David Attard

Astrophysicist & Data Scientist
Msida, MT.

About

Highly analytical PhD candidate in Astronomy with a First Class Honours degree in Mathematics and Physics, leveraging advanced expertise in high-performance computing, cosmological simulations, and large-scale data analysis. Proven ability to develop and optimize complex algorithms in Python, C++, and Fortran90, coupled with practical experience in Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning from a Data Science internship. Eager to apply a rigorous research approach and technical proficiency to impactful roles in data science, scientific computing, or advanced research.

Work

Penta Group
|

Data Science Intern

Msida, Malta

Summary

Developed an influencer identification product using NLP and optimized LLM strategies for text classification.

Highlights

Developed an innovative Influencer Identification product by leveraging advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques, enhancing marketing analytics capabilities and identifying over 200 key influencers.

Implemented Named Entity Recognition (NER) systems for automated content analysis, improving data extraction accuracy and efficiency for over 10,000 social media posts daily.

Designed and optimized Large Language Model (LLM) prompting strategies, achieving 90% precise text classification for large-scale social media datasets.

Processed and analyzed extensive social media datasets to identify key influencers and trends, providing actionable insights for three strategic marketing campaigns.

Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams to deliver data-driven insights, supporting key business decisions and product development within a fast-paced startup environment.

University of Sussex
|

Doctoral Tutor

Brighton, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Led academic workshops and conducted marking for foundational mathematics and mechanics modules.

Highlights

Led engaging workshops for undergraduate students in Foundational Mechanics, Foundational Mathematics, and Mathematical Methods 3 modules, successfully supporting over 50 students per semester.

Conducted comprehensive marking for student assignments and exams, providing constructive feedback that contributed to improved student understanding and academic progression.

Facilitated interactive learning and problem-solving sessions, enhancing comprehension of complex mathematical and physics concepts for diverse student groups.

UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX
|

Postgraduate Researcher

Brighton, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Led advanced cosmological simulations and developed high-performance computing solutions for astrophysical research.

Highlights

Led development of GPU systems for cosmological simulations, notably contributing to the `pyc2ray` open-source project, enhancing computational efficiency for large-scale astrophysical models.

Programmed complex scientific models using Python, Bash, and Fortran90, optimizing code for parallel computing environments to process terabytes of data.

Analyzed large-scale astrophysical datasets using Python libraries (NumPy, Pandas) to extract critical insights into cosmic phenomena, contributing to ongoing PhD research.

Participated in specialized workshops on Machine Learning and Statistical Analysis, applying advanced techniques to research data for robust model validation.

CERN
|

Summer Student

Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

Summary

Optimized inference processes for FastCaloGAN using advanced programming and testing methodologies.

Highlights

Developed and optimized inference solutions for FastCaloGAN utilizing ONNX and SOPHIE, achieving enhanced performance for high-energy physics applications within a two-month intensive program.

Implemented robust solutions using Python and C++ programming languages for complex data processing tasks, improving system throughput by an estimated 15%.

Conducted rigorous testing of inference libraries, including ONNX and SOFIE, ensuring accuracy and efficiency of computational models for critical physics experiments.

UNIVERSITY OF MALTA AND UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
|

Astrophysics Researcher

Msida, Malta

Summary

Conducted N-Body simulation data analysis and HPC code development under the supervision of Prof. Victor Debattista & Prof. Joseph Caruana.

Highlights

Performed advanced data analysis techniques on N-Body simulations, leveraging statistical tools like KS-tests and Gaussian Mixture Modelling to derive significant astrophysical insights from multi-gigabyte datasets.

Developed High-Performance Computing (HPC) code, contributing to efficient processing of large astronomical datasets and improving simulation runtime by 10%.

Utilized a range of statistical tools, including KS-tests and Gaussian Mixture Modelling, to validate and interpret simulation results, ensuring data integrity and research accuracy.

Volunteer

Scout Leader
|

Volunteer

Msida, Malta

Summary

Helped with weekly group scout meetings and provided bagpipe lessons to children aged 7-11.

Highlights

Organized and led weekly scout group meetings for children aged 7-11, fostering teamwork, leadership, and outdoor skills development.

Provided instrumental bagpipe lessons, enabling children to join the scout pipe band and participate in community events.

Contributed to the positive development of young individuals through engaging activities and mentorship.

Wallace Pipes and Drums Malta
|

Bagpipe Player

Msida, Malta

Summary

Performed as a bagpipe player in numerous special occasions and events, including international military tattoos.

Highlights

Performed as a bagpipe player in numerous special occasions and events, showcasing musical talent and cultural heritage.

Participated in prestigious international events, including the Basel Military Tattoo in Switzerland, representing Wallace Pipes and Drums Malta.

Contributed to the band's reputation through consistent performance and dedication to musical excellence.

Education

University of Sussex
Brighton, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

PhD

Astronomy

University of Malta
Msida, Malta

B.Sc. (Hons)

Mathematics and Physics

Grade: 92%

Cardiff University
Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

ERASMUS+ Exchange Student

Mathematics and Physics

Awards

DISCNet Scholarship

Awarded By

University of Sussex

Awarded four years of funding to pursue a PhD in Astronomy at the University of Sussex, recognizing exceptional academic potential.

Evolve Special Prize for Science

Awarded By

University of Malta

Awarded for ranking first in the Faculty of Science at the University of Malta throughout the 2019-2023 academic period, demonstrating outstanding academic achievement.

Dean's List 2022

Awarded By

Faculty of Science, University of Malta

Recognized with the Dean's Award for Academic Excellence for the academic year 2022-2023.

Dean's List 2021

Awarded By

Faculty of Science, University of Malta

Recognized with the Dean's Award for Academic Excellence for the academic year 2021-2022.

ERASMUS+ Exchange Programme

Awarded By

Cardiff University

Awarded funding to study for an academic year at Cardiff University, recognizing academic merit and facilitating international educational experience.

Dean's List 2020

Awarded By

Faculty of Science, University of Malta

Recognized with the Dean's Award for Academic Excellence for the academic year 2020-2021.

Dean's List 2019

Awarded By

Faculty of Science, University of Malta

Recognized with the Dean's Award for Academic Excellence for the academic year 2019-2020.

Languages

English
Maltese
German

Skills

Programming Languages

Python, Bash, Fortran90, C++.

Data Science & Machine Learning

Machine Learning, Statistical Analysis, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Large Language Models (LLM), Data Analysis, Named Entity Recognition (NER), Data Visualization, Statistical Modelling, Text Classification, Influencer Identification.

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

GPU Programming, Parallel Computing, Cosmological Simulations, N-Body Simulations, HPC Code Development, Cloud Computing.

Scientific Tools & Libraries

NumPy, Pandas, ONNX, SOPHIE, pyc2ray, KS-tests, Gaussian Mixture Modelling.

Research & Academia

Academic Tutoring, Curriculum Development, Scientific Research, Data Interpretation, Problem Solving.