Computer science student supports research to drive innovation in retail with AI

At Sheridan, research and innovation go beyond textbooks and classrooms — they come to life through hands-on experiences that empower students to put their knowledge into action.

Through collaborative projects with faculty, industry partners, and Generator at Sheridan’s dedicated Research Centres, students like Tejas Kumar, a third-year student in the Honours Bachelor of Computer Science program, are gaining invaluable exposure to real-world challenges and impact.

Working with the Centre for Applied AI (CAAI) alongside Faculty of Applied Science and Technology applied computing program professor Nick Sajadi, Kumar applied his technical skills to a research project supporting industry partner Encore Market Engagement, an Ontario-based company that specializes in providing services in sales and merchandising strategy.

The project looked to optimize retail and sales in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry by helping retailers and manufacturers of consumer goods convert their data into valuable and actionable insights at scale. As a student researcher, Kumar supported the development of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) innovations, including algorithms and data science methodologies, to reveal persistent patterns in retail sales data that would have been impossible to detect through manual analysis, followed by generating AI predictions to optimize retail strategies.

Over the span of a year and a half, Kumar not only cultivated a robust technical foundation in data analytics and machine learning, but also sharpened his communication and organizational skills. This research experience has also reshaped his career trajectory.

“Research projects are more than academic exercises — they're a chance to develop critical, transferrable skills while contributing to meaningful innovations.”

– Computer Science student Tejas Kumar

“Initially, I was focused on software development. After working on this project, I’ve discovered a true passion for data science,” said Kumar. “Research projects are more than academic exercises – they're a chance to develop critical, transferable skills while contributing to meaningful innovations. You get to apply classroom theory in a practical context and prepare yourself for the demands of the industry.”

When asked what advice he’d give to fellow Sheridan students considering research, Tejas is enthusiastic.

“Explore the Sheridan Works module on Sheridan Central. It’s full of opportunities to connect with the research ecosystem. And don’t hesitate to speak with professors – you never know where those conversations might lead.”

Interested in learning more about how to get involved as a student in research, innovation and entrepreneurship at Sheridan? Visit sheridancollege.ca/generator.

Learn more about Sheridan’s Honours Bachelor of Computer Science.