May 2025

1) Please tell us about your career goals.

My career goal is to become a well-rounded and ethically responsible AI/ML Engineer or Data Scientist who contributes meaningfully to the field while upholding the core principles of responsible innovation. As I prepare to transition into the workforce after May 2025, I aim to work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, data engineering, and public good, developing solutions that are not only technically robust but also aligned with ethical standards and societal needs.

In today’s rapidly evolving AI landscape, the question is no longer just about what we can build, but what we should build. I strongly believe that the future of AI depends on those who can think critically about its implications. Whether it’s in healthcare, compliance, or mental health, I want to lead with integrity and be a trusted resource—someone who drives innovation, promotes transparency and ensures that technology serves humanity in the right way.

2) Tell us about your internship (i.e. day-to-day responsibilities, special projects/clients and work culture).

During my internship at CloudLeap Technologies LLC, I worked on high-impact AI projects that bridged cutting-edge research with real-world applications in public health and mental health. My day-to-day responsibilities included designing and implementing Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems, evaluating large language models (LLMs), preprocessing unstructured data, and experimenting with prompt engineering to improve response accuracy.

One of the most exciting projects I contributed to was our submission for the PrecisionFDA Generative AI Challenge 2025, where we developed an Agentic RAG-based chatbot to help startups and businesses understand FDA compliance guidelines for cosmetic products. I was deeply involved in structuring regulatory documents, optimizing vector retrieval using LlamaIndex and ChromaDB, and building a Streamlit interface to support user interaction.

Following that, I started working with the team on CogniZone, a platform to enhance psychiatric evaluations using passive behavioral data from mobile devices. This involved brainstorming system architecture, helping design wireframes, and identifying technical components for scalable data processing and privacy-first analytics.

The work culture at CloudLeap has been incredibly collaborative and intellectually stimulating. Weekly standups, open communication, and strong mentorship created a space where I could independently explore ideas while receiving guidance when needed. It’s the kind of environment that brings out your best while preparing you to thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes domains.

3) Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?

I found this position through Handshake in July 2024, when the owner of CloudLeap Technologies came across my profile and reached out after reviewing my coursework and projects. He seemed impressed with my background in AI and NLP and initiated an introduction call. During the conversation, he asked a few questions related to ML pipelines and the practical work I had done on previous projects. The entire process was smooth and engaging, and I’ve been working with the team ever since on impactful projects.

4) Which of the following resources did you use to find your current experience?

Employer

5) What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization?

The level of independence I was given to think critically, make decisions, and contribute ideas that directly shaped the direction of our projects is something that I enjoyed the most. Having that kind of ownership early in my career not only boosted my confidence but also helped me grow into a more responsible and solution-oriented professional.

The environment was incredibly conducive to learning and growth, striking the right balance between autonomy and support. I also greatly appreciated the mentorship from Prashant Shah, the President of the company, who regularly shared his experiences and provided thoughtful guidance that helped me navigate challenges and expand my perspective.

6) How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

I believe I’ve made a meaningful impact by contributing to projects that have real-world relevance and the potential to improve public health outcomes. Through my work on the PrecisionFDA GenAI Challenge, I helped develop an Agentic RAG-based chatbot that simplifies FDA compliance for small businesses—an innovation that could save countless hours for startups navigating regulatory complexities.

Beyond that, my contributions to CogniZone, our ongoing mental health analytics platform, are helping lay the foundation for AI-driven psychiatric assessments and disability claim validation. Whether it was optimizing retrieval pipelines, designing data architectures, or shaping product direction through research, I’ve been able to bring clarity, structure, and technical rigor to each phase, ultimately moving us closer to building solutions that are both impactful and responsible.

7) What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience (i.e. Internship search, Resume or Interview tips)?

My advice to other students is to focus on building a strong foundation and continuously upskill especially in today’s competitive job market. Make sure your resume clearly highlights your technical strengths, project work, and any hands-on experience that reflects your interest in the field. Employers often value candidates who can demonstrate initiative and real-world problem-solving skills.

During the internship search, platforms like Handshake and LinkedIn can be incredibly useful. Be proactive in keeping your profile updated and showcasing your coursework and projects. When it comes to interviews, be prepared to speak clearly about your projects and the decisions you made—communication matters just as much as technical knowledge. And finally, don’t hesitate to reach out and network with peers or alumni who’ve walked the path you’re aiming for. A little persistence and preparation can go a long way.