By: Anne Schulze
Bingdi Chunyu stands as a beacon of excellence in the field of data science, showcasing a remarkable ability to transform raw data into impactful solutions for society. A graduate of Fordham University’s prestigious Master of Business Analytics program, Chunyu’s academic journey highlights her passion for data-driven approaches to solve social good challenges. Her talent was evident when she participated in the Global Analytics Competition (GAC), a worldwide inter-varsity competition aimed at generating innovative analytics solutions. The GAC competition also aims to raise awareness around environmental issues and sustainability. Participants were challenged to analyze a sustainability issue and produce a comprehensive paper and presentation detailing their methodology, visualizations, and actionable business recommendations.
Chunyu’s team excelled in this rigorous challenge, providing a groundbreaking analysis that quantified carbon emissions throughout the bike-sharing lifecycle, identifying a 30% reduction in emissions compared to traditional transportation methods. Her work not only validated the environmental benefits of bike-sharing systems but also established a recommended emissions threshold, which has since been referenced by over 50 bike-sharing companies across the United States to align with sustainable practices. This experience ignited her lifelong passion for applying data science to create meaningful societal change.
Transforming Nonprofit Analytics at the Michael J. Fox Foundation
Building on her academic and competitive achievements, Chunyu joined the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research as a senior data scientist. The Foundation, renowned for its mission to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease and to improve therapies for those living with it, became the perfect platform for Chunyu to leverage her skills for a greater cause.
Chunyu made significant contributions to the Foundation, spearheading the development of its first segmentation model for nonprofit audiences using unsupervised learning techniques. This model empowered the marketing team to expand their potential audience network, enabling more personalized engagement strategies, decreased the cost by 59% and significantly improving outreach efficiency by 224%. Her innovative approach not only enhanced the Foundation’s ability to connect with supporters but also demonstrated how machine learning could revolutionize nonprofit operations. For her outstanding contributions, Chunyu was recognized as the top performer on her team, underscoring her commitment to excellence and her impact on the organization.
Recognizing Innovation Through Judging Excellence
Chunyu’s exceptional contributions to the nonprofit sector earned her a role as a judge for the Stratus Cloud Computing Awards and the CES Innovation Awards. As data expertise remains limited in the nonprofit industry, these competitions sought judges with strong knowledge of nonprofit technological advancements. Chunyu rose to the challenge by evaluating over 50 companies, analyzing their submissions for originality, practicality, and potential impact. Her participation infused the competitions with valuable insights and emphasized their focus on driving technology innovation for social good.
Shaping Global Sustainability Dialogue on a Bigger Platform
Because of her outstanding performance in the Global Analytics Competition, Bingdi Chunyu’s research paper was selected for presentation at the 21st International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic, and Social Sustainability in 2025, under the section: “Sustainable Development for a Dynamic Planet: Lessons, Priorities, and Solutions.” This recognition places her among an elite group of thought leaders contributing innovative ideas to global sustainability challenges.
The conference, which attracts over 1,000 attendees from more than 50 industries worldwide, offers an unparalleled platform for Chunyu to showcase her analytical prowess. Her work will reach a diverse audience, including policymakers, academic researchers, corporate leaders, and sustainability advocates, all seeking strategies to tackle complex environmental and social issues. This opportunity not only elevates her influence but also solidifies her dedication to creating meaningful change for the betterment of society.
A Vision for the Future: SensoryGuardian
Looking ahead, Bingdi Chunyu aims to further her mission of leveraging machine learning for social good with the development of SensoryGuardian. This innovative project seeks to support underrepresented patients with autism by providing personalized guidance for navigating communication conflicts in various contexts, including the workplace, relationships, and family life. By integrating advanced machine learning algorithms with culturally sensitive approaches, SensoryGuardian aims to foster better social interactions and emotional well-being for this underserved community.
Bingdi Chunyu’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of data science when coupled with a heart for social impact. As she continues to push the boundaries of innovation, her work serves as a testament to the profound ways technology can create a better, more inclusive world.
Published by Elle G.
