By: Alegra Hall, My Media Buzz

Mounika Nalluri’s (Moni) journey from a commerce background to becoming a Software Engineer and Research Scholar in IT Healthcare is nothing short of inspiring. Originally from Andhra Pradesh, India, Mounika relocated to Kentucky to pursue a Master of Technology degree. Despite lacking a formal IT background, her determination and passion led her to excel in the field of Information Technology, ultimately landing her a position at Cigna, a prominent healthcare company.

The Beginning of a Bold Journey

Reflecting on her roots, Mounika shares, “I am from Andhra Pradesh, India. I am the most pampered kid at my home. But still, I always had a head for knowledge, and I excelled in studies throughout my childhood. For me, every task is a challenge, and I try to accomplish it.” This mindset paved the way for her transition from commerce to IT, a significant leap that many doubted she could achieve. Mounika recalls, “When I was applying for my Masters, I had only 15 years of education background because of my Commerce field. So everybody told me that I might not get admission or a visa, but I felt it like a challenge. I told myself that I should prove to everyone that it is possible, and I did it.”

Her journey to the United States was marked by perseverance and resilience. Despite the initial challenges of adapting to a new country and being away from her family, Moni thrived. “The most challenging time was staying away from family, but I overcame everything, learned everything on my own, and graduated with a Master’s Degree,” she shares.

Mounika’s family has been her source of inspiration throughout her journey. “My inspiration is definitely my family because they supported me at all times while everybody pushed them back and filled their brains with negative thoughts. I felt so happy when my visa was approved. It was like hard work pays off, but the journey in the US was more challenging, which made me learn to live individually and how to survive in this world and be an inspiration for others,” she explains.

Photo Courtesy: Mounika Nalluri

Transition to the Professional World

After completing her degree, Mounika began her career as a Software Engineer at a leading industrial supply company, followed by a stint at retail data science juggernaut, and soon she landed at Cigna. Here, she found herself at the intersection of healthcare and technology, a confluence that sparked her interest in furthering her knowledge and contributing to the field. Working at Cigna provided her with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the healthcare sector, particularly how technology could drive improvements in patient care and operational efficiency.

Transforming Healthcare Through Technology: The Work of Mounika Nalluri

In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare, Mounika Nalluri has emerged as a trailblazer, leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT) to drive significant advancements. Her research focuses on making healthcare more accessible, particularly in remote and underserved regions.

Key Contributions

• IoT-Based Prediction for Breast Cancer:  Mounika’s work on an effective IoT-based prediction approach using machine learning algorithms for breast cancer has been groundbreaking. Her research into wearable health devices has empowered patients to monitor their health continuously. These IoT devices provide real-time data to healthcare providers, enabling proactive management of chronic conditions and reducing emergency hospital visits.
• Hospital Management Optimization: By integrating IoT devices and AI algorithms, Mounika has optimized hospital management systems. Her innovations improve patient flow, asset management, and administrative tasks such as scheduling, billing, and medical documentation. These advancements reduce the administrative burden on healthcare professionals, allowing them to focus more on patient care.
• Predictive Health Analytics: Utilizing AI and ML to analyze lifestyle, environmental, and genetic data, Mounika has developed predictive health analytics. These tools identify potential health risks before they become critical, promoting preventive healthcare and enhancing patient outcomes.

Vision for the Future

Mounika’s vision is to pioneer research that creates a transformative healthcare ecosystem where technology empowers both patients and healthcare providers. She aims to make advanced healthcare accessible to all, breaking down geographic and socioeconomic barriers while fostering a culture of continuous innovation and ethical responsibility. Her work ensures that healthcare advancements never stop and always evolve.

Mounika Nalluri’s contributions to IT healthcare with AI, ML, and IoT have revolutionized patient care, enhanced healthcare accessibility, optimized operations, and promoted preventive healthcare. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, her pioneering work will remain at the forefront, shaping a future where technology and healthcare work hand in hand to improve lives worldwide.

Photo Courtesy: Mounika Nalluri

Mounika Nalluri’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the willingness to embrace new challenges. From a commerce student in India to a Software Engineer and Research Scholar in the United States, her journey highlights the transformative potential of education and the impact of emerging technologies on the healthcare sector. Through her research at the intersection of IT and healthcare, Mounika is contributing to a future where technology drives significant improvements in patient care and operational efficiency. Her work serves as an inspiration to technology professionals and those in the IT industry, showcasing the boundless opportunities that lie at the convergence of technology and healthcare.

As Mounika continues to innovate and inspire, she remains grounded in her love for cooking and spending time with family and friends, creating memories that will bring her joy for years to come.

Published by: Martin De Juan