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Naoya Kanai
Data Scientist / Engineer (ex-Airbnb), interested in climate tech
Professional Background
Naoya Kanai is a multifaceted professional with an extraordinary blend of scientific acumen and artistic talent. With a diverse educational background and extensive experience across various industries, Naoya has forged a successful career that highlights his expertise in data science, business strategy, and music performance.
Naoya began his educational journey at Stanford University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology. This foundation not only equipped him with a robust understanding of biological sciences but also honed his analytical thinking skills. His time at Stanford was marked by a commitment to research, as evidenced by his role as a Research Assistant at the Biomotion Lab in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Here, Naoya contributed to significant projects that aimed to understand human movement through the lens of biomechanics, further developing his analytical skills and attention to detail.
Following his undergraduate studies, Naoya turned his passion for music into a career by attending The Juilliard School. He earned both his Master of Music in Cello and a concentrated Master of Music in Cello Performance, showcasing his exceptional skill and dedication to mastering this intricate instrument. Several performances during his time at Juilliard received enthusiastic acclaim, reflecting his talent and passion for music.
Naoya's professional career is impressive and varied. He has held multiple data science roles, the most notable being his position as a Data Scientist in Trust at Airbnb. In this role, he applied his analytical skills to ensure user safety, contributing to Airbnb's commitment to creating a secure platform for both hosts and guests. His work was integral in enhancing trust among millions of users and positively impacting the overall Airbnb experience.
In addition to his role at Airbnb, Naoya served as a Data Science Teaching Assistant at Metis, where he shared his knowledge and experience with aspiring data scientists, helping them develop critical skills in data analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling.
Beyond data science, Naoya has a vibrant career in business growth and product development. As the Head of Growth at Nebia, a company known for its innovative shower technology, he led initiatives aimed at increasing customer reach and enhancing product engagement. His strategic mindset and expertise in data analytics allowed him to identify opportunities for expansion effectively.
Before his time at Nebia, Naoya worked as a Business Intelligence Engineer at Guidebook Inc., where he revolutionized the company's approach to data-driven decision-making. His efforts in building robust data models and dashboards enabled the organization to leverage data for improved operational efficiency and strategic planning.
Moreover, Naoya's consulting experience at Bain & Company honed his skills in business strategy and problem-solving. He began his career there as an Associate Consultant Intern and quickly ascended to the role of Senior Associate Consultant. His work at Bain involved advising clients on how to optimize their businesses through data analysis and strategic insights, showcasing his ability to bridge the gap between data science and business strategy.
Naoya has also made significant contributions at 1StudentBody in a product capacity where he applied his analytical skills to enhance user experience and engagement, demonstrating his versatility across different roles. His ability to adapt and learn quickly has been a hallmark of his career, allowing him to thrive in diverse environments.
Education and Achievements
Naoya Kanai's educational achievements are diverse and impressive. His journey began at Stanford University, where he earned his BA in Human Biology. This educational experience laid the grounding for his future in data science and research, equipping him with an understanding of complex biological systems and methodologies.
At The Juilliard School, Naoya's achievements in music continue to shine brightly. After receiving his Master of Music in Cello, he demonstrated not only technical proficiency but also an artistic depth that resonated with audiences. Through this program, he strengthened his performance skills and refined his artistic vision. Juilliard is known for nurturing talents, and Naoya's time there undoubtedly maintained that standard.
Additionally, Naoya's pursuit of further education at Columbia University speaks to his commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth. While specific details of these studies are not noted, attending such a prestigious institution indicates a continuous dedication to expand his knowledge and competencies in his chosen fields.
Achievements
Naoya has successfully blended his musical and scientific backgrounds to create a unique professional identity. His time at Airbnb as a Data Scientist not only enhanced his skill set but al
Highlights
Hi folks! Having been on a career break since my last full-time gig at Airbnb, I'm currently available for both consulting/short-term and full-time work in data science. In particular, I'd love to work on problems at the intersection of climate/sustainability and data.
Shoot me a message if you need help with any of the following:
- scoping ML problems
- ML engineering and productionization
- backend engineering for data/ML products
- experimentation / AB testing
- data pipelines / ETL and orchestration
- defining business metrics
- reporting/visualization
I'm a full-stack/generalist data person and enjoy working on data problems from ideation to deployment. Drop me a line at [email protected] if you think we could work together!
