From Physical Science To AI Research In Japan: How IIT Madras BS Student Made The Leap
IIT Madras BS student Shudhanshu Kumar Yadav has been selected to work at the Matsuo & Iwasawa Laboratory at the University of Tokyo after building skills in data science and Artificial Intelligence (AI). His studies and experience include a research internship at Dhirubhai Ambani University and projects using machine learning and AI.
Shudhanshu Kumar Yadav is a student in the BS in Data Science and Applications programme at IIT Madras. He has been selected to work with the Matsuo & Iwasawa Laboratory at the University of Tokyo. His journey shows his growing interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning and data science.
Yadav earned a bachelor's degree in Physical Science from the University of Delhi. He later studied data science at IIT Madras, where he built technical skills and learned about new areas of computing.
From Classroom Learning to Practical Projects
During his studies, Yadav worked on projects that used machine learning to solve real-world problems. One project aimed to predict crop yields using information such as rainfall, temperature, humidity and nutrients in the soil.
He used machine learning models, including Random Forest and XGBoost, to study the data and make predictions. This project helped him learn how AI methods can be used in agriculture.
He also completed a summer research internship at Dhirubhai Ambani University in Gandhinagar. During the internship, he studied how to identify human activities using data from smartphone sensors. He also explored how Large Language Models (LLMs) can be used.
Expanding His Experience in AI
Yadav has also been selected for GCI World 2026. He has had internship opportunities at Jamia Millia Islamia and IIM Bangalore.
Along with his programme at IIT Madras, he is studying for an MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at the Central University of Andhra Pradesh.
His work has covered several areas, including machine learning, generative AI and applications that use large language models. These experiences have helped him explore research opportunities beyond his original field of study.
Combining Academics With Leadership
Alongside his studies, Yadav has taken on student leadership roles. He was president of the Vivekananda Study Circle at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi, where he led a group of more than 80 members. He has also served as a group leader in Saranda House under the IIT Madras BS programme.
His selection at the University of Tokyo is another step in his academic journey. He continues to explore AI and data science through research and practical work.