COSMOS just hired a new data engineer, Pranavi Addagatla! Pranavi graduated with a master’s degree in Computer Science from Arizona State University, and has now joined the COSMOS Research Center. Her passion lies in improving and optimizing systems. During her master’s program, she worked as a software developer and UI designer. We spoke with Pranavi about her aspirations and goals for the role, what she brings to it, and how she heard about and was attracted to COSMOS.

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

My name is Pranavi Addagatla, and I work as a Data Engineer at COSMOS.

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

I hold a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Arizona State University. Previously, I worked as a software engineer at Accenture Solutions, where I focused on optimizing application performance, enhancing system scalability, developing APIs, and implementing CI/CD pipelines to streamline application delivery. Toward the end of my Master’s program, I collaborated with a startup, Project Human City, assisting them in hosting their applications on the cloud and containerizing their services using Docker.

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

COSMOS’s commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation aligns strongly with my professional values. I’m inspired by its emphasis on growth, where team members are encouraged to share ideas and strive for continuous improvement. The focus on authentic relationships and work-life balance has created an environment where I feel I can thrive while making meaningful contributions.

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

I am eager to develop expertise by building scalable microservices, distributed systems, and robust data pipelines. I aim to strengthen my skills in system design, API development, and cloud infrastructure, while mastering ETL processes, big data technologies, and data warehousing solutions. Additionally, I want to focus on writing clean, maintainable code and ensuring efficient, high-quality data processing at scale.

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

I was impressed by how welcoming and supportive everyone was. It set a positive tone and reinforced my excitement about joining the team.

How do you see yourself growing professionally within COSMOS?

I see myself growing at COSMOS by deepening my expertise in building scalable systems. Tackling complex challenges and collaborating with diverse experts will allow me to refine my problem-solving abilities and make meaningful contributions to impactful projects.

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

My advice for someone starting at COSMOS is to take the time to connect with colleagues across teams, as their diverse insights can greatly enrich your experience. Above all, enjoy the supportive environment and don’t hesitate to share your ideas!

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 Maurice Hilleman, the pioneer behind over 40 life-saving vaccines, including those for measles and mumps. His work has saved millions of lives and revolutionized public health. I’d love to discuss his relentless drive for innovation, how he tackled challenges like limited resources, and his thoughts on addressing modern issues like vaccine misinformation and access. Hilleman’s dedication to humanity is inspiring, and learning from his experience would be an incredible honor.