I built a portfolio webpage to showcase my data science projects and professional journey. You can view it here: https://ninamcunha.github.io/my-portfolio/. Below you'll find a condensed version of my background and projects. 🌟

The main objective of this personal portfolio is to demonstrate my skills in solving Data Science challenges.

Founder/CEO at Amooora, Former Senior Research Associate at FHI 360, Stanford PhD in Economics of Education, Data Science Bootcamp Graduate at Le Wagon, and World Bank Consultant.

Who am I? 👩‍💻

• A relentlessly curious problem-solver with 10+ years experience transforming data into social impact
• Stanford-trained researcher specializing in causal inference and large-scale education experiments
• Passionate about building AI solutions for social good, currently developing a data-driven app for the lesbian community
• Proudly Brazilian 🇧🇷 and openly lesbian 🏳️‍🌈, blending technical rigor with human-centered design

• Data Engineering: Python (Pandas, NumPy), SQL (BigQuery, PostgreSQL), Data Pipelines (Prefect, FastAPI)
• Machine Learning: Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, NLP, Time Series Forecasting
• Cloud & Deployment: GCP, Docker, MLflow, CI/CD
• Statistics & Visualization: Causal Inference, A/B Testing, Matplotlib, Seaborn, Streamlit
• Research Methods: RCT Design, Psychometrics, Structural Equation Modeling

• Founder/CEO @ Amooora (2024-Present):
  Building AI-powered community platform for LGBTQ+ women

• Senior Researcher @ FHI 360 (2018-2023):
  Led education research across Africa/Latin America

• Stanford University (2013-2018):
  PhD research with 25,000+ student RCTs

Google Advanced Data Analytics
Dec 2024 | Credential | ID: 98C47QXOLHBA

Applied Machine Learning in Python
Oct 2023 | Credential | ID: D8NC5S5AK5ZQ

Intro to Computer Science with Python II
Oct 2023 | Credential | ID: T6DRTCP8AMDD

Applied Plotting & Data Visualization
Sep 2023 | Credential

Intro to Data Science in Python
Sep 2023 | Credential | ID: 8TMUB39YBDTR

Intro to Computer Science with Python I
Sep 2023 | Credential | ID: VGRZNWMSK5GJ

Categorical Structural Equation Modeling
May 2021 | Certificate

Applied Measurement Modeling
May 2021 | Certificate

Intro to Structural Equation Modeling
May 2021 | Certificate

Developed an LGBTQ+ matching system that:

• Clusters 24K+ profiles with 32% better cohesion using hybrid DBSCAN/LDA
• Generates synthetic UI prototypes with GANs
• Achieves 0.51 silhouette score while breaking traditional matching barriers

Tech Stack: Python, TensorFlow, spaCy, Streamlit, GCP, Docker

Led a 289-school RCT showing:

• SMS interventions boosted test scores by 0.3σ
• ML-analyzed parental behavior patterns
• Published in American Economic Journal

Methods: Causal Inference (DID/IV), Python, R, A/B Testing

Built a cross-cultural tool that:

• Reduced 160+ survey items to 48 validated questions
• Achieved CFI > 0.95 in Uganda/Guatemala
• Enabled low-resource program evaluation

Methods: PCA, CFA, Mplus, Measurement Invariance

Created an ML-powered instrument to:

• Measure stress in 1,659 Salvadoran educators
• Validate with CFI=0.92 despite conflict zones
• Guide SEL intervention design

Tech Stack: R, Stata, Cluster-RCTs

Quantified inequities across 53,469 Brazilian schools by:

• Standardizing teacher/school resources into 3D metrics
• Revealing 15-30% gaps for high-needs students
• Informing national funding policies

Tech Stack: Stata, R, Geospatial Analysis, OLS

Proved $2.40/student coaching via Skype:

• Increased teaching time by 28%
• Boosted engagement by 0.4σ
• Scaled to 350+ Brazilian schools

Methods: Mixed-Effects Modeling, Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

• Analytical & Problem-Solving: Critical Thinking; Proactive Problem-Solving; Data Storytelling; Research Rigor
• Leadership & Collaboration: Team Leadership; Cross-Cultural Collaboration; Stakeholder Management; Mentorship
• Adaptability & Growth: Resilience; Lifelong Learning; Multidisciplinary Agility; Growth Mindset
• Communication: Technical Storytelling; Non-Technical Communication; Cross-Functional Alignment; Policy Briefings
• Languages: English (Fluent); Portuguese (Native); Spanish (Advanced); French (Basic)

Bettinger, E., Cunha, N. M., Lichand, G., & Madeira, R. (2024). Are the effects of informational interventions driven by salience? American Economic Journal: Economic Policy.

Soares, F. & Cunha, N. M. (2024). The effects of adding social-emotional learning to education interventions in El Salvador Educational Research and Evaluation, 29(3–4), 201–229.

Omoeva, C., Cunha, N. M., Kyllonen, P., Gates, S., Martinez, A., & Burke, H. M. (2023). YouthPower Action Youth Soft Skills Assessment (YAYSSA) European Journal of Psychological Assessment.

Cunha, N. M., Martinez, A., Kyllonen, P., & Gates, S. (2021). Cross-Country Comparability of Social-Emotional Skills Assessments International Journal of Testing, 21(3-4), 182-219.

Lichand, G., Bettinger, E., Cunha, N. M., & Madeira, R. (2021). The Psychological Effects of Poverty on Investments in Children's Human Capital University of Zurich Working Paper No. 349.

Omoeva, C., Cunha, N. M., & Moussa, W. (2021). Measuring equity in education resource allocation International Journal of Educational Development, 87.

Soares, F., Cunha, N. M., & Frisoli, P. (2021). Wellbeing Holistic Assessment for Teachers (WHAT) tool Journal on Education in Emergencies, 7(2).

Bruns, B., Costa, L., & Cunha, N. M. (2018). Through the looking glass: Classroom observation and teacher performance Economics of Education Review.

Cunha, N. M., Rios Neto, E. L. G., & Hermeto, A. M. (2014). Religiosity and school performance in Belo Horizonte Pesquisa e Planejamento Econômico, 44, 71-116.