Meet the D3 Staff: Abhi Thangavel

Headshot of Abhi Thangavel

Where did you grow up?

I spent most of my life in the southern part of India. Growing up, I was surrounded by rich cultural traditions, delicious food, and a strong sense of community. But for the past four years, Michigan has been home. It was a big change—especially with the seasons! I went from warm, tropical climates to the cold winters of the Midwest, but I’ve come to love Michigan’s charm in its own way. From the vibrant city of Detroit to the peaceful lakeside landscapes, it’s a place that’s really started to feel like home.

What is your degree in? Why did you choose that degree?

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Architecture and a master’s in Project Management. Throughout both programs, my thesis work had a strong focus on data—though at the time, I didn’t consciously choose that direction. In hindsight, I realize I’ve always had a passion for working with and analyzing data. After moving to the US, I decided to pursue a master’s program that would deepen my technical understanding of data. This led me to earn a master’s in Business Data Science and Analytics.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us.

One thing that might surprise you is that, before I started my YouTube channel, I never really considered myself a “tech-savvy” person. In fact, I wasn’t even sure how to edit videos or create content in the beginning! But over time, I learned through trial and error, and now I’m proud to say that I’ve built a community of nearly 86k subscribers! On my channel, I share content on lifestyle, traveling with kids, travel hacks, and more, all in my native language, Tamil. I took a small break from YouTube to recharge, but now I’m getting back to it again, and I’m excited to continue sharing tips and stories with my audience. It’s been a journey of learning and growth, and I’ve loved every moment of it!

What is your history with Detroit?

Before coming to the U.S., I had never even heard of the state of Michigan or the city of Detroit. But, as they say, life has a funny way of leading you to unexpected places. Now, Michigan is my home, and Detroit holds a special place in my heart. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the city’s resilience, its rich history, and the incredible community spirit here. From the iconic Motor City roots to the growing arts scene and cultural diversity, Detroit has really embraced me, and I’ve grown to love the city more every day. It’s been an eye-opening experience, and I’m grateful to call it home.

What did you do before working at D3?

During and after my master’s program, I worked as a data science intern at Roosevelt Innovations. There, I had the opportunity to contribute to a project throughout its entire lifecycle— from initial conception, to development, and ultimately delivering it to the end user.

What do you like about working at D3 so far? How do you think the work you are doing benefits the city/region?

What I love about working at D3 is the variety of diverse projects we’re involved in, each aimed at benefiting the community. It’s rewarding to see how our work is helping to improve infrastructure, foster innovation, and strengthen local engagement. The impact we’re making is tangible, and it’s exciting to contribute to shaping Detroit and the surrounding region’s future. Through these projects, we’re not just solving problems; we’re building a more connected and resilient community.

What are your favorite types of data?

No data is 100% clean, and that’s one of the things I find most interesting about working with it! I love diving into raw data, cleaning it up, and transforming it into something usable and meaningful. It’s like solving a puzzle—sometimes the data comes messy and disorganized, but once it’s cleaned and structured, it can tell a much clearer story.

Who or what inspired you to take the path to Detroit, data, or both?

Coming to Detroit wasn’t a planned action—it was more of a spontaneous opportunity that turned into something special. But getting into data was a very conscious decision. I’ve always been drawn to the power of data and how it can reveal insights that help drive meaningful change. Now, combining my passion for data with the vibrant, evolving landscape of Detroit feels like the perfect mix. It’s exciting to be in a city full of growth and opportunity, while using data to help shape its future. I’m genuinely thrilled about where this journey is taking me!

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