Introducing Prathyusha
This month, we sat with Prathyusha Sangam, or as we know her, Prathy, exploring Prathyusha Sangam’s identity.
Prathy is a member of our Machine Learning Team. Softly spoken, wicked sense of humour and smarts that will see her picked first every time for Trivial Pursuit nights!
How long have you worked at Scantek?
Oh, not so long. Just over three months. But we joke here. We say one week at Scantek equals a year, so if you put it that way, just over twelve years.
What is your job title, and what does your job entail?
I’m a Machine Learning Engineer. My job involves researching and developing self-learning artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms.
My work spans across the data science spectrum, right from building data infrastructure, models and pipelines, to producing insights and visualising them.
It’s pretty cool stuff!
What do you like most about your job?
I’m not exaggerating when I say Scantek is the best organisation I’ve ever worked for. I love how tech-forward we are! Working at the forefront of cutting edge technology with unique challenges excites me the most about my job.
I also admire the diversity, culture and people here. There is a big focus on mental health and wellbeing.
What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?
Good things come to those who are willing to diversify in all aspects of work.
Listen, Learn, Adapt and Network!
What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
I would love to own a farm, grow veggies, fruits and flowers, and rescue animals.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
I am very passionate about supporting women in tech and other STEM fields.
I currently volunteer at She Codes Australia and help women/girls learn how to code.
What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?
I play a classical Indian string instrument called Veena. This skill has been passed down from generation. I am quite rusty now but one day I will start playing again.
Where’s your favourite place in the world?
Our garden bench. Lately, I’ve been falling in love with our recent ritual of sipping coffee on our garden bench with my hubby, nerding out about his underwater robots and my machine learning models.
What is your motto or personal mantra?
It is never too late to learn something new! Fun Fact: I learnt how to ride a bike at 26.
If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I would like to meet my dad. He passed away when I was 5, and I don’t remember him much. He was a doctor who chose to work in remote villages of India, over making big bucks in the city.
He was an inquisitive and spirited guy who tinkered with electronics and wrote software back in the 90s while he was not busy saving lives. I hear such amazing stories about him! He touched the lives of everyone he met. I wish I could get to know him better.
Three words to best describe you?
Curious, Passionate, Determined
What is the one thing you can’t live without?
COFFEE.
What TV show/movie are you ashamed to admit you, love?
It’s an Adam Sandler movie. I’m too ashamed to admit which one that is. :p
A TV Show that I’m not ashamed to admit I love: Parks and Rec. I want to be like Leslie Knope!
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Go back and forth in time and space!
What is one food that you cannot resist?
I cannot resist a mouthwatering South Indian breakfast. Pop over to our house on Sunday morning if you want to try some authentic Idlis, Dosas and Vadas with Sambar and Coconut Chutney.