Personal Analysis: Boltzmann Restricted Machines

A Different “Today”
Today I implemented a Boltzmann Restricted Machines model to predict movies ratings of users based on their past movies rating. I embarked on this personal project two days ago when I came across the concept in Coursera. To implement the model, I studied several research papers and consulted my Data Mining professor. And this is what I frequently do on some of my free days. On other days, you would find me immersed within business publications such as Mckinsey Insights to pick up new management concepts and thereafter discuss with my peers about applying these concepts in real use cases. These two habits basically sum up my character: passionate in learning new management and technical concept, and applying them to solve
This observation coupled with my inherent passion for engineering and management is what drives me to seek further enhancement of such skills with an MS&E program. Columbia’s MS&E program emerges as my top choice because it also bests caters to my academic interest and career goals. Academically, I am inclined to machine learning, optimization and supply chain management, which happens to be the research expertise of some faculty members. Thus being in Columbia would enable me to study under their tutelage and gain a first-hand understanding of their
My social awareness woke in the first year of my undergrad studies while serving community service in the Philippines. The experience drove me to read more about social problems and go on to serve nearly 300 hours of community service. The more I read and experience, the stronger my conviction to help alleviate social problems grew. My research led me to the conclusion that the clever amalgamation of business and technology is the best solution to assuage social issues, thus forming my long-term goal of being a social technopreneur. To this end, my military officer stint and Columbia’s MS&E would equip me with the leadership, technical and management elements to setup a technology company that seeks to solve social problems. Specifically, being able to consult Professor Awi Federgruen, a renowned scholar in Supply Chain, and studying in his Supply Chain Management course would greatly facilitate my goal as supply chain management would have an integral role in my envisaged start-up. And to supplement my understanding of social enterprises, I will join the Columbia Social Enterprise