TEAM

OUR TEAM

We are a dynamic team of passionate professionals from academia and industry, united by our commitment to driving positive social change through education and research. With expertise in data science, software engineering, and other advanced technologies, we collaborate to empower curious minds to explore and address critical social issues. Our mission is to inspire the next generation to harness the potential of data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, applying these tools to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Through our resources, including educational materials, research insights, and community engagement opportunities, we support efforts to build a brighter, more responsible future for all

DIYA Founders

Anjana Manian is the CEO of DIYA Research, leading the organization in its mission to empower youth through data-driven insights and technology. With over 25 years of experience in technology and innovation, Anjana has shaped DIYA into a platform that equips high school students with the skills to tackle real-world challenges using data science and AI. Her career includes driving fintech advancements at PayPal, scaling global products at Checkr, and contributing to groundbreaking technologies at Oracle and Cisco. Beyond her professional success, Anjana is deeply committed to mentoring and education, volunteering with programs like TEALS and StandUp for Kids. Her leadership at DIYA reflects a dedication to fostering a new generation of tech-savvy, socially-conscious problem solvers, inspiring students to make a meaningful impact on society.

Professor Suma Bhat is an esteemed Assistant Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she is also an affiliate faculty member in Computer Science and Educational Psychology. As the Chief Innovation Officer of DIYA Research, she plays a pivotal role in driving innovative approaches to data science education for high school students. Her research spans natural language processing (NLP), human-computer interaction, and learning analytics, with a keen interest in making language processing more natural and intuitive. Professor Bhat’s work explores the computational challenges of processing figurative language, such as idioms and euphemisms, and applies advances in NLP to improve user experiences in human-AI interactions. She is actively involved in educational applications of AI, including online STEM learning environments and medical education. Recognized for her contributions to both research and teaching, she continues to shape the future of AI and education.

Mahe Krishnan is the Chief Technology Officer at DIYA Research, where she leads the development and curriculum for software solutions that empower high school students to address real-world challenges through data science and AI. In addition to her role at DIYA, Mahe is a Data Scientist, architect, and engineering leader at Boeing Intelligence & Analytics, where she specializes in building and integrating AI/ML solutions to enhance data analytics and decision-making processes. With over 25 years of experience in software development, Mahe has a strong background in cloud computing, data architecture, and scalable analytics. Her dual roles at Boeing and DIYA reflect her passion for technology and education, as she strives to mentor the next generation of innovators while delivering impactful solutions in her professional career. Mahe’s expertise and leadership continue to inspire young minds to harness the power of technology for social good.

Bhuvana Ganesh is the Chief Financial Officer at DIYA Research, where she plays a crucial role in shaping the organization’s financial strategy to ensure its sustainable growth and impact. She is a Vice President and Lead Software Engineer at JPMorgan Chase, where she works in a high-performing team developing innovative technology products, leveraging her extensive software development experience of over 25 years. She also serves as the location lead for Women in Tech initiative supporting the development, retention and advancement of women in technology. At DIYA, Bhuvana combines her skillset with her passion to give back to the community. By empowering students as well as teachers with data science and AI skills, she inspires the next generation of young leaders to drive positive social change. Her work at DIYA reflects her belief in the transformative power of education and technology to shape a more inclusive and impactful future.

Padmapriya Parthasarathy is the Chief Operating Officer at DIYA Research, where she oversees the day-to-day operations and ensures the smooth execution of the organization’s mission to empower youth through data science and AI education. With a wealth of experience in the technology industry, Padmapriya currently serves as a Senior Principal Engineer at Oracle, where she leads the development of advanced software solutions and drives key engineering initiatives. Her expertise in software architecture and leadership has been pivotal in delivering high-impact projects at Oracle. At DIYA, Padmapriya’s operational acumen and technical insight are instrumental in coordinating the organization’s programs, ensuring they are effectively managed and aligned with DIYA’s strategic goals. Her dedication to both her corporate role and her work at DIYA reflects her commitment to using technology to make a meaningful impact, both in the industry and in the lives of students preparing for future careers in STEM.

Our Dedicated Teaching Team

DIYA’s teaching staff includes passionate founders and expert teachers from academia and industry, dedicated to building curriculum and empowering students.