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I am a cognitive science and data science professional who translates complex theories into structured insights, models, and practical tools. My work spans academic research, digital humanities, and humanitarian operations, where I connect ideas to data, design, and communication that helps teams and communities thrive. I enjoy bridging data and story—building dashboards, databases, and digital exhibits that make research accessible, collaboration effortless, and impact measurable.…I am a cognitive science and data science professional who translates complex theories into structured insights, models, and practical tools. My work spans academic research, digital humanities, and humanitarian operations, where I connect ideas to data, design, and communication that helps teams and communities thrive. I enjoy bridging data and story—building dashboards, databases, and digital exhibits that make research accessible, collaboration effortless, and impact measurable.

Abdullah Ansar Ashburn

Data Scientist, Project Manager, Content Creator, +2

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I am a cognitive science and data science professional who translates complex theories into structured insights, models, and practical tools. My work spans academic research, digital humanities, and humanitarian operations, where I connect ideas to data, design, and communication that helps teams and communities thrive. I enjoy bridging data and story—building dashboards, databases, and digital exhibits that make research accessible, collaboration effortless, and impact measurable.…I am a cognitive science and data science professional who translates complex theories into structured insights, models, and practical tools. My work spans academic research, digital humanities, and humanitarian operations, where I connect ideas to data, design, and communication that helps teams and communities thrive. I enjoy bridging data and story—building dashboards, databases, and digital exhibits that make research accessible, collaboration effortless, and impact measurable.

Available to hire

I am a cognitive science and data science professional who translates complex theories into structured insights, models, and practical tools. My work spans academic research, digital humanities, and humanitarian operations, where I connect ideas to data, design, and communication that helps teams and communities thrive.

I enjoy bridging data and story—building dashboards, databases, and digital exhibits that make research accessible, collaboration effortless, and impact measurable.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Language

English

Fluent

Urdu

Fluent

Panjabi, Punjabi

Fluent

Hindi

Fluent

Arabic

Advanced

Persian

Advanced

Work Experience

Research Assistant at The McNamara Lab

June 1, 2025 - Present

Translated abstract cognitive and neuroscientific theories into structured analytical components to enable systematic comparison, modeling, and research communication. Supported development of the Triad Model by clarifying variables, assumptions, causal relationships, and evaluation logic. Conducted interdisciplinary literature reviews across cognitive science, anthropology, history, and religious studies, synthesizing findings into concise, decision-ready memos. Improved traceability and clarity by aligning terminology and methodological assumptions; assisted PIs with early-stage research design by identifying gaps, risks, and alternative modeling pathways.

Cataloging Intern (South Asian Collections) at Hill Museum & Manuscript Library (vHMML)

June 1, 2024 - September 1, 2024

Independently cataloged Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and Punjabi manuscripts for the vHMML digital repository; produced standardized, machine-readable metadata and Library of Congress authority records to resolve name ambiguity and enforce consistency across a multilingual dataset. Analyzed manuscript content (historical, theological, linguistic) and translated qualitative findings into structured descriptive fields. Improved long-term data governance and discoverability by adhering to international cataloging standards. Authored a public research article based on primary sources.

Digital Humanities Associate at Carleton College

September 1, 2021 - September 1, 2025

Led digitization and organization of archival collections, including historical maps and material artifacts, improving accessibility and preservation workflows. Designed and maintained Omeka digital exhibits, transforming unstructured assets into navigable information systems. Consulted with students and faculty to identify digital tools and workflows; produced documentation and hands-on guidance that reduced technical friction. Served as liaison between domain experts and technical platforms, translating scholarly goals into implementable digital structures.

Director of Planning & Consultation / Cognitive Data Scientist at Shirin Sajmila International Foundation

September 1, 2021 - Present

Directed planning and coordination for large-scale humanitarian relief operations during catastrophic floods in Bangladesh. Designed and maintained a comprehensive database documenting protest-related injuries and deaths, ensuring data integrity, consistency, and traceability. Coordinated cross-organizational workflows involving NGOs, government agencies, WHO representatives, and Bangladesh Air Force units. Translated on-the-ground needs into structured operational plans, reports, and stakeholder briefings. Analyzed mental-health and trauma-related data to inform programmatic improvements and resource allocation decisions.

Founding Member & Administrator at COALI (Student Nonprofit Organization)

June 1, 2018 - Present

Co-founded and administered a large student-run nonprofit focused on academic, civic, and social engagement. Led and coordinated a moderation and operations team of over 40 members, establishing internal governance structures and escalation protocols. Facilitated weekly administrative meetings, policy discussions, and conflict-resolution processes. Designed internal workflows for content moderation, member support, and decision-making at scale. Developed leadership and operational capacity within the organization through structured delegation and documentation.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Cognitive Science (minors: Religion, Middle Eastern Studies, Arabic, Medieval & Renaissance Studies) at Carleton College

September 1, 2021 - June 1, 2025