How This AI Engineer Fought Against a Global Health Crisis

A couple of years ago, when the world was in ruins during the COVID-19 pandemic, the public knew of the scientists and health care professionals who sacrificed their time and lives to fight off the virus. But what most people didn't realize was that there was another hero behind the scenes: artificial intelligence (AI) engineers.

Arun Kumar Ramachandran Sumangala Devi, Architect II-Software Testing at UST Global Inc, is one of them.

This is the story of how a passionate man from India helped solve one of the United States’ most significant issues using his AI tools and solutions.

The Unsung Heroes of the Pandemic

During the pandemic, AI engineers were heroes. They provided critical insights to the government and the public, helped to disseminate health-related information, and enabled better-informed policy decisions and communication for governments and media outlets alike. Global leaders like Arun Ramachandran Sumangala Devi played their part in supporting the health care industry by tracing outbreaks, predicting health outcomes, personalizing health care, and accelerating vaccine research through AI and analytics tools.

With 18 years of experience, Ramachandran Sumangala Devi serves as Architect II- Software Testing at UST Global Inc. and as a strategic AI advisory board member for Ashland University. He has also received a UK patent for an AI-based patient monitoring dashboard. He is the author of two books on AI, Building Smarter Data Systems Leveraging Generative AI and Deep Learning and Transforming Data Pipelines with Generative AI and Deep Learning. These books serve as valuable resources for younger generations and AI enthusiasts, offering insights from his extensive industry experience and knowledge.

Ramachandran Sumangala Devi is an unsung hero who has tirelessly worked behind the scenes to revolutionize the U.S. health care landscape.

A Professional Odyssey

Ramachandran Sumangala Devi’s fascination with information technology began early in his life. His career took a profound turn when he began exploring the realm of health care analytics and he realized the critical role AI could play in modern health care analytics.

His journey is marked by significant achievements, from pioneering AI and navigating challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic to advocating for digital transformation through AI solutions. His innovative spirit shines through in the development of key AI solutions that have streamlined operations, reduced costs, and enhanced U.S. health care AI capabilities, ultimately making a positive impact on health care organizations and stakeholders.

Successful AI Solutions in the Health Care Industry

Ramachandran Sumangala Devi’s contributions to AI solutions in the health care industry are nothing short of remarkable. His journey to becoming a seasoned test architect with nearly 18 years of specialized experience in health care analytics is a testament to his unwavering passion for innovation. Arun’s pivotal moments, from his early fascination with AI to his transformative role in revolutionizing health care analytics, showcase his dedication to leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies for the betterment of society.

His contributions have not gone unnoticed. He was recently recognized with the prestigious “Fortune Leadership Awards for Best Technical Implementation for AI Award” in 2024, the “Titan Innovation Award for Best Artificial Intelligence Technology Innovation,” and the “Global Recognition Award for AI,” to name a few.

Work With Real Impact

Ramachandran Sumangala Devi led the team that made the C19 Navigator, a dashboard that combined public and private data at the federal, state, and county levels in order to support citizens and leaders in deciding a region's readiness to reopen after the pandemic.

This AI dashboard contained the latest figures on infections and forecasting AI tools, which identified future hotspots. It also had an interactive map of the U.S. which allowed users to track community mobility, hospital bed utilization, unemployment figures, and the amount of testing in a given area. All of this provided the supposed "recovery level" of a locality, measuring its progress toward recovery.

He led the data foundation work in integrating different sources of data and built summary AI metrics in almost real time to enable fast and accurate reporting for leaders. The C-19 Navigator specifically delivered insights and visualizations that allowed states and other governmental entities to see how many people in their health plans have been impacted by the virus and may be affected in the future. The data was properly secured, adhered to appropriate privacy policies, and provided clinical insight and predictions as these organizations considered their next steps on how to reopen.

“It was a challenging time, but being able to contribute to the fight against this global health crisis was incredibly rewarding,” says Ramachandran Sumangala Devi. The work he did on these AI tools allowed them to predict future hotspots for infections, track community mobility, and monitor testing and utilization figures in each area. Through his efforts and solutions, U.S. health care effectively managed the health crisis on a national scale.

His successful C19 Navigator project motivated him to continue making a positive impact in health care through data. Since the pandemic, he has led several AI projects that aimed to improve health outcomes, reduce health care costs, keep up with technology trends, maintain efficiency, and improve data security.

Inspiring the Next Generation

As an advisory board member, Ramachandran Sumangala Devi plays a pivotal role in shaping the curriculum and strategic direction of the AI program. He provides mentorship to students, offering insights into real-world applications of AI and encouraging innovative thinking. His involvement ensures that students are not only learning theoretical concepts but also equipped with the practical skills necessary to succeed in their careers.

He emphasizes the importance of collaboration between academia and industry, actively engaging with local businesses and tech leaders to create partnerships that provide students with hands-on experience and networking opportunities.

He is not just shaping the future of Ashland University’s strategic AI program; his dedication to education and mentorship exemplifies the positive influence that experienced professionals can have on young minds and shape the leaders of tomorrow.

Future of Artificial Intelligence in Health Care Analytics

In the future, AI will be even more important in health care. The work of professionals like Arun Kumar Ramachandran Sumangala Devi during the COVID-19 pandemic has only scratched the surface of what is possible when data is used to its full potential.

In an era where AI and health care increasingly intersect, Arun Kumar Ramachandran Sumangala Devi has emerged as a pivotal figure, driving transformative change through his expertise in health care data analytics. He envisions a world where AI technology enables health care institutions to unlock the full potential of health care data to drive positive changes in cost management and member health and satisfaction.

His vision for AI is truly transformative, and he is dedicated to making a meaningful impact on people’s lives.

Many can learn from his example and strive to make a meaningful impact on the world’s health. His leadership, dedication, and passion are truly motivational and inspiring. His story inspires health care and tech professionals to work towards unlocking the full potential of health care data and drive positive change in the industry.

BDG Media newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.