Zeynep Akkalyoncu

I am currently a senior data scientist at StackAdapt, a programmatic ad tech company based in Toronto, ON.

I am interested in technologies at the intersection of machine learning, natural language processing and information retrieval.

More broadly, I am fascinated by the Renaissance ideal informed by multiple disciplines.

I completed my Master’s degree in Computer Science at the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, ON, Canada under the supervision of Prof. Jimmy Lin in the Data Systems Group.

Previously, I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from the Middle East Technical University in Ankara, Turkey.

💃 I have been learning to swing dance for a few years now. I am looking forward to feeling more comfortable on the social dance floor.

I have played the violin for over 10 years - both solo and as part of the first amateur symphony orchestra of Turkey.

♟️ I played for the Turkish National Junior Chess Team for two years, and one of Turkey’s best teams for over five years. Although I no longer play chess professionally, I still enjoy a good game every now and then.

I am an avid traveler, fascinated by what the world has to offer. Below is a map of the few places that I’ve explored so far. I’m hoping to see more of Canada over the next few years!

Last update: November 2021