Meet Harish Reddy Manyam, M.P.S. ’24, data science. Harish is a data scientist and AI governance advisor at Marshfield Clinic Health System, where he gets to put his interest in AI/machine learning (ML) in healthcare to work. At UMBC, he co-developed a no-code generative AI chatbot and made strong connections with peers and classmates. As an international student, he found a network of professional support at bwtech, UMBC’s research and technology park. In his free time, Harish loves traveling—he’s visited 25 states so far! Take it away, Harish!

Q: What is your WHY? What brought you to UMBC?

A: I came to UMBC because I wanted an education that went beyond textbooks—something practical, impactful, and connected to real-world problems. As an international student, I applied to several universities, but my final choice was between the University of Arizona and UMBC. 

One major reason I chose UMBC was the Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Data Science, a program that focuses on hands-on learning rather than just theory. I’ve always believed education should prepare us to solve real-life problems, and UMBC gave me that foundation.

I came here with two big dreams: to become a data scientist and to create something of my own as an entrepreneur. I’m proud to say that I now work as a data scientist and AI governance advisor for Marshfield Clinic Health System (MCHS), a nonprofit healthcare organization, where I use data and AI to improve healthcare outcomes and support underserved communities.

My time at UMBC also gave me incredible research opportunities. I worked on an independent research project under Ergun Simsek, UMBC data science program director, and together, we published a paper titled “Classification with Electromagnetic Waves” in The Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), an esteemed engineering journal. This research experience taught me how to approach complex problems and think critically—skills that I now use every day in my job.

Beyond academics, UMBC empowered me to co-build a no-code Gen AI chatbot product with one of my professors, and this experience fueled my entrepreneurial spirit. I am now exploring launching my own startup through bwtech@UMBC, the university’s business incubator.

But more than anything, UMBC gave me a community that supported me both professionally and personally. As an international student, being welcomed, encouraged, and supported was something I never took for granted—UMBC became my second home.

So, my WHY for choosing UMBC was to learn, grow, and create something impactful—and today, because of UMBC, I’m well on my way to making that dream a reality. UMBC gave me not just knowledge, but a community that believed in me and helped me find my purpose.

Q: Where have you found support in the UMBC community?

There are six pillars to my life in the U.S.—people who have inspired and supported me throughout my journey. First is Simsek, who became my role model from the very first speech he gave to our Fall 2022 incoming student batch. His incredible work inspired me, and I was fortunate to work with him on independent research that led to our publication in the IET journal.

Second is Mehmet Sarica, one of my professors. I took two courses under him—Data 601: Introduction to Data Science and Data 602: Introduction to Data Analysis and Machine Learning. He taught me valuable lessons beyond coursework and later recommended me to work as a graduate teaching assistant under his guidance, which was a significant milestone in my career.

Third is Abdullah Karassan, another professor and mentor. I took Financial Data Science with him and later collaborated on developing LeverBot, a no-code Generative AI chatbot. I served as the product owner and AI developer for this project, which was a great learning experience in applied AI.

Fourth is the UMBC Career Center, especially Christine Routzahn, the director, who provided immense support in shaping my career path and preparing me for professional opportunities.

Another person who has made a big impact on my journey is Marjie Cota, director of entrepreneurial services at bwtech@UMBC. She encouraged me to think bigger—to believe that I could start my own company. Her guidance opened a new door for me to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams, and today I’m actively exploring launching a startup through bwtech.

Finally, my uncles Raj and Mahesh have been my strongest personal support system since day one in the U.S., helping me settle and navigate life as an international student. I’m also grateful to my friends who stood by me and made my journey memorable. As an international student, having friends who understand you and stand by you is priceless. They made the hardest days easier and the good days even better.

Q: What’s your favorite part of being a part of Retriever Nation?

A: My favorite part of Retriever Nation is the strong sense of community and lifelong connections. Even after graduation, I feel supported by professors, mentors, and peers. It’s a network that continues to inspire, uplift, and open doors for personal and professional growth.

Q: What do you love most about the data science program?

A: What I love most about my academic program is how supportive and collaborative everyone is—from professors to classmates. The faculty are always approachable and genuinely invested in students’ success, providing both academic and career guidance. I also love that the program focuses on practical, real-world applications of data science, which helped me gain hands-on experience through research and projects.

Q: What’s one thing you’d want someone who hasn’t joined the UMBC community to know?

A: One thing I’d want someone to know is that UMBC truly cares about its students—both academically and personally. Whether it’s professors, the Career Center, or fellow students, there’s always someone ready to guide, support, and help you succeed. You’ll never feel alone in your journey here. It’s a family for me.

What makes UMBC special is that it’s more than a university—it’s a community of people who lift each other up. They believed in me when I was just learning to believe in myself. Their HOW—the way they supported, mentored, and cared—has made all the difference in my life.

Because of UMBC, I’ve grown into a data scientist working in healthcare, a researcher, and an aspiring entrepreneur. And none of this would have been possible without the amazing people who stood beside me. For that, I will forever be grateful.

Q: How have you remained connected with UMBC?

A: As an alum and professional, I value my ongoing partnership with UMBC through research collaborations and mentorship opportunities. UMBC builds meaningful relationships that extend beyond graduation—focused on innovation, real-world problem-solving, and community support. I would tell anyone that partnering with UMBC means working with passionate, talented individuals committed to making a difference. It’s a partnership that fosters growth, creativity, and mutual success.

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UMBC’s greatest strength is its people. When people meet Retrievers and hear about the passion they bring, the relationships they create, the ways they support each other, and the commitment they have to inclusive excellence, they truly get a sense of our community. That’s what “Meet a Retriever” is all about.

Learn more about how UMBC can help you achieve your goals.