Natalia BURKINA, PhD
Postdoc
3 Questions - 3 Answers
What aspects of your academic and professional journey do you find particularly intriguing?
I am an experienced lecturer and researcher with a dedication to education, research, and data analysis. My academic journey commenced with a robust grounding in computer science and mathematics, which I further fortified through teaching roles at various esteemed educational institutions across Ukraine, coupled with extensive research endeavors. My professional 20 years of teaching and research experience have provided me with a broad range of statistical analysis and IT skills, as well as a passion for teaching.
In 2001, I earned my Master's degree in Mathematics, followed by a Ph.D. in Pedagogical Sciences, specializing in Theory and Methods of Professional Education in 2009. Subsequently, in 2018, I pursued advanced academic pursuits, obtaining a Master's degree in Economics, with a focus on Business Analytics and Statistics.
Throughout my career, I have meticulously cultivated my expertise in statistical analysis, forecasting, and programming, particularly in R. From my early roles as a teaching assistant to associate professor and my current position as a postdoctoral researcher at FHV - Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences, I have actively engaged in guiding students and conducting cutting-edge research in diverse areas such as statistical modeling, economics, business-analytics and distance learning.
What truly ignites my passion as both a scientist and lecturer is the transformative potential of interdisciplinary integration facilitated by Machine Learning and Data Science tools. I am deeply captivated by how the amalgamation of mathematics, economics, finance, and programming with Machine Learning and Data Science catalyzes innovation. This integration empowers us to develop adaptive algorithms and predictive models capable of dynamically responding to evolving market conditions, thereby augmenting risk management and investment strategies.
Leveraging programming languages such as Python or R, we can efficiently implement, simulate, and analyze models, ensuring that our analyses are not only theoretically robust but also pragmatically relevant to real-world economic and financial challenges. This approach not only enhances the accuracy of financial forecasts but also empowers stakeholders to make well-informed decisions aligned with their business objectives.
Beyond academia, I am driven by a fervent desire to leverage technology for solving real-world problems. I remain committed to lifelong learning and professional growth, continuously seeking out new challenges and opportunities for making meaningful contributions to both academia and industry.
What strengths do you find most valuable in your professional field?
In the contemporary digital world, data-driven decision-making is paramount. Logical and critical thinking are additional strengths, facilitating accurate data interpretation, correlation identification, and informed business recommendations. Proficiency in quantitative problem-solving, statistical analysis, and algorithmic thinking allows to approach complex business challenges with analytical rigor. Acquiring programming skills, especially in languages like Python or R, helps to implement algorithms, automate data processing, and develop data-driven applications, enhancing their capacity to extract insights from large and small datasets. I consider Business analytics as a bridge between my foundational skills in mathematics, statistics, and programming enabling me to extract actionable insights from complex datasets in different professional areas. By applying business analytics techniques, we can translate quantitative analyses into strategic recommendations for decision-makers in economics, business and finance, providing stakeholders with a clear understanding of trends and facilitating data-driven decision-making in financial planning and investment strategies, as well as enhance risk management.
What aspects of the university's environment particularly resonate with you and your professional aspirations?
I am deeply drawn to the prospect of working at the FHV for a multitude of compelling reasons. First, the alignment of my research interests with the objectives of the Research Center Business Informatics is a particularly important aspect of joining this institution. The center's focus on developing pioneering approaches in Machine Learning and Optimization to empower decision-makers within partner companies, especially in navigating uncertain scenarios, resonates deeply with my professional aspirations. It presents an exciting opportunity for me to contribute meaningfully to real-world challenges while advancing the frontiers of knowledge in my field.
Furthermore, the palpable positive attitude towards work and individuals within the university community is something I deeply value. It underscores a culture of respect, appreciation, and support, which I believe is integral to fostering a conducive environment for personal and professional growth. The collaborative ethos and ambitious spirit of the team of creative professionals here create an atmosphere conducive to impactful innovation. It represents an opportunity to not only further my academic and research pursuits but also to be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking community dedicated to making a tangible impact in academia, industry, and society at large.
Publications and Platforms
OPUS | ORCID | RUN-EU+ Cloud of Knowledge
