Mastering Big Data with PySpark

Upendra Kumar Devisetty

A wet-lab molecular biology scientist turned bioinformatics expert and head of Data Science at Greenlight Biosciences. Author of Deep Learning for Genomics book and Big Data fundamentals via PySpark at Datacamp.

After completing my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Agriculture in India, I pursued my Ph.D. in crop genetics from the University of Nottingham, UK, where I laid the foundations in molecular biology. Intrigued by the potential of next-generation sequencing, I delved into the field of Bioinformatics, joining as a Postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Julin Maloof’s lab at the University of California, Davis. Here, I focused on developing genomic resources for Brassica rapa, further fueling my interest in computational biology. Transitioning fully into computational work, I joined CyVerse as a Science Analyst, where I developed innovative computational processes, integrating tools and algorithms into CyVerse’s infrastructure. I bring a unique perspective to the field with a diverse background in Genomics and bioinformatics and a specialization in applying predictive analytics across various biological problems. Currently serving as the head of Data Science at Greenlight Biosciences, I lead a team of Data Scientists and Bioinformatics Scientists to leverage cutting-edge technology and machine learning algorithms to address complex biological challenges. Our focus on RNA and dsRNA enables us to contribute significantly to vaccine, biopesticide, and biofungicide development. Outside of work, I enjoy playing badminton, watching sports, and spending time with friends. I am also passionate about teaching and knowledge sharing. As a certified Data Science instructor at Carpentries and DataCamp, I share my expertise in Data Science, programming, and software technologies such as Git, Docker, and Singularity. Additionally, I authored a book on Deep Learning for Genomics and developed a popular course on PySpark on DataCamp. My ultimate goal is to empower others with the tools and skills needed to tackle the most challenging problems in the big data ecosystem.