Education
Master of Science in Data Science (Expected 2027)
Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
Concentration: Data Engineering
Harvard University Extension School: Data Science Graduate Coursework (2023-2023)
Coursework: Statistical Modeling with R; Introduction to Computer Science with Python; Foundations of Data Science and Engineering
Bachelor of Arts in Biology (2017-2021)
Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA
Technical and Specialized Skills
Software & Programming:
Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, REDCap, SQL, R, SAS, ArcGIS, Python
Data & Analytical Skills:
Data cleaning and validation, Longitudinal data handling, Query development, Quality assurance, Database design, Data pipelines, Exploratory data analyses, Clinical research practices
Relevant Coursework:
Python for Data Analysis, Math for Modelers, Project Management, Applied Statistics with R, Database Systems, Practical Machine Learning, Decision Analytics
Professional Experience
Research Data Analyst Associate
Northwestern University Data Analysis and Coordinating Center (NUDACC), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
2025-Present
- Develop and maintain REDCap databases for multiple clinical studies (e.g., LCN, ASPIRIN, Premedia, PARASOL-APOL1), including instrument design and database structure.
- Build automated R pipelines to generate analytic datasets and enable cross-project data integration for biospecimen inventory and adjudication workflows.
- Develop query systems to identify inconsistencies and missing data. Create site performance dashboards and data reports to support study operations.
Research Data Analyst Associate
Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing (ISGMH), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
2023-2025
- Ensured quality assurance, organization, and processing of data through development of SAS and R programs for the RADAR project, a prominent longitudinal study in the medical-social sciences domain.
- Conducted quantitative and qualitative analyses of study operations, including participant retention numbers, visit timestamps, visit types, and participant data to identify strengths and weaknesses and optimize study flow and structure.
- Built and revised REDCap data entry forms, reports, and surveys for research staff and participants.
Clinical Research Coordinator
Project WISH, University of Illinois in Chicago, Chicago, IL
2022-2023
- Acted as liaison between PI, regulatory coordinators, sponsors, study nurses, lab staff, and patients for the 260-participant Chicagoland site of the Moderna mRNA-1273-P301 COVID-19 vaccine treatment trial study.
- Delegated roles for a 5-person team and performed patient visits and blood draws for sample collection during months with 30+ patient appointments per week.
- Ensured research operations complied with established protocols, regulatory and monitoring agency standards, and grant sponsor guidelines by managing patient records, resolving data queries, and reporting protocol deviations.
Clinical Research Assistant
Project WISH, University of Illinois in Chicago, Chicago, IL
2021-2022
- Assisted researchers with patient data collection and data entry.
- Prepared and organized patient blood, swab, and saliva samples to the lab for processing. Worked as telephone operator and clinic greeter at front desk.
Publications
Basnet S, Koirala S, Pandey B, et al. (2020 Jul 1) COVID-19 containment efforts of a low-resource nation: the first four months in Nepal. Cureus. 12(7):e8946. doi:10.7759/cureus.8946
Koirala J, Tyagi I, Guntupalli L, Koirala S, Chapagain U, Quarshie C, Akram S, Sundareshan V, Koirala S, Lawhorn J, Doi Y, Olson M. (2020 Jan 26) OXA-23 and OXA-40 producing carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in Central Illinois. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis. 97(1):114999. doi:10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2020.114999