MRC on Complex Social Systems
Beaver Hollow, New York
Group Presentation: Inferring Network Structure in Models of Opinion Dynamics
2023
ARISE Annual Symposium
Wichita State University, KS
Poster: GNN-based ML framework for Scalable Resilience Computation with Uncertainties