Hi, I'm Walker Mellon
A
Passionate researcher eager to solve complex problems, equipped with a versatile toolset and a dedication to impactful solutions.
About
I am a Data Science professional with a Master’s degree from Arizona State University, specializing in computational models, data analytics, bioinformatics, and phylogenetics. I am passionate about leveraging data-driven solutions to tackle complex problems, particularly in the fields of evolutionary medicine and cancer research. Throughout my journey, I have worked extensively with tools and technologies like Python, R, SQL, Tableau, TensorFlow, PyTorch, MATLAB, and JavaScript. My experience includes leading research teams, developing innovative models, and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals, all while mentoring aspiring researchers in interdisciplinary settings. I thrive on building impactful applications and conducting research that addresses real-world challenges, from advancing our understanding of disease evolution to creating practical, data-powered solutions that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
- Languages: R, Python, Java, JavaScript (including jQuery), C++, HTML/CSS, Bash, MATLAB, LaTeX, GOlang
- Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, noSQL, keras, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Weaviate
- Libraries: NumPy, Pandas, ggplot2, TensorFlow, PyTorch, langchain, dplyr, tidyverse, phytools, ape
- Frameworks: React, Flask, Django, Node.js
- Tools & Technologies: Adobe Illustrator ,Tableau, GitHub, Docker, Hadoop, REST APIs, Anaconda, VirtualBox, Trello
Looking for an opportunity to work in a challenging position combining my skills in Data Science, Software and Web Development, Statistics, and Computational Biology.
Experience
- Directed and oversaw interdisciplinary undergraduate research and training programs at ACE Scholars.
- Mentored and coached team leads, guiding them in project development and publication processes.
- Facilitated collaborations between researchers and promoted professional and research skill development among team members.
- Tools: Leadership, Project Management, R, Python
- Led multiple undergraduate research teams, encouraging collaboration and guiding statistical analyses.
- Conducted research in evolutionary medicine, co-authoring publications and presenting findings at conferences.
- Developed professional, interpersonal, and research skills among team members.
- Tools: R, Python, ggplot2, pythools, ape, geiger, MASS, nlme
- Contributed to the development of CancerSim2, a simulation tool for modeling cancer progression.
- Conducted data analysis and created visualizations to interpret CancerSim2 outputs.
- Collaborated with researchers to refine and validate cancer modeling approaches.
- Tools: Python, MATLAB, ggplot2
- Developed and presented the project “Validating CancerSim2: A Comparative Study of Adaptive Therapy in Mice Experiments.”
- Conducted comparative analyses to validate adaptive therapy models, producing actionable insights.
- Created detailed reports and presentations to communicate findings effectively.
- Tools: Python, R, ggplot2, bash scripting
Skills
Languages and Databases
Python
R
Java
JavaScript
HTML5
CSS3
MATLAB
MySQL
PostgreSQL
Weaviate
Shell Scripting
Libraries
NumPy
Pandas
scikit-learn
matplotlib
ggplot2
tidyverse
phytools
nlme
rgl
ape
Frameworks
Django
Flask
TensorFlow
PyTorch
Keras
LangChain
Other
Git
Adobe Illustrator
AWS
Projects and Publications
- Demonstrated the power of PCMS in disease trait analyses
- Preprint: biorxiv
- Analyzed evolutionary insights into cancer prevalence across diverse species.
- Publication: Cancer Discovery
- Analyzed mutation rates across vertebrates to identify correlations with cancer mortality.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for data analysis and publication.
- Publication: Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health
- Investigated how life history traits impact cancer prevalence in avian species.
- Highlighted evolutionary implications in cancer biology through data analysis.
- Publication: Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health
- Analyzed how online information influenced public awareness and cancer prevention practices.
- Identified patterns in user engagement with digital health platforms.
- Publication: Preprint
Awards and Presentations
Awards
- BioDesign Fusion 2024 Global Impact Award
Talks
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program Seminar, University of Arizona Cancer Center
- BioDesign Fusion 2022 Rapid Fire Presenter
- BioSci 2022 Lightning Talk Presenter
Posters
- Systems Approaches to Cancer Biology 2025
- MathOnc23
- BioDesign Fusion
- SOLS Undergraduate Research Symposium
- BioSci Southwest Symposium
- Fulton Forge '24
Education
Tempe,AZ, USA
Degree: Master of Science in Data Science, Analytics, and Engineering
GPA: 4.0
- Staistical Machine Learning
- Optimization
- Statistics for Data Analytics
Relevant Courseworks:
Tempe, AZ, USA
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems
GPA: 3.79
- Business Information Systems
- Cyber Risk Management
Relevant Courseworks:
Tempe, AZ, USA
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Economics
GPA: 3.79
- Labor Economics
- Applied Regression Analysis
- Micro/Macroeconomic Theory
Relevant Courseworks: