Ramya Thangavel, PhD

People Analytics Consultant II @ WD

About

I am a People Analytics Consultant with a strong foundation in quantitative social science and workplace dynamics. My expertise lies in transforming complex data into actionable insights that drive organizational strategy and employee well-being. With a Ph.D. in Human Resources Management and postdoctoral research experience at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, I specialize in predictive modeling and advanced analytics to solve workforce challenges. My work spans employee engagement, organizational commitment, and work-life balance, supported by a history of academic excellence and published research. Today, I partner with stakeholders to design data-driven solutions, craft compelling data stories, and build executive-ready dashboards. I am passionate about AI adoption in HR, leveraging algorithms and automation to enhance decision-making and future-proof people strategies. Beyond consulting, I mentor aspiring professionals and contribute thought leadership through publications and pro-bono sessions.

Country

City

United States

Industry

Human Resources

Skill

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Analysis, Microsoft Office, Java, C++, C, SQL, JavaScript, HTML, Microsoft Excel, Core Java, Linux, Matlab, Unix, Eclipse, JSP, AI for Business, Generative AI, Productivity Improvement, Prompt Engineering

Experience

People Analytics Consultant II

2025-10 - Present · 1 yr

San Jose, California, United States

Honorary Fellow (Postdoctoral Research - People Analytics)

University of Wisconsin-Madison

2024-3 - 2025-5 · 1 yr 3 mos

Madison, WI

It is an academic affiliation with the Center for Research on Gender and Women.I studied the effects of workplace flexibility on female American workers, specifically looking at its impact on their work-life balance and life satisfaction. My research delved into work-related stress and employee well-being, employing advanced data analytical tools to develop a predictive model.

Independent Researcher – HR & Data Analytics

2022-9 - 2024-2 · 1 yr 6 mos

Wisconsin, United States

Conducted self-led research in HR analytics, workforce trends, and compensation modeling. Explored applications of data visualization and statistical modeling in organizational behavior and engagement. Published insights through personal portfolio and academic platforms. Upskilled through structured learning on Microsoft Learn, Udemy, and the Microsoft AI Skills Challenge. Gained proficiency in Power BI, SPSS, R, and Agile methodologies with a focus on applying data storytelling to real-world business scenarios.

Manager Strategy Operations

Anirudha Farm Equipments

2019-6 - 2022-8 · 3 yrs 3 mos

Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India

Analyzed operational data to support role structuring, resource planning, and cost optimization using Excel, SPSS, and Power BI.  Defined business requirements and collaborated with stakeholders to improve performance metrics and reporting processes.  Delivered insights on productivity and retention trends, influencing budget and strategy decisions.  Participated in Agile/Scrum sprints to iteratively build dashboards and enhance analytics tools.

Doctoral Researcher- People Analytics

Anna University Chennai

2012-1 - 2019-12 · 8 yrs

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Built analytical models to assess the impact of compensation strategies on workforce engagement, retention, and commitment.  Analyzed large-scale survey data using R, SPSS, and Excel, uncovering actionable insights related to pay equity and organizational performance.  Delivered strategic recommendations to leadership through data visualizations, reports, and evidence-based insights, supporting business and HR decisions.  Collaborated with senior leadership to ensure alignment between data findings and organizational goals, contributing to process optimization.

Assistant Professor

KLN College of Engineering

2010-6 - 2011-12 · 1 yr 7 mos

Madurai Area, India

Designed Curriculum focused on compensation strategies, workforce planning, and performance management, integrating data analytics concepts for business decision-making.  Mentored students on projects analyzing compensation trends and organizational effectiveness, enhancing their problem-solving skills.

Software Engineer

NTT DATA

2008-6 - 2010-5 · 2 yrs

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Completed hands-on training in Java development, object-oriented programming, and version control tools. Contributed to team-based projects using core Java, participating in the design, coding, and debugging of business applications. Gained foundational experience in software development lifecycle (SDLC), including basic testing and documentation. Collaborated with senior developers to apply programming concepts in real-world use cases.