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Nicael Jooste

Staff Data Scientist · Cloud & AI Consultant · Builder of Better Systems
Gouda · get in touch

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.

Skills

  • Python (Advanced)
  • SQL
  • Power BI
  • Azure (DevOps, ML, Blob, AppConfig, etc.)
  • CI/CD (Pipelines, Testing, Automation)
  • FastAPI
  • Docker
  • LLMs, agents, prompt engineering & Integration into existing workflows
  • Geospatial data, GIS & Remote Sensing
  • Internal SDK & Tooling Design
  • MLOps & Model Deployment

Work Experience

Data Scientist – Dunea

Aug 2019 – Present
  • Initiated, architected and developed internal Python SDK adopted across departments
  • Ideated and developed web applications to support internal teams
  • Built dashboards using Power BI and automated workflows using Python and SQL
  • Initiated the use of Python across the organization, replacing fragmented tooling
  • Pioneered internal adoption of LLMs: led pilots with ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and presented outcomes to management, resulting in org-wide approval
  • Acted as trusted advisor to upper management on ML/AI topics through regular strategy presentations
  • Co-shaped internal strategy on digital transformation, including digital twin initiatives
  • Co-founded internal innovation team to rapidly prototype and test new technologies in a low-risk setting
  • Mentored junior data scientists and led internal best practice group

Data Scientist – Crunch Analytics

Aug 2019 – Jun 2021
  • Designed and implemented ETL pipelines and ML models for horticulture clients
  • Worked directly with clients to gather requirements and deliver tailored solutions
  • Built dashboards using Power BI and automated workflows using Python and SQL
  • Contributed to project proposals, workshops, and recruitment efforts

Student Assistant – TU Delft

Sep 2016 – Jan 2020
  • Filmed and edited lectures, created MOOC materials, and supervised workshops
  • Graded reports and exams, developed promotional content, and supported faculty tasks
  • Grew professionally in a dynamic academic environment alongside smart, motivated peers

High School Tutor – Mentor / Lyceo

Apr 2013 – Mar 2015
  • Tutored high school students in multiple subjects, focusing on math, physics, comprehension and planning skills
  • Improved my communication style through 1-on-1 mentorship and active listening
  • Discovered my enjoyment for helping others grow intellectually

Education

MSc Water Management

TU Delft · 2016 – 2019

BSc Civil Engineering

TU Delft · 2011 – 2016
“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.”

Personal Projects

  • 🌐 Personal website www.nicaeljooste.com
  • 📘 Digital Garden garden.nicaeljooste.com
  • 🧠 AITIA – conceptual data science / AI agency exploring branding, web dev, and design
  • 🍕 Recipe engine + meal planner with metadata and SQLite backend