COSMOS just hired a new data engineer, Rahul Dhanvi! Rahul graduated with a master’s degree in computer science from Arizona State University (ASU), and has now joined the COSMOS Research Center. During his master’s program, he researched and fine-tuned Large Language Models (LLMs). We spoke with Rahul about his aspirations and goals for the role, what he brings to it, and how he heard about and was attracted to COSMOS.

What is your name, and what role do you play at COSMOS?

I am Rahul Dhanvi, and I work as a data engineer at COSMOS.

Can you share a bit about your professional background and experience?

I did my bachelor’s in computer science and later worked as a data science engineer at SEW where I developed machine learning and deep learning models using utility data. After that I started my master’s at ASU, during which I worked as a research assistant. I worked on fine-tuning LLMs in context to electronic design automation tools such as OpenROAD. 

Were there specific aspects of our company culture or mission that resonated with you?

Yes, several aspects of COSMOS’s company culture and mission deeply resonate with me. I am particularly impressed by how COSMOS addresses contemporary social issues, such as the U.S. elections and the COVID-19 pandemic. Working at a place where I can contribute to solving real-world problems and making a meaningful impact for the greater good is incredibly motivating.

Are there any specific skills or experiences you’re looking to gain here?

Oh, many! I am eager to gain several specific skills and experiences at COSMOS. I hope to deepen my understanding of efficiently building data pipelines and deploying LLMs. I am particularly interested in learning advanced techniques for handling large-scale data transfers and ensuring that these systems are both robust and scalable.

Is there anything that stood out to you during your onboarding process?

The entire onboarding process went smoothly without any problems.

How do you see yourself growing professionally within COSMOS?

Within COSMOS, I envision myself evolving into an expert in managing and analyzing large datasets. The diverse use cases and research questions tackled by COSMOS present a unique opportunity for professional growth.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give to someone starting a new role at COSMOS?

COSMOS is a genuinely supportive and inclusive environment where you’ll find that colleagues are eager to help and collaborate. You will enjoy your time here.

If you could have dinner with any historical figure or fictional character, who would it be and why?

Ada Lovelace. Often considered the first computer programmer, Lovelace’s work with Charles Babbage on the Analytical Engine was foundational to the development of computing. Her insights into early computing concepts and her visionary ideas would be fascinating.