Katiana Kontolati is a 2023 PhD graduate in civil and systems engineering. Read her career update and advice for students below.
What is your current position?
I am currently a Data Scientist at Bayer Crop Science, specializing in AI-assisted genome modeling and design for crop improvement. My role includes developing advanced models to map genetic inputs at multiple scales to target phenotypes and designing novel genomes through breeding and gene editing techniques to accelerate phenotypic gain for crops in North America.
Why did you pursue this career path? What motivated and attracted you to it?
From the moment I was introduced to the concept of research, I knew I wanted to pursue it as a career. During my PhD, I grappled with the decision of whether to remain in academia or transition to industry—a common dilemma for many PhD students nearing graduation. A summer research internship in the industry provided me with valuable insights and helped me make a well-informed decision. I chose a research career in industry for several reasons: the opportunity to transform ideas into real strategies or products with a meaningful societal impact, the chance to work with the largest real-world datasets, and the ability to collaborate with teams of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Additionally, the industry offered greater flexibility and a better work-life balance, which were important factors in my decision.
What role has your educational background played in your success?
My engineering education in both Greece and the United States has been instrumental in my success. Beyond the obvious skills and knowledge I acquired, it has crucially shaped my structured way of thinking and problem-solving, even for issues outside my immediate expertise. Specifically, my experience at Hopkins, a highly research-intensive school, taught me to think outside the box and remain open-minded. I drew inspiration from interacting with many great minds during my PhD years, which has significantly influenced my professional journey.
What are the biggest challenges you face professionally?
Early in my career, transitioning directly from my PhD to a research role in industry, I realized that producing high-quality research results alone was not enough. It was crucial to translate these findings into actionable business strategies within a timely manner. Simultaneously, staying current with the latest literature is essential to ensure that your work remains competitive and valuable, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of AI. Additionally, adapting to work effectively within a close-knit team posed its own challenges. I needed to contribute meaningfully to the team while also learning to be a supportive colleague and inspiring others to achieve their best through our collaborative interactions.
What advice would you offer students preparing for a career in your field?
Dive deep into your research, projects, and work—this is what distinguishes a good student or researcher from a great one. When exploring a subject, dedicate substantial time and effort; avoid the “shortification of learning.” Mastering a skill or subject takes time and requires significant mental effort, but it is well worth it. Additionally, don’t be afraid to take risks and seize opportunities outside your comfort zone, as these experiences foster growth. Achieving a goal that once seemed unattainable is an incredibly rewarding feeling. Most importantly, have confidence in yourself! You’ve already come this far—keep pushing your boundaries, and you’ll continue to achieve remarkable things!