Devika Nekkalapu

Hey, there

I AM DEVIKA NEKKALAPU

AI/ML Engineer | Graduate Research Assistant | Data Scientist

Building AI-powered solutions and chatbots using LLMs and machine learning. Specializing in data science, analytics, and intelligent system development.

About Me

I'm a passionate AI/ML Engineer and Graduate Research Assistant at Wichita State University with expertise in machine learning, data science, and AI-powered chatbot development. Currently pursuing my Master's in Business Analytics (Data Science Track) while working on cutting-edge AI research projects.

My experience spans developing AI chatbots using LLMs, predictive modeling, data analytics, and API integration. I'm passionate about leveraging AI to solve complex business problems and improve operational efficiency through innovative data-driven solutions.

Skills & Technologies

LLM & AI/ML

vLLMOpenWebUILangChainRAGTensorFlowKerasPyTorchScikit-learn

Programming

PythonJavaSQL

Data & Analytics

PandasNumPySPSSTableauGrafanaMatplotlibSeaborn

Databases & Tools

PostgreSQLMySQLMongoDBQdrantDockerGitTraefik

Education

Academic foundation in data science, analytics, and information technology.

Master of Science: Business Analytics

Data Science Track

Wichita State University

In Progress
Expected December 2025
Wichita, KS
3.92 GPA

Bachelor of Technology: Information Technology

Seshadri Rao Gudlavalleru Engineering College

Completed
May 2019
Gudlavalleru, India
8.91 GPA

Professional Experience

Building AI solutions, conducting research, and delivering data-driven insights across various industries.

Graduate Research Assistant

National Institute for Aviation Research

Research
05/2025 to Current
Wichita, KS
  • Spearheaded development of an AI-powered chatbot for NIAR and Wichita State University using open-source LLMs
  • Built a web-based interface, scalable inference pipeline, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) modules, and a load-balanced deployment for seamless user interaction
  • Implemented monitoring dashboards and logging for observability, and integrated relational and vector databases to support retrieval-augmented responses
  • Deployed a functional prototype and currently advancing towards high availability, scalability, and production readiness

FREDS AI Task Force GRA

Wichita State University

Research
01/2025 to 05/2025
Wichita, KS
  • Working as a Research Assistant, focusing on integrating AI tools and technologies into the Finance, Real Estate, and Decision Sciences (FREDS) Department at the Barton School of Business, Wichita State University
  • Researched and worked on the WSDM Cup 2025 'Multilingual Chatbot Arena' project, applying large language models to predict human-preferred responses
  • Fine-tuned multilingual models using QLoRA and low-rank adaptation techniques to enable efficient training on limited hardware

Senior Software Engineer

Torry Harris Integration Solutions

Full-time
10/2022 to 01/2024
Bangalore, India
  • Worked as a Data Analyst for a leading British Telecommunications client, focusing on sales analysis for mobile networks, broadband services, and TV packages
  • Developed predictive models using machine learning algorithms to forecast customer behavior and improve retention strategies, resulting in a 9% increase in customer retention
  • Advanced analytics on customer data using SQL and Python to uncover patterns and trends, informing strategic decisions that contributed to a 6% reduction in churn rate
  • Created dashboards and periodic reports using Tableau offering insights into market trends, operational efficiency, and customer behavior

Senior Software Engineer

TekSystems Global Services

Full-time
02/2020 to 10/2022
Hyderabad, India
  • Developed and deployed RESTful APIs using MuleSoft Anypoint Platform, integrating HubSpot, MDM Systems, IBM Kenexa, and PeopleSoft for seamless candidate tracking and event management
  • Enhanced API security and scalability by developing Apigee proxies, strengthening API infrastructure, and ensuring reliable communication channels
  • Received SPOT Award and 'Best Project' for exceptional performance and contributions to the Applicant Candidate Tracker project

Blogs

Thoughts, research, and insights on AI/ML development, data science, and technology trends.

Coming soon! My thoughts and insights will be shared here.

Get In Touch

I'm always interested in new opportunities and collaborations. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to work together or just say hello!

Send a Message

Fill out the form below and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Contact Information

I'm always open to discussing new projects, creative ideas, or opportunities to be part of your visions.

Available for:

AI/ML ConsultingResearch CollaborationData Science ProjectsChatbot Development