Nicael Jooste

Professional Summary

I am a technically-minded and strategically-inclined data scientist with a background in civil engineering, hydrology and water resource management. Over the past few years, I've grown into a hybrid role where I design and build internal tools, automate workflows, and help teams make better decisions using data. I'm especially interested in the intersection of software, data, AI, cloud infrastructure, and sustainable public systems. I like building things that are robust, reusable, and actually get used, and I'm always looking to improve how we work.

Technical Skills

Programming & Frameworks

Data & AI

Cloud & DevOps

Domain Expertise

Strategy & Leadership

Communication & Leadership

Professional Experience

Staff Data Scientist | AI & Digital Strategy

Dunea N.V.

Jun 2021 to Present

Rolled out Python as a standard across the organization, replacing fragmented tools and improving collaboration
Designed and maintain an internal Python SDK that connects multiple systems and is now used as a shared foundation across departments
Helped shape Dunea's digital transformation strategy, including initiatives around digital twins and simulation environments
Pushed forward internal adoption of large language models, leading early pilots with ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, and presented outcomes to management, resulting in org-wide support
Built web applications to support internal teams and workflows, combining FastAPI, React, and Azure services
Created operational dashboards in Power BI and automated routine processes using Python, SQL, and cloud functions
Advised upper management on data, AI, and digital innovation through strategy sessions and internal talks
Co-founded an internal innovation group to experiment with new technologies quickly and safely before scaling them up
Mentored junior data scientists and co-led an internal knowledge-sharing group for data professionals
Set up best practices for in-house software development, including code reviews, CI/CD pipelines, and technical documentation standards
Helped shape Dunea's AI policy and contributed to discussions around responsible use of machine learning and LLMs

Data Scientist

Crunch Analytics

Aug 2019 to Jun 2021

Developed ETL pipelines and machine learning models for clients in the horticulture and retail sectors
Worked closely with clients to understand their needs, scope projects, and deliver actionable solutions
Automated data workflows and built dashboards using Power BI, Python, and SQL
Took part in proposal writing, workshops, and recruitment efforts alongside a small, agile team

Student Assistant

Delft University of Technology

Sep 2016 to Jan 2020

Supported course development by filming lectures, editing video, and building MOOC content
Graded assignments and exams, created promotional materials, and helped organize faculty events
Learned from working with dedicated researchers and students in a high-paced academic environment

Education

MSc Water Management

Delft University of Technology · 2016 – 2019

Specializations: Water Resource Management, Hydrology
Thesis: Investigating the MetOp ASCAT vegetation parameters with clustering
Multidisciplinary project: Testing mobile data gathering in the Phetchaburi river basin and possible applications

Field Experience

BSc Civil Engineering

Delft University of Technology · 2011 – 2016

Thesis: Improving water treatment processes at PDAM Tirtawening Kota Bandung

For our thesis, we travelled to Bandung, Indonesia, to improve the water treatment process at PDAM Tirtawening. We discovered that performance issues weren't due to one major fault but many small ones, like broken metering equipment and poor coagulant dosing. By introducing a few simple changes, we reduced turbidity by over 60%. The real fix wasn't expensive equipment, but better understanding and maintenance. Presenting our findings to the plant's director was a proud and eye-opening moment.