Our Story
DIYA—Data Inspired Young Analysts—was born from a bold vision: to bridge the AI literacy gap and democratize access to cutting-edge technology education. We're on a mission to empower students, inspire educators, and equip professionals with the tools to harness AI and data science for meaningful change.
Our journey began in the early 1990s at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, where we were graduate students pursuing our dreams of entering the world of technology. Even then, we shared a passion that went beyond our coursework—we talked endlessly about applying our skills to solve bigger social problems and help people who didn't have access to the resources we were fortunate to have.
Life took us along different paths—across continents, companies, and academic institutions. Yet through the years, we stayed connected, each finding our own ways to inspire youth and share our passion for technology. As we grew in our careers at leading tech companies and research universities, we witnessed something profound: technology fundamentally transforms perspectives and lives. The tools changed dramatically from our student days, but the spirit—and the potential for impact—remained the same.
While we had each been involved in voluntary and social activities throughout our careers, 2020 became our turning point. Ironically, social distancing brought us closer together—virtually brainstorming ways to stay connected and pursue our shared passion for teaching and inspiring young minds about technology. One conversation led to another, and suddenly we realized we had set something powerful in motion: DIYA Research.
Through our professional journeys, we've witnessed the remarkable confluence of computing and data—how data science uncovers hidden patterns, develops intuition, and illuminates critical aspects of complex problems. In this age of information, we recognized that data science could be a powerful tool to tackle societal challenges and a unique way to inspire impressionable minds. Our complementary expertise from academia and industry became the perfect foundation for our mission.
Incorporating DIYA Research in 2020, in the midst of the COVID pandemic, was our way of resolving to change the world using what we know and love—technology. Today, through DIYA, we're not just teaching skills; we're nurturing a generation of innovators who will use data and AI to solve real-world problems and create a more equitable future.
Anjana Manian
Anjana Manian is the CEO of DIYA Research, leading the organization's mission to empower youth through data-driven insights and AI education. With over 25 years of experience spanning fintech innovation at PayPal, scaling global products at Checkr, and pioneering technologies at Oracle and Cisco, Anjana brings a wealth of technical and strategic expertise to the classroom. She has shaped DIYA into a platform that equips high school students with practical skills to tackle real-world challenges using data science and AI. Anjana is passionate about guiding students through hands-on projects that connect technical concepts to meaningful community needs, helping them frame impactful questions, work with authentic datasets, and communicate findings with confidence. Beyond DIYA, she volunteers with TEALS and StandUp for Kids, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to creating inclusive learning environments where every student feels empowered to learn, grow, and contribute positively to society.
Suma Bhat
Research Scholar, Princeton University
x-Assistant Professor, UIUC | Chief Innovation Officer at DIYA Research
Faculty PageDr. Suma Bhat is a Research Scholar in Computer Science at Princeton University and an internationally recognized AI researcher specializing in natural language processing, human-AI interaction, and learning analytics. Previously an Assistant Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with affiliate roles in Computer Science and Educational Psychology, she has pioneered methods that enable AI systems to understand nuanced human language—from figurative expressions to cultural contexts. As Chief Innovation Officer of DIYA Research, Dr. Bhat leads the development of innovative pedagogical approaches that make data science accessible and engaging for high school students. She guides students through the complete research process, from formulating meaningful questions and building rigorous analytical models to communicating findings with academic precision. Her work bridges cutting-edge AI research with practical educational applications in STEM learning and medical education, shaping the next generation of thoughtful, capable researchers and problem-solvers.
Mahe Krishnan
Mahe Krishnan is the Chief Technology Officer at DIYA Research, where she leads curriculum development and technology infrastructure that empowers high school students to tackle real-world challenges through data science and AI. With over 25 years of software development experience, Mahe currently serves as a Data Scientist, architect, and engineering leader at Boeing Intelligence & Analytics, specializing in building and integrating AI/ML solutions that enhance data analytics and drive strategic decision-making. Her deep expertise spans cloud computing, data architecture, and scalable analytics systems. At DIYA, Mahe translates her enterprise-level technical knowledge into accessible, engaging learning experiences that inspire students to think critically and creatively about technology's potential for social good. Her dual roles reflect a passionate commitment to both advancing cutting-edge AI applications in industry and mentoring the next generation of innovators, bridging the gap between professional practice and education to cultivate future technology leaders.
Padmapriya Parthasarathy
Padmapriya Parthasarathy is the Chief Operating Officer at DIYA Research, where she orchestrates the day-to-day operations that bring the organization's educational mission to life. With over 25 years of technology experience spanning large-scale data systems and complex analytical projects at Oracle, Priya brings a rare combination of technical depth and operational excellence. Her expertise in AI and data science, honed through work with enterprise-level datasets and sophisticated analytical frameworks, translates seamlessly into practical teaching strategies. At DIYA, Priya has spent more than a decade teaching computer science, Python, AI, and data science to students across skill levels, developing an intuitive sense for how learners build confidence and capability. She excels at making complex concepts accessible through hands-on projects that spark curiosity and develop responsible problem-solving skills. Her operational leadership ensures DIYA's programs are impeccably managed, effectively coordinated, and aligned with the organization's strategic vision of empowering youth through technology.
Bhuvana Ganesh
Bhuvana Ganesh is the Chief Financial Officer at DIYA Research, where she shapes the organization's financial strategy to ensure sustainable growth and lasting impact. As a Vice President and Lead Software Engineer at JPMorgan Chase, Bhuvana leverages over 25 years of software development experience to build innovative, reliable technology products for high-performing teams. She also serves as location lead for the Women in Tech initiative, championing the development, retention, and advancement of women in technology. At DIYA, Bhuvana translates her deep expertise in applied problem-solving, software design, and system architecture into accessible learning experiences that help students master coding fundamentals and develop an engineering mindset. She emphasizes structured, maintainable programming practices, guiding students through planning, testing, iteration, and clear presentation of results. Her commitment to giving back through education reflects her belief that technology and learning, when combined thoughtfully, create pathways to opportunity and drive meaningful social change for the next generation of leaders.