Mona Hassanzadeh, Ph.D. Head/Director, Data Science & AI, Meridian

I’m a passionate leader in data science and innovation with over a decade of experience applying AI to solve complex business challenges. As Director of Data Science & Innovation at Meridian, I lead high-impact teams in developing advanced analytics solutions that drive operational excellence and elevate member experiences.

I hold a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, with deep expertise in machine learning, natural language processing, and artificial intelligence. Before joining Meridian, I served as Director of Advanced Analytics at CIBC, where I led enterprise AI initiatives focused on risk mitigation and strategic optimization. My academic journey includes a postdoctoral fellowship in Advanced Modeling and Optimization, where I explored predictive modeling for environmental systems.

I’ve also had the privilege of teaching machine learning at the University of Waterloo, and I remain committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. My work is driven by a belief in the power of data to create meaningful, measurable impact—and I’m excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with AI.