Michael Simko

Mike has been a practicing data scientist since before the term was widely adopted, beginning with tools like Excel and Minitab and later advancing to R and Python for more sophisticated programming, analytics and data visualization. His expertise includes exploratory data analysis (EDA), automated analytics pipelines, advanced data visualization and the development and validation of predictive models.

Before joining CMU, he held senior applied data science roles across diverse industries, including flat-rolled steel products, precision-machined industrial tooling, chemical reagent manufacturing and green energy storage. He served as General Manager of both the Research & Development and Engineering Services divisions at an international steelmaker Europe, where he lived and worked in Košice, Slovakia for nearly four years. He also established and led the company’s first international Lean Six Sigma process improvement team.

Mike has taught data analytics for the University of Texas at Austin, engineering design at Saint Vincent College and served as an Adjunct Instructor at CMU, teaching analytics courses in R and Python. His teaching experience spans a wide range of subjects, including computer programming, process automation, data analysis, microscopy techniques and metallurgical engineering. With a professional background grounded in applied problem-solving rather than traditional computer science training, Mike offers a distinctive and empathetic approach to teaching data science and analytics. His experience learning technical tools through practical application enables him to anticipate and address the challenges that students often encounter, fostering a learning environment that emphasizes clarity, accessibility and real-world relevance.