Smital Dhake, a 26-year-old British Bharat data scientist from Maharashtra, recently won the UK’s RailStaff Awards 2023 in the Newcomer of the Year category. She works at Alstom, a major mobility company, and is based at their Hatfield office in eastern England.
Smital was born in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, and later moved to England. She attended Watford Grammar School and then pursued her university education at King’s College London.
Inspired by her grandparents, Smital has a strong work ethic. Her ambition is to continue developing and applying her skills to contribute to the field of engineering technologies.
Colleagues at Alstom commend Smital’s fast learning ability, her commitment to tackling complex tasks, and her meticulous problem-solving approach. Mifaz Miftha, Design Group Manager at Alstom, praises her as an asset to both Alstom and the broader railway industry.
Smital is not only excelling in her role but is also making a positive impact beyond her job. She is described as an “enormous inspiration” to young women interested in STEM careers. She dedicates her own time to visit schools, promoting careers in engineering and sustainability.
The RailStaff Awards, initiated in 2007, aim to recognize the efforts of individuals in the rail industry. They appreciate everyone involved, from drivers to cleaners, engineers, and station staff.
Smital joined Alstom’s Digital and Integrated Systems (D&IS) UK signalling business. She is working on the innovative Modular Advanced Route Setting (M-ARS) system at the Hertfordshire base.
The M-ARS system, the first of its kind in the UK railway, utilizes machine learning techniques, specifically reinforcement learning. It uses real-time data to predict future events, facilitating quicker decision-making to resolve conflicting train movements and enhancing overall railway efficiency.
Alstom’s M-ARS system, with Smital playing a crucial role, is currently undergoing Network Rail product approval. Once approved, it will be implemented in various high-profile rail projects, contributing to the advancement of railway technology in the UK.
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