There is a new addition to the COSMOS family! We hired a new full-time Data Engineer, Hassam Khan! Hassam shares what attracted him to COSMOS, as well as his aspirations and goals.
What is your name, and what role do you play at COSMOS?
My name is Hassam Khan, and I am a Data Engineer at COSMOS. I work on building and maintaining data pipelines — focusing on how data is extracted, processed, and transformed to power socio-computational research and analytical tools.
Can you share a bit about your professional background and experience?
I’m a DevOps expert with around six years of experience in the IT industry. Over the years, I’ve worked on various projects involving architectural design for services, cloud infrastructure, and databases. I’ve successfully delivered more than 15 projects for European and Asian telecom clients. I hold a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Purdue University.
Were there specific aspects of COSMOS’ culture or mission that resonated with you?
One of the main reasons COSMOS attracted me was Prof. Agarwal’s leadership and his mission to study cyber-social behavior, exploring how human behavior evolves and changes in digital spaces. COSMOS allows you to combine data engineering with creativity and real-world relevance, making the work dynamic and intellectually rewarding.
Are there any specific skills or experiences you’re looking to gain here?
I aim to strengthen my ability to manage and process large-scale data while extracting meaningful insights from it. COSMOS also gives me the opportunity to refine my architectural thinking and develop enterprise-level data systems.
Is there anything that stood out to you during your onboarding process?
The collaborative culture truly stood out to me. From day one, everyone was incredibly supportive and ready to help whenever I got stuck. It made my onboarding smooth and welcoming, and I quickly felt like part of the team.
How do you see yourself growing professionally within COSMOS?
As we continue to work on social media data, I aim to integrate AI and automation into our data pipelines. This will enhance data handling, improve efficiency, and support more intelligent decision-making within our research projects.
Based on your experience, what advice would you give to someone starting a new role at COSMOS?
COSMOS is a place where you can explore new ideas and apply your technical expertise in creative ways. The environment fosters innovation, and with robust computing resources and supportive colleagues, it’s an ideal place to grow both technically and intellectually.
If you could have dinner with any historical figure or fictional character, who would it be and why?
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be Imran Khan. His journey from a cricketer to a national leader inspires me with his determination, resilience, and strong vision. I’d love to discuss leadership and staying focused in the face of challenges with him.