DJ Patil

Overview

DJ Patil is a data scientist, entrepreneur, and technology leader who served as the first Chief Data Scientist of the United States under President Obama. He is widely credited, along with Jeff Hammerbacher, with coining the term "data scientist" in its modern usage while working at LinkedIn. At LinkedIn, he built the data science team that developed the "People You May Know" feature used by hundreds of millions of professionals. His career has spanned roles in academia, government, and the private sector, and he has been a prominent advocate for using data to improve public policy and social outcomes.

Why He Matters

DJ Patil demonstrates that data science is not just about algorithms and code. It is about using data to serve people and improve how institutions make decisions. His career shows how a data scientist can move between industry and public service, applying technical skills to challenges that range from building social networks to shaping national policy on data and technology. He inspires young people to see data science as a career with the power to influence how governments, companies, and communities use information for the greater good.