Get to know me - Abhinandhan Velagapudi

My Early Story

I grew up in Varni, Nizamabad, in the state of Telangana, India. A small yet vibrant town that shaped much of my curiosity and discipline. From my early school days, I developed a strong interest in mathematics and history, often fascinated by the logic behind numbers and the stories that shaped civilizations.

Outside the classroom, I was deeply involved in sports: cricket, badminton, and anything that brought a sense of teamwork and competition. Until the age of 12, my days were filled with outdoor games, school events, and the early spark of curiosity about how things worked.

I completed my primary schooling locally before moving to Viswa Bharathi High School, one of the most reputed private schools in South India. It was here that I began to push myself academically, finishing Class 10 with top scores and later completing Class 11 and 12 with an outstanding 97%. These years not only strengthened my academic foundation but also taught me the value of consistency, self-discipline, and problem-solving qualities that would later guide my path toward data and technology.

Educational Journey

After finishing school, I pursued a Bachelor’s in Computer Science Engineering with a specialization in Data Analytics. This program introduced me to the fascinating world of programming, statistics, and data-driven decision-making. I enjoyed solving analytical problems, building small projects, and exploring how data could be used to understand patterns and trends in everyday life.

During my undergraduate years, I also worked on impactful projects such as a Smart Vehicle System using Machine Learning and Multi-Disease Prediction using Deep Learning, which sparked my passion for applying technical knowledge to solve real-world problems. These experiences motivated me to dig deeper into how data systems, AI models, and visualization tools could shape industries and improve efficiency.

To expand my technical and analytical expertise, I went on to pursue a Master’s in Applied Data Science at Indiana University Indianapolis (IUI). This phase was a major turning point in my journey; it connected my academic background to practical, real-world applications. At IUI, I immersed myself in advanced data modeling, machine learning, database systems, and visualization tools, applying them through coursework, research, and lab projects.

My time at Indiana University didn’t just enhance my technical skills; it also gave me a global perspective, working alongside diverse teams and contributing to research-driven projects that blend innovation with impact.

Professional Experience & Projects

My professional journey began with a blend of research, technology, and problem-solving. During my master’s program, I joined the COMET Lab at Indiana University, where I worked as a Data Analyst and later as Project Leader for the Irvington Historical Society Project.

This project aimed to digitize and preserve historical data, designing a web-based system to manage resident and house records for one of Indianapolis’s most iconic neighborhoods. I integrated mapping technologies such as Leaflet.js and OpenStreetMap, enabling interactive house-level exploration and visual data storytelling. This experience helped me grow not only as a developer but also as a project coordinator, learning how to balance technical challenges with user needs and stakeholder expectations.

Beyond that, I worked on projects ranging from data visualization dashboards and ETL pipelines to machine learning models and AI automations. Each project pushed me to improve both my technical foundation and my problem-solving approach.

Most recently, I’ve been building PranaIQ, my personal initiative and startup idea that explores AI-powered SaaS tools and automation workflows. Through this, I’ve been experimenting with tools like n8n, OpenAI APIs, and Supabase to create intelligent systems that help creators and professionals work more efficiently.

What Drives Me

What excites me most about data science and engineering is the ability to turn complexity into clarity. I love how a well-built pipeline, dashboard, or model can take thousands of unorganized data points and reveal meaningful insights or decisions.

I see my work as connecting the dots between engineering, analysis, and creativity using technology not just to build, but to tell stories and solve problems that matter. Whether it’s optimizing data processes, developing automation workflows, or creating visual analytics dashboards, my motivation comes from seeing data make a tangible difference.

Hobbies & Life Beyond Work

Outside of my academic and professional life, I believe in staying curious and balanced. I enjoy watching series and documentaries, especially those that explore innovation, storytelling, or technology.
Evenings are usually for walks, a quiet time to reset and think creatively, and I often spend time listening to music across various genres that help me stay focused and relaxed.

I’m also passionate about esports and gaming, where I find a mix of strategy, teamwork, and competitiveness that mirrors problem-solving in data. These hobbies keep me energized, curious, and open to new perspectives.

Philosophy & Vision

For me, data is not just about numbers; it’s a narrative waiting to be discovered. I believe that technology becomes truly powerful when combined with empathy, design, and purpose.

My vision is to keep learning, exploring, and building in the intersection of data, automation, and creativity, contributing to projects and innovations that make information more accessible and actionable for everyone.

As I continue to grow, I aim to work on systems that simplify how people interact with data, making analytics, AI, and automation tools not just advanced but also human-centered.

“Between data and decisions lies design, and that’s where I love to build.”