Discovering New Possibilities Through Information Systems
When Javed Tamboli, M.S. ’26, information systems, arrived at UMBC, he actively sought opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. What began as volunteer research work evolved into an independent study, a paid Research Assistant position, and the publication of academic research. Alongside leadership roles in student government and professional experience in machine learning, Javed built a strong foundation for a future career in artificial intelligence, data engineering, and emerging technologies.
Information Systems: Tell us about yourself and your journey at UMBC.
Javed Tamboli: I joined UMBC in 2024 to pursue a Master’s degree in Information Systems. From my first semester, I actively sought research opportunities by reaching out to professors and participating in Research Day events. Through these efforts, I began volunteering under Professor Karuna P. Joshi. I later completed an independent study while continuing to work as a volunteer research assistant, which eventually led to a paid Research Assistant position.
In addition to my research experience, I held several on-campus roles, including Math Tutor, Ramadan Pop-Up Intern, and Office Assistant with Residential Life. I also completed an internship with AI Edumate as a Machine Learning Engineer, where I gained hands-on industry experience.
Beyond academics and work, I was also actively involved in GSA, where I served as Senate Speaker. This role helped me develop leadership, communication, and organizational skills, as I was responsible for facilitating discussions and supporting effective decision-making within the student government.
I graduated with a 3.9 GPA, reflecting my commitment to academic excellence, research, leadership, and professional growth throughout my time at UMBC.
Prior to UMBC, I worked at Cognizant for 2.5 years as an Associate Data Engineer, where I built and managed data pipelines for TJX Companies, including T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. I believe this experience has been instrumental in shaping my career and complements my research and academic experiences at UMBC.
IS: How has UMBC and the IS Department helped prepare you for your future career?
JT: UMBC and the Department of Information Systems have played a significant role in preparing me for my future career. The IS curriculum offered a strong combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and I found many of the courses to be extremely valuable and well-designed.
Beyond academics, the department provided opportunities for research, internships, and professional development that allowed me to apply what I learned in real-world settings. Through these experiences, I developed technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills that have prepared me for a career in data engineering and artificial intelligence. The support from faculty and the collaborative learning environment at UMBC have been instrumental in shaping my professional growth.
IS: What experiences, projects, or opportunities have been most meaningful during your time at UMBC?
JT: One of the most meaningful experiences during my time at UMBC has been my work as a Research Assistant under Professor Karuna P. Joshi. I had the opportunity to contribute to a project titled “Security Compliance for Smart Manufacturing using Knowledge Graph-based Digital Twin,” which allowed me to apply concepts from artificial intelligence, knowledge graphs, and cybersecurity to real-world challenges.
This experience has been particularly rewarding because it introduced me to academic research and helped me grow as a problem solver and collaborator. As part of this work, I co-authored and published a research paper, and I am currently working toward publishing another. Being involved in research has been one of the highlights of my graduate journey, as it has strengthened my technical skills and deepened my interest in pursuing innovative solutions at the intersection of AI and information systems.
IS: What tools, technologies, or skills have you used throughout your academic or professional experiences?
JT: Throughout my academic and professional experiences, I have worked with a variety of tools, technologies, and skills across data science, artificial intelligence, and semantic technologies. These include SQL, machine learning algorithms, large language models (LLMs), and data analysis techniques. In my research work, I have extensively used semantic web technologies such as RDF, OWL, and Protégé for ontology development and knowledge graph modeling.
Additionally, I have gained experience with Python, data preprocessing, model development, and AI-driven applications through both my research projects and my internship as a Machine Learning Engineer. These experiences have strengthened my analytical, problem-solving, and collaboration skills while enabling me to apply emerging technologies to real-world challenges.
IS: Which skill or area are you most excited to continue developing after graduation?
JT: After graduation, I am most excited to continue developing my expertise in knowledge graphs and artificial intelligence engineering. My research experiences have sparked a strong interest in leveraging semantic technologies, large language models, and AI-driven systems to solve complex real-world problems.
I am particularly interested in exploring the intersection of knowledge graphs and AI, as I believe these technologies have tremendous potential to enable more intelligent, explainable, and context-aware applications. I look forward to deepening my skills in this area and contributing to innovative solutions in both industry and research.
To learn more about Javed and his work, connect with him on LinkedIn.
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