Kristi O’Grady is a data science leader with over twenty years of experience in developing machine learning and probabilistic reasoning algorithms.  As the director of the Sensor Network and Analytics Platform (SNAP), Kristi leads the execution of Viridos’ data strategy for increasing operational efficiency, evaluating strain performance, and developing precision agriculture solutions for algal biofuel cultivation.

Kristi started her data science career in the defense industry were her research focused on multi-sensor data fusion algorithms to support a variety of defense initiatives including automated bomb damage assessment, missile defense and space situational awareness.  After a decade of research and technology development in the defense industry, Kristi decided to apply her skills to commercial applications.  During this time Kristi established data science initiatives at two notable San Diego companies:  Rockstar Games and Teradata.  While commercial applications were interesting, Kristi missed working on mission driven programs and collaborations with scientists.  In late 2019, Kristi found Viridos and was immediately drawn to the algal biofuels program.  The data strategy she has pursued over the past few years is one of several critical components contributing to Viridos’ outdoor success during the 2020-2022 summer seasons at CAAF. Kristi holds a B.A degree in Applied Mathematics and Scientific Programming from the University of California – San Diego and a master’s degree in Statistics from North Carolina State University.