Business Data Analytics: Practical Research That Can Save Time, Money, Lives

Conducting data analysis in the Intelligent Systems Research Lab are (L to R) Pavan Paravada, MSIT '25, Rup Boyana, MSBDA '24, and Keerthana Mahalingam, MSIT '24.

In LTU’S College of Business and Information Technology (CoBIT), graduate students Keerthana Mahalingam, Pavan Paravada, and Rup Boyana have been analyzing data in the hope of making Michigan roads safer. As graduate research assistants (GRAs) to Areej Salaymeh, assistant professor of information technology, they have been expanding their understanding of data analytics on a rather unique study.

In Salaymeh’s ongoing research, she wants to find out if “instead of having pre-programmed traffic signal controllers, could we have adaptive traffic signal controllers? Could we solve the problem of congestion and unpredictable traffic patterns?” Salaymeh believes that “Intelligent Transportation Systems” would help our economy by reducing the time and money needed to transport goods. “Truckers would be safer, too, by not having to be on the roads as long,” she said.

In the Intelligent Systems Research Lab are (L to R) Dr. Areej Salaymeh, Keerthana Mahalingam, MSIT '24, Rup Boyana, MSBDA '24, and Pavan Paravada, MSIT '25.

Her three GRAs are conducting this research by studying GPS data and Michigan Traffic Crash Reports provided by the Michigan Department of Transportation. “As an extension of Areej’s traffic research, we’re looking at the placement of traffic signals at the intersections of main roads,” Paravada said. Boyana explained further that "we’re using GPS data where there are no signals and finding the hot spots when traffic gets stopped or slows down frequently.” All with the goal of reducing traffic accidents and fatalities.

Mahalingam came to LTU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering and nearly five years as a Java program developer. A Master of Science in Information Technology student (MSIT) who expects to graduate in December ‘24, she aspires to be a technical manager one day.

Keerthana Mahalingam, MSIT '24, in front of the LTU Bookstore after sharing her experiences as an international student.

Paravada holds a BS in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and spent nearly five years working for a supplier to companies like Caterpillar and auto manufacturers doing data migration. With his experience working with auto-related companies armed with an MSIT, he sees himself as a data scientist working on autonomous vehicles.

Boyana comes with a Bachelor of Science in IT and three and a half years’ real-time experience working on multiple projects in India. “As my past experience is different from what I’m currently studying, I am looking to be a data analyst or data engineer and then jump to being a data scientist,” he said.

Rup Kiran Boyana, MSBDA '24, is analyzing the crash data for Holland City to gain insights into improving road safety and pedestrian safety.

Boyana shares the same sentiment as his fellow GRAs when he says, “To upscale my career, I chose to do my master’s degree at LTU.” He was particularly interested in an MBA degree that “could give me the data side and the business side. During my research on universities, business data analytics interested me very much.” Boyana will graduate in May ’24 with a Master of Science in Business Data Analytics (MSBDA).

GRAs are learning about artificial intelligence (AI) in Salaymeh’s class as well as by applying generative AI to help her with another research project: affordable and “smart” housing. All three students know that understanding and working with AI will help them in their careers. Mahalingam said, “AI is booming, growing, and becoming more and more sophisticated. As a grad assistant, I’m learning AI, which will definitely support my future career!”

Pavan Paravada, MSIT '25, after a class presentation.

“The opportunity for international students to get the type of practical, hands-on research experience that a GRA position gives them in our college,” said Interim Dean Matthew Cole, “positions them to be considered for a job in their field with an American company. Through its Career Practical Training (CPT) program, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers foreign students the chance to stay in the country provided they have full-time employment and could possibly extend their stay through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.”

Salaymeh believes that Mahalingam, Paravada, and Boyana are making valuable contributions to her research projects. “These are highly intelligent, motivated learners and employees,” she said. “With their prior education, work experience, and multiculturalism, they bring a diverse perspective and fresh ideas to their work.”

While they are working on their master’s degrees, graduate research assistants are allowed to work 10 hours per week and are paid a stipend.

by Renée Ahee