Ramaa Thirunarayanan

Ramaa Thirunarayanan

Data Scientist
University of Leeds

Before joining the Data Scientist Development Programme, I was an IT Project Manager with an 18-year history of overseeing data management for notable clients including Orange Communication, Staples, Lucent Technologies, Honeywell Corporation, Nissan, and Honda Motors, among others. Through this extensive journey, I have developed a keen insight into how data serves as the foundation and driver of decision-making processes in various domains.

In parallel to my IT career, I have also taken on the roles of founder and director for three international schools in Tokyo. This unique experience has afforded me a distinctive perspective on the intersections of education, business operations, and data management. The combination of these dual roles has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the pivotal role that data plays in shaping strategies and influencing outcomes across diverse sectors.

My research interests include the role of data in influencing decision-making processes across various industries, and the integration of data in education, including the impact of data management on educational institutions.

My current research project is a collaborative effort with Connected Bradford and the ESRC Vulnerability & Policing Futures Research Centre. The primary aim is to investigate the predictive capabilities of Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP) components. One of these components is the Good Level of Development (GLD) indicator. This is a comprehensive measure assessing a student’s ‘school readiness’ at the conclusion of their reception year in primary school. I will explore whether specific components such as these can be used to help predict future Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET) status.