Math Meets Industry” Roundtable

Columbia University’s SIAM student chapter, in collaboration with APAM Career Placement, hosted Math Meets Industry, a lively roundtable event designed to introduce students to the diverse ways mathematics drives innovation across sectors. The session brought together alumni and industry professionals who shared insights into their day-to-day work, career journeys, and practical advice for students preparing for jobs and internships. The event offered students an opportunity to ask questions in an informal setting, learn about emerging roles in data science, AI, engineering, and technology, and gain perspective on how mathematical training translates into real-world impact.

Panelists included:

Yamini Ananth, BS ‘23, Software Engineer in Machine Learning at Celonis
Yamini earned a BA in Applied Math and Computer Science from Columbia University in 2023. She is a software engineer and researcher at Celonis in the CeloAI group. Yamini co-developed ETL Assistants, a flagship AI product suite at Celonis that leverages AI to speed up the customer data onboarding process. At Celonis, Yamini has also published research in machine learning and process mining at academic venues including ICML and ICPM.

Sadi Gulcelik, BS ‘23, AI Engineer Intern, Pensa Systems & CU MSCS candidate
Sadi earned a BA in Applied Mathematics from Columbia University in 2023. After graduation, he joined Bridgewater Associates as an Investment Engineer. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science at Columbia and works part-time as an AI Engineer at a retail technology startup. Upon completing his degree, he plans to return to the hedge fund space as a Quantitative Developer.

Francis Kamdem, MS ‘23, Decision Scientist at CVS Health
Francis is a Data Scientist with a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics from Columbia University, specializing in the integration of data science and machine learning to optimize infrastructure systems. He is skilled with the ability to develop and deploy predictive models and optimization algorithms that enhance efficiency and decision-making in high-stakes environments. Francis is also experienced in leveraging statistical models to deliver actionable insights.

Abram Moats, BA ‘20, Founder of ARDA Consulting
Abram earned a BA in Applied Mathematics from Columbia College in 2020. He currently works as a senior data engineer at YPrime, a company focused on facilitating clinical trial research. In this role, he is primarily responsible for data architecture that enables visibility and transparency into clinical trial operations. He is also the founder of ARDA Consulting, a company that helps Chambers of Commerce provide technical services to their members.  Abram is passionate about the processes that help us determine what is and is not important in life.

Emma Schecter, BS ‘20, Deployment Strategist at Palantir Technologies
Emma is a Deployment Strategist at Palantir Technologies in their Hospital Operations group. She graduated from Columbia in 2020 with a BS in Applied Math. Following graduation, she was a staff associate in the Applied Math department for a year and then a data scientist at Sony Music for 3 years. Now at Palantir, she works as a forward deployed engineer working to solve complex problems at various healthcare institutions.

The event underscored a shared message from all panelists: mathematical training provides a powerful foundation for tackling real-world challenges—and opens doors to an exciting range of careers. Students left the event inspired by the breadth of career possibilities rooted in mathematical thinking and grateful for the chance to build connections with professionals and alumni who once stood where they are today.