Michelle Hoogenhout

Lead Data Scientist

Hydrostasis

Biography

I’m an experienced data scientist with a PhD in Psychology and expertise in machine learning, data analytics, experiment design, and complex datasets. In my past positions I have strategically built out data science departments to create business value and refine products.

Previously, I did research on the physiology and detection of developmental disorders such as autism in African populations.

In my free time I swing a sword haphazardly during tai chi sessions.

Interests

Machine Learning
Deep Learning
Statistics
Physiology and Wearable Technology
Early Child Development
Cognitive Neuroscience
Mental Health
Tech Education

Education

Global Initiative in Neuropsychiatric Genetics Education in Research, 2017 - 2019
Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health
PhD Psychology, 2017
University of Cape Town
MA Psychological Research, 2011
University of Cape Town
BSc Human Life Sciences, 2007
Stellenbosch University

Experience

Lead Data Scientist

Hydrostasis Inc

Sep 2021 – Present San Diego, CA (Remote)

Led team of two, applying machine learning to predict human hydration using a wrist-worn optical sensor. Implemented signal processing, feature extraction and data labeling techniques to time-series data to improve signal-to-noise ratio. Designed and directed consumer and device research and communicated results to stakeholders.

Senior Data Scientist / Instructor

Galvanize

Sep 2020 – Aug 2020 San Francisco, CA

Lecturing on data science topics including:

Pandas, numpy, programming fundamentals
Probability, statistics and linear algebra
Supervised and unsupervised learning techniques
Neural networks, auto-encoders and content recommenders

Co-Founder

Ingane Health

Oct 2019 – Present Cape Town, South Africa

Designed an app to enable community health workers to increase detection of developmental disabilities and delays by 30% and increase child referrals to local support services.

Responsibilities include:

Data storage, infrastructure and analysis
Detection algorithms
Fundraising, partnership transformation
Content creation

Head: Data Science / Tech Department Lead

Umuzi Academy

Jun 2018 – Jul 2019 Johannesburg, South Africa

Created the data science department, graduating 14 students within the span of 1 year with > 90% employment rate, and highest starting salary within the academy. Implemented candidate assessment data pipeline to decrease screening time by 80% and increased graduate starting salary rate by 100%. Managed 10 teachers as student enrollment grew by a factor of 4. Advised Uber and Allan Gill Gray Philanthropy on employee upskilling program to help solve youth employment deficit in South Africa.

Contract Lecturer

University of Cape Town

Aug 2011 – Jul 2018 Cape Town, South Africa

Taught multivariate statistics & machine learning (regression, classification, boosting, multilevel models, cross-validation), psychometrics, cognition and neuroscience (visual perception).