Milind Cherukuri | Computer Science | Young Researcher Award

Mr. Milind Cherukuri | Computer Science | Young Researcher Award

Salesforce Business Analyst & Administrator at University of North Texas, United States

Milind Cherukuri is a dynamic early-career researcher and technologist with a strong foundation in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and software engineering. With a Master’s in Computer Science from the University of North Texas, he has applied his expertise across leading organizations such as Caris Life Sciences, Amazon, and Infor. His research spans sentiment analysis, AI safety, LLM prompt engineering, and image segmentation, resulting in five peer-reviewed publications and presentations at major conferences like IEEE AI Summit and EEET 2024. Milind has a proven ability to translate research into real-world impact, particularly in healthcare, where he optimized clinical systems through AI-driven automation and data integration. Recognized as a Senior Member of IEEE in 2025, he actively contributes to the research community through peer review and technical leadership. His innovative mindset, technical depth, and cross-domain contributions position him as a strong candidate for the Young Researcher Award.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Milind Cherukuri holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of North Texas, where he deepened his expertise in artificial intelligence, data science, and advanced software systems. Prior to that, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from SRM University, Chennai, India. His academic journey reflects a consistent focus on technical excellence, with coursework and projects covering machine learning, sentiment analysis, and cloud computing. During his graduate studies, Milind engaged in applied research initiatives and honed his skills in experimental design, statistical analysis, and academic writing. He leveraged these experiences to produce scholarly work and effectively bridge theory with practice. His education provided a strong foundation for multidisciplinary research, particularly in AI-driven applications across healthcare and enterprise environments. The blend of technical depth and research exposure during his formative academic years has directly influenced his ability to contribute meaningfully to both industrial innovation and scientific advancement.

Professional Experience

Milind Cherukuri’s professional journey spans prominent roles at Caris Life Sciences, Amazon, and Infor, reflecting a robust blend of research, software development, and systems integration experience. At Caris Life Sciences, he currently serves as a Salesforce Business Analyst and Administrator, where he leads automation, healthcare data integration, and clinical research optimizations. His work has directly impacted clinical decision-making by aligning technology with operational and regulatory needs. At Amazon, he developed scalable microservices, optimized APIs, and applied AI insights to enhance customer experience and personalization. Prior to that, at Infor in India, Milind supported legacy modernization and contributed to internal research on sentiment analysis and recommendation systems. Across these roles, he demonstrated an ability to innovate at scale while contributing to internal research pipelines and tool development. His hands-on experience across cloud platforms, AI tools, and enterprise software showcases a rare ability to move seamlessly between engineering execution and applied research.

Research Interest

Milind Cherukuri’s research interests lie at the intersection of artificial intelligence, machine learning, sentiment analysis, and safe AI deployment. He is passionate about building explainable, reliable, and application-driven AI systems that serve real-world domains such as healthcare, e-commerce, and cloud ecosystems. His work focuses on areas like multi-dimensional emotion representation, AI safety frameworks for large language models, and optimization techniques for prompt engineering. Milind is particularly interested in how AI can be made more context-aware, ethically responsible, and efficient when integrated into critical infrastructure. His research explores both the theoretical underpinnings of AI algorithms and their translation into user-centric applications. He uses tools such as TensorFlow, scikit-learn, Databricks, and Keras for prototyping and experimentation. Milind’s commitment to conducting reproducible and impactful research is evident through his multiple peer-reviewed publications and active participation in academic peer review and conference presentations.

Award and Honor

Milind Cherukuri has received several accolades that underscore his excellence in both research and professional performance. In 2025, he was elevated to the grade of Senior Member of IEEE, recognizing his significant contributions to engineering and AI research at a relatively early stage in his career. He has authored five peer-reviewed publications across reputable venues and conferences, including IEEE AI Summit and EEET 2024. His work has been cited in discussions on AI safety and ethics, especially regarding GPT-5 development strategies. Within industry roles, Milind earned recognition for developing fault-tolerant systems at Amazon and for improving automation workflows at Caris Life Sciences, boosting operational efficiency by over 30%. He has also contributed as a peer reviewer for research journals, enhancing his engagement with the broader scientific community. These honors reflect a balanced profile of innovation, leadership, and commitment to advancing technology responsibly and effectively.

Conclusion

Milind Cherukuri embodies the qualities of a forward-thinking, multidisciplinary researcher who bridges the worlds of academia and industry with exceptional skill. His educational foundation, professional achievements, and focused research trajectory demonstrate a rare combination of depth and adaptability. From developing scalable software at Amazon to integrating AI solutions in clinical workflows at Caris Life Sciences, he has consistently shown the ability to convert research insights into real-world impact. Milind’s publications, IEEE recognition, and conference engagements highlight his dedication to advancing AI in safe, ethical, and application-driven ways. His involvement in peer review and technical documentation further signals his readiness to contribute to and shape the global research landscape. With a passion for innovation, a track record of scholarly contributions, and strong industry credibility, Milind stands out as a compelling candidate for honors such as the Young Researcher Award, and is poised for continued impact in the field of computer science and artificial intelligence.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Comparing Image Segmentation Algorithms
    Author: M. Cherukuri
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 3

  • Title: Cost, Complexity, and Efficacy of Prompt Engineering Techniques for Large Language Models
    Author: M. Cherukuri
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 1

  • Title: WebChecker: A Versatile EVL Plugin for Validating HTML Pages with Bootstrap Frameworks
    Author: M. Cherukuri
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 1

  • Title: Advancing AI Safely: Frameworks and Strategies for the Development of GPT-5 and Beyond
    Author: M. Cherukuri
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 1

  • Title: Exploring Multi-Dimensional Sentiment Analysis: A Study on Emotion Representation Structures and Prediction Models
    Author: M. Cherukuri
    Year: 2024

Keira MacDonald | Computer Science | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Keira MacDonald | Computer Science | Women Researcher Award

Researcher at University of Western Ontario, Canada

Keira MacDonald is an accomplished early-career researcher and entrepreneur currently pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Western Ontario, where she has earned multiple academic distinctions including the Dean’s List and the Governor General’s Medal. She is actively engaged in cutting-edge research as a Visiting Student Researcher at RWTH Aachen University, focusing on advanced simulations and metallurgy related to laser welding. Keira has also published work on optimizing fusion reactors using quantum computing, highlighting her interdisciplinary expertise. Beyond academia, she co-founded The Dashello Company, a startup leveraging AI to improve financial management, demonstrating strong leadership and innovation skills. Additionally, her role as UI/UX Executive for Canada’s largest student-led hackathon showcases her commitment to community engagement and advancing women in technology. With a robust combination of research, entrepreneurship, and leadership, Keira exemplifies the qualities of a rising star in STEM.

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar

Education

Keira MacDonald is pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Western Ontario, with an expected graduation date of May 2027. Throughout her academic career, she has demonstrated exceptional academic performance, consistently earning a place on the Dean’s List. She has also been awarded prestigious scholarships, including the Principal’s Regis Scholarship and the Mathematics Excellence Scholarship, recognizing both her scholastic aptitude and dedication to STEM fields. Prior to university, Keira graduated from Eastwood Collegiate Institute with an OSSD Honours Endorsement in Science and Arts, earning the Governor General’s Medal for outstanding academic achievement. She was also nominated for the Schulich Leader Scholarship, a competitive award for top STEM students, and received the National Plaque of Music Excellence, showcasing her well-rounded talents. Keira’s education reflects a strong foundation in both science and technology, positioning her well for future research and innovation in engineering and computing disciplines.

Professional Experience

Keira MacDonald has gained diverse professional experience that blends research, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Currently, she serves as a Visiting Student Researcher at RWTH Aachen University in Germany, where she focuses on laser welding simulations and metallurgy, contributing to high-level engineering research. In addition to her research role, Keira is the UI/UX Executive for Ignition Hacks, Canada’s largest student-led hackathon, where she develops graphics and collaborates with major sponsors such as Microsoft and Best Buy. Her ability to secure significant funding demonstrates strong organizational skills. Keira is also the Co-Founder and Full-Stack Developer at The Dashello Company, a startup focused on financial management optimization through AI-powered solutions. Her role involves conducting user interviews, leading development, and implementing multimodal AI APIs. This blend of technical, entrepreneurial, and leadership roles highlights her ability to translate research into practical applications and thrive in multidisciplinary environments.

Research Interest

Keira MacDonald’s research interests lie at the intersection of computational science, engineering, and advanced technology. Her work as a Visiting Student Researcher at RWTH Aachen University centers on the simulation of laser welding processes, specifically investigating spatial and temporal energy input and heat transfer mechanisms in metallurgy. This applied research demonstrates her focus on practical engineering challenges involving materials science and manufacturing technology. Additionally, Keira explores cutting-edge topics like fusion reactor optimization through quantum computing, indicating a passion for interdisciplinary research that combines quantum algorithms with energy systems. Her research aims to leverage computational methods to solve complex physical problems, driving innovation in both theoretical and applied sciences. Keira’s interests reflect a commitment to advancing technologies that have real-world industrial and scientific impact, particularly in areas related to materials engineering, quantum computing, and AI-driven solutions.

Award and Honor

Keira MacDonald’s academic and extracurricular achievements have been recognized through multiple awards and honors. She is a consistent member of the Dean’s List at the University of Western Ontario, reflecting her sustained academic excellence. She has received the Principal’s Regis Scholarship and the Mathematics Excellence Scholarship, which acknowledge both her academic merit and aptitude in quantitative disciplines. During high school at Eastwood Collegiate Institute, Keira was awarded the prestigious Governor General’s Medal, reserved for top-ranking students nationwide. She was also nominated for the Schulich Leader Scholarship, a highly competitive STEM award for promising Canadian students. Beyond academics, she earned the National Plaque of Music Excellence, illustrating her versatile talents. These awards collectively highlight Keira’s strong intellectual capabilities, leadership potential, and well-rounded profile, positioning her as an outstanding candidate for research and innovation awards focused on women in STEM.

Conclusion

Keira MacDonald is a highly accomplished young researcher and leader poised to make significant contributions in STEM. Her academic record, including scholarships and prestigious awards, reflects a dedication to excellence and strong foundational knowledge in computer science and engineering. Her research on laser welding simulations and fusion reactor optimization demonstrates both technical depth and innovative interdisciplinary thinking. As a co-founder of a startup and UI/UX executive at a major hackathon, Keira shows exceptional leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and community engagement. While she continues to build her portfolio of peer-reviewed publications and mentorship roles, her blend of research expertise, real-world impact, and academic achievements makes her a compelling candidate for women-focused research awards. Keira exemplifies the next generation of women innovators who combine rigorous science with practical application and leadership, promising a bright future in both academia and industry.

Publications Top Notes

Title: Advancing Fusion: Optimizing Fusion Reactors with Quantum Computing
Author: K.S. MacDonald
Year: 2025