For Alexander White, the path to becoming a leader in artificial intelligence wasn’t always clear-cut. His odyssey began with a deep love for numbers, patterns, and problem-solving—interests that led him to study physics and mathematics at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. But it wasn’t until he discovered the power of biostatistics and machine learning that he found his true calling.
“I’ve always been fascinated by predictive statistics, AI, and machine learning,” Alexander explains. “I wanted to gain the expertise to advance AI for health care and life sciences. That’s what led me to pursue a PhD in Biostatistics at the Indiana University Fairbanks School of Public Health.”
At Fairbanks, Alexander found an environment that challenged and nurtured his passion. The program not only provided rigorous training in statistical modeling but also allowed him to explore cutting-edge AI research. One of his key interests was advancing AI architectures—particularly in the realm of latent space learning, where techniques like representation learning and dimensionality reduction enable more efficient modeling of complex data structures.
While at IU, Alexander interned at CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, where he worked on internal data science projects and applied Large Language Models. That opportunity led to a full-time position after graduation. Today, as principal of data science, machine learning, & artificial intelligence at CliftonLarsonAllen, Alexander leads a team dedicated to building AI-driven software products and helping businesses harness the power of AI.
Alexander’s career path has been anything but linear. He started as an engineer at Epic Systems before moving into process engineering consulting at Eli Lilly. But it was his desire to push the boundaries of AI that drove him back to academia. His decision to pursue a PhD in Biostatistics at Fairbanks was a strategic one—giving him the statistical foundation and research expertise needed to make an impact in the evolving world of AI.
“The PhD program gave me the technical depth I needed to understand and apply AI in complex real-world settings,” Alexander shares. “Fairbanks provided the perfect balance of theory, hands-on research, and collaboration.”
Now, his work blends high-level strategy with deep technical expertise. On any given day, he’s in meetings with executives, understanding their business challenges and designing AI-powered solutions. He also mentors team members, helping them navigate the rapidly evolving field of machine learning. And when he has time, he dives into product vision, aligning new AI-driven features with market needs.
While Alexander has achieved great success, his journey wasn’t without challenges. One of the biggest lessons he’s learned since graduating is the deceptive nature of imposter syndrome.
“There were times when I felt inexperienced or doubted whether I had the right skills,” he admits. “But I realized that everyone faces challenges, and my perspective is just as valid. The key is to keep pushing forward and trusting your ability to contribute.”
His advice to aspiring data scientists and AI professionals? Pursue your passions relentlessly. Even if your ideal job doesn’t exist yet, find ways to carve out opportunities that align with your interests.
“Demonstrate the role you ultimately want, even before it formally exists,” he advises. “And don’t sweat the small setbacks—every experience, successful or not, contributes to your growth.”
Alexander has big ambitions for the future. His goal is to transform CliftonLarsonAllen’s data science and AI services into the world’s leading product and consulting team, helping businesses harness AI at every level. He envisions a future where AI is seamlessly integrated into decision-making, making organizations smarter and more efficient.
Reflecting on his time at Fairbanks, Alexander’s favorite memory is a simple one: the quiet joy of solving a single problem.
“I loved the freedom of immersing myself so completely in a challenge that nothing else mattered,” he says.
That same dedication continues to drive him today, as he builds AI solutions that will shape the future of data science.
For those considering a PhD in Biostatistics, Alexander’s path is proof that the Fairbanks School of Public Health is the ideal place to turn passion into impact. With world-class faculty, cutting-edge research, and a supportive environment, it’s a launching pad for those ready to lead the future of AI and data science.
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