Meriem Bensalloua

Emerging Data Scientist translating complex quantitative concepts and trends into actionable insights that inform decision making across organizations. Applies hypothesis testing, exploratory data analysis, and predictive modeling to evaluate disparities and project measurable outcomes across education and population research contexts. Holds master's degree in discrete mathematics & optimization and certificate of precision medicine & cloud computing from Stanford University.

Data Science Consultant - Freelance Consulting - Bellflower, CA (Hybrid)

(2025-12)

• Enable clients to make informed decisions by translating data into actionable insights, collaborating with organizations across diverse industries to solve complex business challenges.
• Communicate findings effectively to clients following data cleaning, preparation, visualization, and predictive model building via R and Python programming.
• Optimize solution performance through iterative refinement in collaboration with C-level clients; manage end-to-end workflows, such as requirements gathering, data collection, and model deployment.
• Unlock full potential of client data by uncovering growth opportunities, consistently delivering results that drive organizational efficiency while reducing related expenses.
• Quantified racial disparities in CA's four-year college graduation rates by conducting exploratory analysis of complex Integrated Postgraduation Education Data System (IPEDS) within National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
• Identified institutions with largest graduation gaps across ethnicities through development of predictive modeling framework using XGBoost.
• Advanced equity-focused research by integrating machine learning with disparity analysis to move beyond descriptive statistics and into predictive insight.
• Estimated prevalence of Long COVID diagnoses through hypothesis testing and comparative statistical analysis.
• Delivered structured, evidence-based conclusions by applying A/B testing methodology across large-scale datasets to evaluate differences in population health outcomes.

UC Irvine Texera Workshop Teacher Assistant - El Camino College - Torrance, CA

(2025-11)

• Empower community college students with high-impact learning experiences as key participant and host for UC Irvine Texera's Teaching Assistant Workshop held directly at El Camino College.
• Expand exposure to applied analytics for 50 students by facilitating three-day data science workshops covering EDA, statistics, and Python integration fundamentals, as well as introductory machine learning techniques.
• Ensure accessibility and relevance of integrated instructional content within Texera's cloud-based platform, a proprietary open-source system for data analytics and workflow management with AI/ML capabilities.
• Sustain campus-wide data science engagement as Advisor to Data Science Club, recruiting and guiding student competitors across national analytics competitions.
• Secured second-place award in multi-university DataFest competition by analyzing seven years of commercial real estate leasing data and supplying strategic, data-backed recommendations (2025).
• Pinpointed statistically significant shifts in high-tech office leasing behavior through assessment of pre- and post-pandemic lease size trends using hypothesis testing (H0 vs H1).
• Received positive feedback from enterprise for suggestions to renegotiate lease terms, shorten durations, and implement rent reduction strategies based on comparative trend analysis.
• Accelerated data literacy campus-wide, allowing accessible model experimentation through hands-on support of Python integration within Texera's drag-and-drop analytics platform.
• Equipped non-programming students with hands-on data manipulation skills by teaching graph visualization selection strategies based on categorical versus numerical data types.
• Reinforced machine learning comprehension by assisting students in manipulating models and interpreting output during applied workshop exercises.
• Strengthened inclusive instructional practices by completing equity-focused mentorship training and applying differentiated learning strategies across varied student populations.
• Projected to determine impact of AI on entry-level labor market, directing four-student research team to evaluate decline trends in middle-class employment across racial demographics for Data Jam's 2026 competition.
• Enhanced research progress by designing targeted framework and initiating EDA process to investigate workforce stratification and AI-driven labor displacement patterns.

Advanced Math Tutor (Concurrent Role) - El Camino College - Torrance, CA

(2021-10)

• Strengthen pass rates and final grades for struggling statistics students by diagnosing conceptual gaps and restructuring instruction around applied, real-world problem solving rather than formulaic memorization.
• Ensure accessibility of course-level materials for beginners, translating complex statistical output into actionable insights for students and faculty; often leverage individualized teaching approaches to drive resonance.
• Enhance student mastery of statistical reasoning by reframing complex quantitative problems into digestible components, championing independent application of learned methods.
• Earned El Camino College Best Tutor Award in first year by delivering consistently high student satisfaction and measurable academic improvement across tutoring cohorts.
• Reduced failure rates among previously unsuccessful statistics students by implementing structured problem interpretation techniques and tool-based analysis, such as calculator platforms and StatCrunch.

Success Mentor (Concurrent Role) - Cerrittos College - Norwalk, CA

(2019-07 - 2025-01)

• Drove academic retention among diverse and first-generation college students by providing equitable mentorship and addressing barriers related to financial stress and resource awareness.
• Ensured student success in academic goals by proactively and systematically monitoring academic progress.

Relocation - Career Break - Norwalk, CA

(2016-10 - 2019-07)

• Relocated from Algiers, Algeria to Norwalk, CA while pursuing U.S.-based academic data science roles.

Math Teacher - USTHB - Algiers, Algeria

(2013-10 - 2016-10)

• Built mathematical competency of +300 undergraduate students by translating advanced statistical concepts into structured, real-world problem-solving frameworks at University of Science & Technology Houari-Boumedienne (UTSHB); emphasized applied data interpretation over rote calculation.
• Fostered analytical thinking, self-sufficient data interpretation, evidence-based reasoning, and problem deconstruction.

Master of Science - Discrete Mathematics & Optimization - USTHB

Bachelor of Science - Mathematics & Statistics - USTHB