Daksha Ladia

About

Hi! I am currently pursuing a Masters in Computer Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, starting in Fall 2024.
From 2020 to 2024 I was working as a Software Engineer at Microsoft, where I worked in the Bing Advertising Team, and built models and algorithms on ranking, allocation and pricing of ads. I completed my Bachelors in Computer Science Engineering from the Manipal Institute of Technology in India. I want to explore, and build products using Software, AI, and Machine Learning that can truly bring impact.
I started a Talk show, Penning Down Success, where I hosted people from over all the world excelling in non-stereotypical careers, setting an example through their journeys.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing tennis, and swimming. I am also currently learning how to ice-skate!

Projects

Automation & Handling Unstructured Data

Built a pipeline using GPT-4 models and Google Vision API to classify healthcare documents, perform OCR, and convert unstructured text to structured text, reducing manual processing time by 99%.
Complex Query Synthesis for Enhanced Information Retrieval

Developed a pipeline for enhanced document retrieval using document segmentation, pseudo-query generation, and fine-tuning large language models. Achieved a 4% precision improvement over BM25.
Real-Time Streaming & Data Prediction

Implemented real-time streaming of trending GitHub repositories, utilizing Apache Kafka, Python, AWS, and Docker to predict trending repositories using neural network models.
Health Care Portal

Built a one-stop healthcare portal where doctors and patients can schedule appointments, make payments, embed maps for navigation, and secure the platform with multifactor authentication.
Question-Answering Bot

Engineered a bot using advanced large language models to provide precise responses to document-based queries, automating and streamlining information retrieval processes.
Food Delivery App

Built a Food Delivery App from scratch using the MERN stack, developing both the consumer and client sides as a personal project to get hands-on experience with diverse tech stacks.
Robowars

Secured the gold prize at Microsoft Garage Hackathon 2023 by developing a multi-functional robot capable of exploring unknown paths using Dijkstra's algorithm, following the shortest route, and executing pick-and-drop tasks.
Google Assistant Chatbot

Created and deployed a chatbot on Google Assistant using DialogFlow in English and Hindi. The chatbot, named Google Travel Grants Scholarship, answers queries and provides details on applying for scholarships for technology and business conferences.
Suno Na

Built a prototype of a real-time language translator, "SunoNa", at the Microsoft Garage Hackathon 2022, designed for conferences worldwide and enabling communication over calls in different languages.
Parallel Programming

Implemented an algorithm based on a research paper using CUDA and OpenMPI during undergraduate studies, gaining practical exposure to parallel programming concepts.
Aqua

Built an Android application, Aqua, during the Microsoft CodeFunDo Hackathon. The app helps users register for educational courses, estimate course prices, and manage individual course schedules.

Research Interests

I want to research and publish in the field of Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Systems, and Agentic Systems.

Work Experience

Software Engineer, Microsoft

Optimized Bing Ads' ad ranking system by improving runtime and accuracy while reducing costs. Automated validation with a Regression Tester Tool, saving 90% developer hours. Enhanced ML models for ad performance prediction, driving user engagement and revenue growth across global markets.
Data Science Intern, FarmGuide (Acquired by DeHaat)

Built ML models for crop identification and health monitoring with 96% accuracy. Developed forecasting algorithms using ARIMA and Prophet to maximize revenue through environmental insights and crop recommendations.
Software Engineering Intern, Microsoft

Analyzed seasonality and anomalies in Bing advertiser campaigns, optimizing bid pricing algorithms and improving ad performance metrics during peak holiday periods.
Mentor, CodeYoung

Taught Python and web development to students globally, mentoring practical applications of coding. Guided a student to secure admission to Yale Summer School with a recommendation letter.
Software Developer Intern, Cygnet Infotech

Developed a secure employee onboarding application using .NET and AES encryption, ensuring confidentiality for personal details and documents.

Honors, Awards & Others

Innovation & Excellence Award, Microsoft

Received in FY20–FY21 for leading a pipeline migration project that streamlined workflows and significantly improved operational efficiency.
Mentor, HackHarvard

Mentored undergraduate students at Harvard's undergraduate hackathon in 2024, supporting innovation and technical growth.
Participant, MIT Policy Hackathon

Participated and proposed an interpretable solution for analyzing error rates in SpO2 measurements during the competition, in 2024.
Mentor, She Hacks DTU

Mentored participants at Delhi's largest all-women hackathon in 2021, fostering innovation and collaboration among attendees.
Top 1% in Higher Secondary Exams

Achieved a top percentile rank in national exams in India and received the Inspire Scholarship from the Indian government in 2015 for academic excellence.