Hi Everyone,

My name is Chetan Siddhardh Muvvala, I go by Sid. I’m a rising senior at the University of Pittsburgh, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree with a major in Computational Biology. Personally, I’m someone who thrives at the intersection of technology and science, and I’m always looking for opportunities to apply my technical skills to real world challenges. Outside of academics, I’m passionate about tennis, I’ve worked as a youth coach, and I enjoy diving into new cultural experiences, especially through food and travel. Most recently I’ve been launching a kitchen utility app that leverages AI and bridges my love for food and technology.

Academically, my journey has been focused on building a solid foundation in both biology and computer science. I’ve taken courses in algorithms, intermediate programming, and computational biology, with ongoing work in simulation, modeling, and web application programming. These classes have helped me gain the technical fluency to explore more advanced topics like AI and data science. I’ve always been fascinated by how data can uncover patterns and predict outcomes, whether in genomics, drug discovery, or even e-commerce.

This summer, I’m incredibly excited to be interning with Carvago, a leading automotive data company based in Prague. I’ll be working on the Data Science team, contributing to projects involving machine learning, image recognition, data analysis, and potentially AI-based price prediction modeling. What drew me to this particular internship was the opportunity to work hands on with state of the art tools like Python, AWS, and Snowflake, and to be part of one of the most advanced data ecosystems in the Czech Republic. Carvago is also one of the top 5 AWS customers in the region, which speaks volumes about the scale and sophistication of their operations. For someone passionate about data science, this is the kind of immersive, high-impact experience I’ve been aiming for.

I chose Prague as my international program location for several reasons. First, I’ve never been to Eastern Europe, and I’m eager to explore a region rich in history, architecture, and culture that I haven’t yet experienced. I’ve had family members visit Prague before, and they always spoke highly of its beauty, vibrancy, and welcoming atmosphere. From the cobblestone streets of Old Town to the innovative spirit driving its tech scene, Prague offers a perfect blend of old and new, which mirrors my own passion for combining timeless scientific principles with cutting-edge technology.

Second, among all the international programs offered, Prague stood out for its strong placement opportunities in data science and tech-related fields. I was impressed by how many internships aligned closely with my academic background and career aspirations. The chance to contribute to real-world machine learning projects in a global setting is not just a resume builder, but a meaningful step toward the kind of work I want to do long-term, solving problems at scale with data and technology.

Personally, I hope this experience helps me grow in ways that go beyond the classroom. Living and working in a new country will challenge me to step out of my comfort zone, adapt quickly, and embrace different perspectives. I look forward to developing more cultural awareness and global fluency, while also making lasting friendships with fellow students and colleagues.

Academically, I expect to deepen my understanding of data science through applied learning. Translating the theory I’ve studied at Pitt into practice at Carvago. I’m especially interested in how companies apply machine learning and automation to domains outside of academia, like e-commerce and logistics, and how those solutions scale with big data.

Professionally, I want to come out of this internship with more confidence in my abilities, a sharper technical toolkit, and a clearer sense of direction for the kind of data science work I want to pursue after graduation. Whether it’s contributing to AI-driven systems in healthcare, business intelligence, or sustainability, this internship will be a critical stepping stone on that path.

Thank you for reading about me and I’m looking forward to meeting you all at Prague and reading about the other students and the places and journey they are taking!