About me
I am a Data Scientist at Southern California Edison, developing predictive, machine learning, and computer vision models to drive data-informed decisions in the utility industry. Previously, as a Data Engineer at SCE, I built data pipelines and analytical solutions for energy operations. Earlier, I worked as an Air Quality Specialist at the South Coast Air Quality Management District, focusing on environmental monitoring and data visualization. I hold a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering with research in air quality and atmospheric modeling.
Resume Publicationsfaraz.e.ahangar@gmail.com
Skils
Data Science
Skilled in data preparation, feature engineering, and predictive modeling using Python, R, and MATLAB. Experienced in developing machine learning, AI, and computer vision solutions from exploration to deployment.
Data Visualization
Creating static and interactive dashboards, web applications, and data visualizations to communicate data-driven results using different tools such as ArcGIS, R Shiny, JavaScript, and Tableau.
Teaching
Teaching various college and high-school level courses on mechanical engineering, programming, physics, and astronomy.
Air Quality Analysis
Dispersion modelling, air quality measurements, land-use analysis, and trajectory modelling.
Developing and implementing AB 617 monitoring plans for environmental justice communities in Southern California.
Posts & Blog
Generative AI for Text Classification, Is It Worth It?
With the explosion of GenAI tools and usage recently, one of the questions I have always had is where, when, and how much should I rely on these models?
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Creating Air Quality Maps Using Kriging
Using kriging to interpolate air quality data and create air pollution maps on a custom grid
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Air Quality Wordle
A recreation of Wordle game with the solution based on words related to the field of air quality field
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Goalies Are Being Pulled Earlier in NHL; Does It Pay off?
A look at NHL games in the past decade.
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Analyzing EPA Air Quality Data using BigQuery and Choropleth Map
Creating interactive choropleth map to visualize air pollution trend using BigQuery and Colabratory.
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Experience
- Data Scientist, Southern California Edison (2025-present)
- Data Engineer, Southern California Edison (2023-2025)
- Air Quality Specialist, South Coast AQMD (2019-2023)
- Student Engineer, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (2017-2018)
- Teaching/Research Assistant, University of California Riverside (2013-2018)
- Head of Astronomy and Physics Committee, 3rd Sharif National Student Competition, Sharif University of Technology (2013)
- Assistant Engineer, Maroon Consulting Engineers (2011-2012)
- Researcher, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM) (Tehran Summer 2010)
- Jury of Observational Exam, 3rd International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (Tehran Fall 2009)
- Astronomy Olympiad Teacher, Various High Schools and Young Scholars' Club (Tehran 2008-2013)
Projects
2022 Independence Day Fireworks Air Quality Assessment
An analysis to look at the levels of PM and its metal content during 2022 Independence Day Fireworks (See the Dashboard).
Interactive Dashboard for Communicating Air Quality Monitoring Results (2020-present)
In this project at South Coast AQMD, interactive dashboards and reports were created using ArcGIS, R Shiny, and Tableau to communicate air monitoring results in environmental justice communities (See the Dashboards).
Climate Impact of Manure Management from California Dairies (2018-2019)
The goal of this project, funded by the University of California Office of the President (UCOP), was to measure, model, and estimate the emissions of GHGs and other air pollutants from dairies using a multi-tiered approach including field sampling, aerial measurements, air pollution dispersion modeling, and process-based modeling. (Published Paper).
Satellite-Derived PM2.5 Grids with Dispersion Model Downscaling: A Method to Generate Continuous Long-Term Fine Particulate Data for Community-Scale Air Quality Health Research (2017-2018)
In this project funded by NASA Earth Science Division Applied Sciences Program, air quality dispersion models were used to downscale sattelite or stationary measurements into local scale concentration maps (Published Paper).
Effectiveness of Sound Wall-Vegetation Combination Barriers as Near-Roadway Pollutant Mitigation Strategies (2014-2017)
This project, funded by California Air Resources Board (CARB), examined the effects of road configurations and urban vegetation on the air quality impact of vehicle-related emissions and used this understanding to suggest methods to mitigate the impact of these emissions on urban air quality (Final Report).
Awards
- Gartner Eye on Innovation Award (as part of Advanced Analytics team), Gartner 2024
- Dissertation Year Program Fellowship, University of California, Riverside 2018
- Graduate Dean’s Dissertation Research Grant, University of California, Riverside 2018
- Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, University of California, Riverside 2016 & 2018
- Green Grant (G3), UCR Graduate Student Association 2017
- NCST Graduate Fellowship, National Center for Sustainable Transportation 2016
- Chancellor's Distinguished Fellowship, University of California, Riverside 2013
- National Elite Foundation Fellowship, Sharif University of Technology 2008
- Bronze Medal, 2nd International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, Bundung, Indonesia 2008
- Gold Medal, 12th International Astronomy Olympiad, Simeiz, Crimea 2007