Rishidhar Kurella is a data engineer at the Materials Discovery Research Institute, where he develops Python‑based automation scripts to integrate laboratory equipment with digital research platforms, streamlining experimental workflows and data capture. He is also building custom AI agents to assist researchers across all phases of their work, enabling seamless access to scientific literature, data, and insights. Kurella collaborates closely with subject matter experts and external vendors to optimize digital tools and enhance productivity across research domains.

Kurella previously worked as a data engineer, building and optimizing scalable data pipelines across Azure and AWS using Python to support ETL workflows and real‑time analytics. During his master’s program, he automated ETL processes, migrated on‑premises data warehouses to cloud platforms, and implemented CI/CD pipelines for streamlined deployments. His experience with laboratory information management systems, cloud‑native architectures, and scientific data processing supports his current work in research automation and AI‑driven experimentation.

Kurella holds an M.S. in computer and information sciences from Southern University and A&M College and a B.S. in computer science from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University.