Hi, I'm Alper
PhD in Engineering | Data Science, Business Intelligence & Analytics
AB
About
I work on technical problems across different domains including data systems, computer vision, natural language processing, optimization, simulation and modeling.
I spent four years doing research on sustainable agriculture in Luxembourg. My PhD involved simulating farmer behavior and environmental impacts using agent-based models and life-cycle assessment to help balance economic and environmental goals.
After my PhD, I joined Amazon as a Business Intelligence Engineer where I spent a year building production ML systems at scale for compliance programs across Amazon's global logistics network, architecting ETL pipelines processing millions of records, and learning how large-scale data systems operate. It was an invaluable experience in production ML engineering, though I found myself drawn to having more autonomy and the opportunity to build something from scratch.
This led me to join Apprel, an early-stage fashion-tech startup, where I work as a Lead Data Scientist with full technical ownership. While I learned tremendously about product development and entrepreneurship, the experience confirmed something important: I'm most energized by larger-scale technical challenges and research-oriented work.
Happy to chat if you're working on something interesting or want to collaborate.
Work Experience
A
ApprelMore
Jan 2025 - Current
Lead Data Scientist
Led the technical development of an AI-powered fashion platform from the ground up. Built a computer vision pipeline using YOLO and Segment Anything Model to detect and segment clothing items from user photos. Developed a visual search engine with FashionCLIP that searches across fashion products from multiple European markets. Implemented the backend infrastructure with FastAPI and deployed services on Azure, managing containerization and cloud deployments. Integrated LLM APIs from OpenAI and Anthropic to provide personalized outfit recommendations and fashion insights. Set up automated data pipelines to collect and process product feeds across different countries.
Technologies & Skills:
Computer Vision
Deep Learning
Object Detection
Image Segmentation
NLP
Image Captioning
PyTorch
Hugging Face Transformers
OpenAI API
Anthropic Claude API
FastAPI
Python
Azure
Kubernetes
Docker
Firebase
CI/CD
A
AmazonMore
Jan 2024 - Dec 2024
Business Intelligence Engineer
Developed machine learning classification models that automated compliance decisions for dangerous goods. Built scalable ETL pipelines using AWS services like Glue, Redshift, and S3 to support enterprise-level analytics and regulatory reporting. Wrote automation scripts in Python and Scala that significantly increased classification throughput and delivery speed. Improved model accuracy through feature engineering and training data quality improvements, substantially reducing false negative rates and lowering transportation risk. Created interactive QuickSight dashboards for compliance reporting and business metrics.
Technologies & Skills:
Machine Learning
Classification
Feature Engineering
AutoML
AWS Glue
AWS Redshift
AWS S3
AWS Athena
AWS QuickSight
AWS Lambda
AWS SageMaker
Python
SQL
Scala
PySpark
ETL/ELT Pipelines
Data Warehousing
Data Modeling
Dashboard Development
Data Visualization
KPI Reporting
Business Analytics
Statistical Analysis
Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA)
L
Luxembourg Institute of Science and TechnologyMore
Jul 2019 - Jul 2023
Doctoral Researcher
Completed PhD research on sustainable agriculture, developing agent-based models and multi-objective optimization algorithms to help balance environmental impacts with economic viability in farming systems. Built a web platform for real-time farm performance monitoring that served farms and regional stakeholders across Luxembourg. Developed simulation models in Java and Python to evaluate different farming strategies under various environmental and economic constraints. Collaborated with agricultural consultants, engineers, and farmer cooperatives throughout the multi-year research initiative, translating complex models into practical recommendations. Published research in peer-reviewed journals, and presented findings at international conferences.
Technologies & Skills:
Agent-Based Modeling (ABM)
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Predictive Modeling
Multi-objective Optimization
Environmental Modeling
Simulation
Sustainability
Python
Java
Django
JavaScript
SQL
Statistical Analysis
Data Simulation
Machine Learning
Data Analytics
Multi-objective Optimization
Mathematical Modeling
Django
PostgreSQL
Research Design
Scientific Writing
Stakeholder Management
Agricultural Systems
Environmental Impact Assessment
L
Lely IndustriesMore
Jan 2018 - July 2019
Data Scientist and Machine Learning Engineer
Built predictive analytics solutions for agricultural IoT systems, focusing on livestock health monitoring and reproduction management. Developed automated ETL pipelines that processed sensor data from farming robots into PostgreSQL databases for analysis. Applied statistical methods including PCA, regression analysis, and ensemble methods like XGBoost to extract insights from the sensor data. Created a benchmarking tool that enabled farmers to compare performance metrics and KPIs across their operations. Worked alongside engineering teams to integrate the machine learning models into production farming systems.
Technologies & Skills:
Machine Learning
Predictive Analytics
Supervised Learning
Statistical Modeling
Model Training & Validation
Principal Component Analysis (PCA)
Regression Analysis
Time Series Analysis
Hypothesis Testing
Statistical Methods
ETL Pipeline Development
Data Pipeline Automation
PostgreSQL
Database Management
Python
SQL
NumPy
Pandas
Scikit-learn
Data Visualization
Education
U
University of LuxembourgMore
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Engineering
Thesis:
Hybrid LCA–ABM of dairy farming systems including nonlinear optimization under environmental, technical and economic constraints[Link]
Relevant Coursework:
Developing Reading and Writing Skills at Doctoral Level
Good Scientific Practice
Introduction to Entrepreneurship
Research Article Writing
Science Communication
Computational Workflows
B
Boğaziçi UniversityMore
Master of Science (MSc) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Thesis:
Novelty Detection on Streaming Sensor Data for IIoT Applications[Link]
Relevant Coursework:
Machine Learning
Pattern Recognition
Statistical Signal Analysis
Information Theory
Digital Signal Processing
Image Processing
Digital Communications
Mathematical Methods for Signal Processing
Speech Processing
B
Boğaziçi UniversityMore
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Relevant Coursework:
Artificial Neural Networks
Signals & Systems
Microprocessors
Control Technology & Design
Linear System Theory
Communication Engineering
Electromagnetic Field Theory
Probability for Electrical Engineers
System Dynamics & Control
Digital System Design
Electrical Circuits
Energy Conversion
Numerical Methods for Electrical Engineering
Recent Activities
Loading activities...
Contact
Get in Touch
Want to collaborate or discuss a project? Send me a message below or reach out on LinkedIn.