Peter Takunju

Senior Data Scientist Ai Ml Systems & Intelligent Inspection @Nasa Langley Research Center

Hampton, VA, US

Lead development of AI/ML-driven inspection systems supporting NASA missions such as Artemis and Mars Sample Return. Built end-to-end MLOps pipelines using Airflow, Docker, and CI/CD tools for model deployment, drift monitoring, and retraining—enhancing reliability and explainability of mission-critical analytics. Applied retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and agentic workflows using LangChain and vector stores to extract contextual knowledge from large, unstructured aerospace datasets—pioneering early adoption of LLMs within inspection and safety operations. Oversaw technical evaluation and application of 3D Backscatter X-ray (BSX) and CT technologies across projects, including Artemis I Heatshield, lunar cementitious materials (MMPACT), and the Mars Sample Return (MSR) Earth Entry System—demonstrating integration of intelligent imaging, pattern recognition, and AI-ready pipelines. Served as CT Lab Manager, responsible for strategic planning, equipment maintenance, and real-time diagnostics—skills now applied to ML lifecycle management and infrastructure optimization. Conducted ANOVA-based Measurement System Analysis (MSA) to evaluate reproducibility of new ultrasonic inspection systems—methods directly transferable to model validation and experimental design in AI. Delivered insights using Explainable AI techniques (e.g, SHAP values, audit trails), ensuring transparent, ethical decision-making for aerospace safety and risk modeling. Presented findings at national conferences and contributed to peer-reviewed publications, representing NASA in NDE technical panels, SBIR reviews, and academic advisory boards.

Michigan State University

Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Electrical Engineering

University of Gävle

Telecommunications Engineering

MIT Professional Education

Professional Certificate, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

Uppsala University

Master of Science - MS, Electrical Engineering

Ohio University

Master's degree, Engineering Management

St. Petersburg State University of Telecommunications named after prof. M.A. Bonch-Bruevich

Bachelor of Engineering - BE, Telecommunications Engineering