Omkar Chekuri

Hi, I'm Omkar Chekuri!

PhD Graduate | Visual Analytics | Human-Computer Interaction | Applied AI/ML

I'm a PhD graduate from the University of Oklahoma's School of Computer Science, where I was advised by Dr. Chris Weaver. My core research interests lie at the intersection of human-computer interaction, information visualization, and machine learning. My work specifically focuses on developing user interactions and data pipelines to support the interactive exploration of hierarchical data structures. More broadly, I'm passionate about advancing the frontiers of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and deep learning, particularly in how these technologies can be leveraged to enhance data-driven decision-making and user experience.

I'm also increasingly interested in the applications and design of generative AI systems, including multimodal interfaces that integrate visualization, language, and model-driven insights for more effective human-AI collaboration. My goal is to contribute to innovative solutions that bridge the gap between complex data and intuitive user understanding, making sophisticated information accessible and actionable.


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My Skills

Languages & Tools

Python, R, SQL, NoSQL, Java, TypeScript, JavaScript, C#, Git, Linux, SAS, .Net

Visualization & Frontend

Tableau, Power BI, D3.js, Web-GL, Streamlit, React, Figma, Adobe XD, OpenGL, Virtual Reality

Cloud & Big Data

AWS (S3, EC2, RDS, DynamoDB, Sagemaker), Apache Spark, Hadoop, Distributed Systems, Snowflake

Machine Learning & AI

Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, PyTorch, SparkML, Transformers, NLTK, LangChain, Generative AI, LLMs, Prompt Engineering, NLP, Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning

Technical Skills

Visualization, Visual Analytics, UI/UX Design, Prototyping, User Evaluation, Genetic Algorithms, Virtual Reality, Computer Graphics, Database Management, EEG Data Analysis, FullStack Development, High Performance Computing

Soft Skills

Project Management, Team Management, Client Communication & Stakeholder Management

My Journey & Experience

PhD in Computer Science

University of Oklahoma (Aug 2019 - May 2025)

Dissertation: "Augmenting Hierarchical Visualizations with Topology-Centric Representations and Interactions". Focused on HCI, Information Visualization, and AI/ML applications.

Graduate Research Assistant

University of Oklahoma (Jun 2017 - May 2025)

  • Built multi-user VR learning environments, integrating biometric sensors.
  • Designed gesture-based interaction techniques for data exploration.
  • Developed a high-performance TypeScript coordination library for D3.js.
  • Analyzed severe weather forecasting discussions for NOAA.

Power Apps Developer

University of Oklahoma (May 2023 - Aug 2023)

Led end-to-end design and development of a replacement Effort Reporting System using Microsoft 365 tools, automating workflows and saving significant labor hours.

Python Course and Lab Instructor

University of Oklahoma (Aug 2021 - May 2025)

Instructed Python to 75+ students per semester, developed lab materials, and supervised teaching assistants.

Data Analytics Intern

Cloud Nine Development LLC (Jan 2018 - May 2018)

Developed Google Analytics dashboards, trained ML models for forecasting, and optimized UI based on user behavior analysis.

M.S. in Data Science and Analytics

University of Oklahoma (Jan 2016 - May 2018)

Completed Master's degree with a focus on data science and analytics.

SAP CMMS Analyst - Python & SAS

Construction Development Company LLC (Mar 2013 - Feb 2015)

Automated SAP CMMS workflows with Python, SQL, and SASPY; built modular ETL systems and created visual dashboards.

Engineer - Reporting & Resource Analytics

SM Aker management Solutions (Jun 2012 - Dec 2012)

Automated logistics reporting using Python and Excel macros, digitized legacy operational logs, and supported data extraction for senior analysts.

Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering

JNTU, Kakinada, India (July 2008 - May 2012)

Completed undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering.

Selected Information Visualization / HCI Projects

Hieros

Hieros: A hierarchical visualization library for tree representation and manipulation

Developed a tree visualization library to support the representation and manipulation of hierarchical sub-structures along different stages of the information visualization pipeline.

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C4D3

Coordination for Data Driven Documents (C4D3)

A framework providing view level abstraction and coordination architecture for developing coordinated multiple views using D3 library.

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Tree Visualizations

An Investigation into the Representational Suitability of Tree Visualizations

Investigates the effectiveness of different tree visualizations in conveying hierarchical data and their impact on user understanding.

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Gestures

Vision Transformer (ViT) using PEFT

Developed a complete MLOps pipeline for training Vision Transformers on two separate tasks: CIFAR-10 classification and a multi-view classification with a Parameter-Efficient Fine-Tuning (PEFT) strategy. This project demonstrates best practices in model containerization with Docker, automated CI/CD with GitHub Actions, and professional project structuring. The pipeline is designed to be fully reproducible and scalable for deployment on various cloud services.

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Gestures

Bi-directional Language Translation with a Transformer

Developed a Transformer model for bidirectional translation between English and Sanskrit. This project demonstrates how to train a single model for multiple translation directions using special direction tokens and a unified vocabulary. The pipeline showcases best practices in MLOps, including a custom data loader for large files, containerization with Docker, and a CI pipeline with GitHub Actions.

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Gestures

GAN with FastAPI and HTML UI for Image Generation

Developed a complete end-to-end MLOps pipeline for a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN). The project features a Generator model to create new handwritten digits and a Classifier model to predict the digit and confidence. The models are served via a FastAPI backend and a minimalist HTML/JavaScript UI, demonstrating a full-stack deployment for a generative AI model.

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Publications

Journal/Conference Papers (Published)

2024
David vs. Goliath: large foundation models are not outperforming small models in multi-view mammogram breast cancer prediction
[The Computer-Aided Diagnosis Best Paper Award Second Place winner]

Xuxin Chen, et al
SPIE Medical Imaging, 2024.

C4D3: A View-level Abstraction and Coordination Library for Building Coordinated Multiple Views with D3

Omkar Chekuri, and Chris Weaver
Accepted for publication in VISIGRAPP (IVAPP) 2024.

Journal/Conference Papers - (In Revision)

A Model of the Representational Suitability of Tree Visualizations

Omkar Chekuri, and Chris Weaver

Posters

An Investigation into the Representational Suitability of Tree Visualizations

Omkar Chekuri, and Chris Weaver
IEEE VIS 2022
Write-up Poster

Thesis

Awards

College of Continuing Education 2024 State of Outreach Innovation Award 2024
Recipient of CS Alumni Grad Fellowship 2024
Recipient of Richard L. O'Shields Engineering Scholarship 2023
Recipient of CS Alumni Grad Fellowship 2022
PhD Recruitment Excellence Fellowship - College of Engineering, University of Oklahoma 2018
Academic Excellence Award - Army ROTC, University of Oklahoma 2017

Certifications

Generative AI and LLMs: Architecture and Data Preparation Verify 2025
Machine Learning with Apache Spark Verify 2025
Neo4j Certified Professional Verify 2025
MBA Essentials: University of Glasgow Verify 2024
Tableau Designer Verify 2020
Tableau Developer Verify 2020

Service & Leadership

Service

Student Volunteer (IEEE Vis 2022 ) 2022
Reviewer (IEEE Vis, EuroVis) 2023
Instructor (CS1213 - Intro to Python) 2020 - Till Date

Leadership

Member, Graduate Student Community at University of Oklahoma: Proactively participate in regular meetings to tackle the diverse challenges faced by graduate students across departments. Contribute to initiatives focused on fostering inclusivity within the graduate student community by advocating for increased representation. Strive to secure funding from diverse resources to support graduate students.
Member, Data Science and Analytics Association at University of Oklahoma: Collaborate in organizing and participating in presentations in data science and analytics community.
Former Cadet, University of Oklahoma ARMY ROTC: Organize and actively participate in community events such as blood donation drives and charity marathons. Dedicate efforts to raising awareness and funds for various causes, including those supporting veterans within the ARMY ROTC community.