KIARA MONAE MCPHERSON
Houston
Summary
Dynamic Artificial Intelligence Scientist at Zebra Technologies, specializing in optimizing machine learning software and fostering innovation through cross-functional collaboration. Experienced scientist with a strong background in research and analysis. Proficient in experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation across various scientific disciplines. Demonstrated ability to contribute to impactful research projects and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Artificial Intelligence Scientist II
ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES
01.2023 - Current
- Developed production-level machine learning software using PySpark and Python, transitioning feature requests to enterprise-ready code.
- Optimized existing software architectures to improve speed, reliability, and scalability for AI product suite.
- Led cross-functional collaborations with data engineers and product managers to address gaps in AI delivery.
- Drove innovation through publication of paper disclosures and participation in innovation summits.
Data Intelligence Analyst
TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
07.2021 - 12.2022
- Provided domain expertise for HHS portfolio data, utilizing query tools and scripting (macros) to cleanse and improve data quality across legacy systems.
- Reconciled analytics data for executive leadership, delivering high-stakes weekly and biennial reports via PowerPoint and automated spreadsheets.
- Researched and implemented emerging visualization technologies within DCS constraints to ensure statutory compliance and strategic data taxonomy.
Junior Desktop Support Specialist
TARRANT COUNTY TEXAS
01.2017 - 12.2019
- Prioritized IT resource utilization to provide optimal hardware/software services for county departments.
- Supported patch management, anti-virus protection, and troubleshooting for complex infrastructure under the County Strategic IT Plan.
Education
PhD - Statistics and Data Science
Utah State University
Logan Campus06.2025
MS - Data Science
Eastern University
Remote03.2021
Bachelor - Business Information Technology
UTSA
1 UTSA Circle, San Atonio,TX 7824901.2016
Skills
- Supervised Learning
- Project management
- Data cleansing
- Statistical analysis
- Data visualization
- Machine learning
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Software development
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Hypothesis testing
- Quantitative skills
- Task prioritization
- Critical thinking
- Unsupervised Learning
- PoC Development
- Model Optimization
- Neural Networks
- PySpark
- ETL Pipelines
- Snowflake
- Databricks
- Oracle
- NoSQL
- Postgres
- Data Cleansing
- Microsoft Azure
- AWS
- GCP
- SaaS
- PaaS
- IaaS
- Agile
- Scrum
- SAFe
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Technical Writing
- Legislative Analysis
- Project Portfolio Management
Core Competencies
Supervised/Unsupervised Learning, PoC Development, Model Optimization, Neural Networks, PySpark, ETL Pipelines, Snowflake, Databricks, Oracle, NoSQL (Postgres), Data Cleansing, Microsoft Azure, AWS, GCP, SaaS/PaaS/IaaS, Agile/Scrum (SAFe), Cross-functional Collaboration, Technical Writing, Legislative Analysis, Project Portfolio Management
Affiliations
Volunteer, Red Cross - Houston, TX (2022-Present)
Timeline
Artificial Intelligence Scientist II
ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES
01.2023 - Current
Data Intelligence Analyst
TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
07.2021 - 12.2022
Junior Desktop Support Specialist
TARRANT COUNTY TEXAS
01.2017 - 12.2019
PhD - Statistics and Data Science
Utah State University
MS - Data Science
Eastern University
Bachelor - Business Information Technology
UTSA