Chris Cotter
About Chris Cotter
Chris Cotter is a Senior Manager of Data Science with extensive experience in deep learning and data analysis. He holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Georgia and has worked in various roles in data science and research.
Current Role at Benson Hill
Chris Cotter serves as the Sr. Manager of Data Science at Benson Hill, a position he has held since 2022. In this role, he oversees data science initiatives and leads a team focused on leveraging data to drive business decisions. His expertise in deep learning and data analysis contributes to the company's mission of advancing agricultural innovation. Cotter's work involves utilizing advanced techniques to analyze complex datasets and develop predictive models.
Previous Experience at Benson Hill
Prior to his current role, Chris Cotter worked at Benson Hill as a Sr. Data Scientist from 2021 to 2022 and as a Data Scientist from 2019 to 2021. During his tenure, he applied his knowledge of deep learning and data analysis to various projects, enhancing the company's data-driven strategies. His contributions helped improve the efficiency and effectiveness of data science operations within the organization.
Education and Expertise
Chris Cotter holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Microbiology with a focus on Applied Computational Methods from the University of Georgia, which he completed from 2011 to 2017. He also earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Bioinformatics from the Rochester Institute of Technology between 2007 and 2011. His academic background is complemented by expertise in deep learning techniques, including convolutional neural networks (CNNs), semantic segmentation, and generative adversarial networks.
Research Experience at University of Georgia
Chris Cotter has extensive research experience at the University of Georgia. He served as a Postdoctoral Researcher in 2018 for five months and participated in the NSF REU in Prokaryotic Biology in 2010. His doctoral research spanned six years, during which he developed skills in wet-lab techniques such as fluorescent microscopy, cloning, and DNA sequencing. This experience has contributed to his strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of data science.
Technical Skills and Contributions
Chris Cotter possesses a diverse set of technical skills, utilizing programming languages and technologies such as Python, Java, JavaScript, HTML, SQL, REST APIs, and AWS for software development. He engages in data analysis and visualization through methods like clustering, regression, and statistical learning approaches. Cotter maintains a GitHub repository showcasing his projects and contributions, and he operates a personal website to share insights and professional work.