Taylor W Hickem
Data Scientist
Applied Data Science, Research and Engineering in solutions for resiliant and sustainable cities
My current work is in developing technology solutions for resilient and sustainable cities. I enjoy applying my passion for mathematics, complex abstract topics, programming in python/R/ MATLAB/Javascript/VB and hacking to real world applications using data driven problem solving.
In the past 11 years I have helped manufacturing companies improve bottom line performance with total value >USD 4 million/year through data driven continuous improvement (CI) projects.
I credit my past achievements in driving improvement changes and discovering actionable insights to a combination of background knowledge from STEM fundamentals and communicating through persuasion arguments rich with data visualizations.
The value-add I contribute to the teams I work with is my track record of successful CI research projects for complex ill defined problems, advanced techniques in Data Science, domain specific knowledge in STEM topics and experience field research pilot and prototype validation.
Experience and qualifications
- statistics and applied mathematics : Linear programming , convex opt, time series, pattern recognition, FFT, graph search, MLE, regression, PCA, forecasting
- machine learning : gradient descent, MLE, classification, decision trees - practical application using scikit-learn
- 5+ yrs programming experience - python, R, MATLAB, Javascript, Visual Basic
- data mining with unstructured data sets and python packages - nltk
- manufacturing data systems - DCS, SCADA, SQL, smart IoT
- 14 yrs developing and implementing CI projects for manufacturing, driving change through technical persuasion argument + data visualizations
- subject matter knowledge in cross-disciplinary range of STEM fields - Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Neuroscience, Biology
Data Science
- Languages : Python, R, MATLAB, VB, SQL
- Relational database, API and COM interfaces
- Linear Programming and Convex Optimization
- Machine Learning
- System Identification - Regression, PCA
- Time Series – FFT, Forecasting
- Nonlinear Modeling and Optimization
- Linear Control Systems – MPC, DMC
- Network and Graph Search BFS, DFS, A*
AgriTech
- Plant biology - Solanaceae family - tomatoes, pepper
- Hydroponics and food waste composting
- Engineered systems - Raspberry Pi, LED lighting
Chemical Process Engineering
- Refinery Unit Operations – Distillation, Cracking, Reforming, Power and Utilities
- Control system, PID tuning, DMC, DCS
- Chemical Reaction Kinetic modeling
- Process simulation - HYSYS, ProII
employment history
Education
2008 BS Chemical Engineering High Honors
Georgia Tech, Atlanta GA USA
Other certifications and qualifications
Applied Data Science specialization
ISO 9001 auditor
Kepner-Tregoe problem solving
References
Career achievement highlights
2017 $5 mil ($500k/year annualized) averted capital project by expanding capacity using process improvements for BPA free Organosol capacity by 75% reduction in cycle time for bottleneck step horizontal milling
2017 $1 mil/year new product ready for market through RCA investigation and process improvements to resolve quality variations in BPA free Organosol coatings appearance
2015 data mining, statistics, nonlinear modeling to improve crude feed purchases decisions by developing novel algorithm to predict qualities of steam cracker byproduct
2014 Eliminated bottleneck for crude cracking plant by resolving quality problem in MEROX unit desulfurization capacity using field testing, KPI monitoring program and knowledge expertise operator training, kinetic model and unit operating manual
2012 $2 mil/year energy savings from optimization of steam-to-carbon ratio for SMR hydrogen plant from RCA investigation, data analysis, field experiments and process improvement in flow transmitter instrumentation reliability
2010 Improved precision crude feed purchases by introducing risk-based asphaltene precipitation mixing matrix based on SBN/IN model