Q&A with Nikita Tayal, MBA student

Nikita Tayal

This semester, Nikita Tayal, a Weatherhead School of Management MBA student with a concentration in design, analytics and fintech, has been working with xLab on two projects: Progressive Insurance and Walmart LER. She is also associated with the Fowler Center for Business as an Agent of World Benefit as an MBA graduate fellow.

Previously, Tayal worked with Cognizant and Virtusa in the banking and telecom domains, specializing in information technology (IT) consulting and databases. She completed her bachelor's degree in computer science and engineering (receiving honors) from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University in India. Get to know more about Tayal:

What projects have you been involved with for xLab this semester?

I was part of the project with Progressive Insurance. I worked on developing a data model to analyze stress levels among employees and based on the output, created a technical-solution architecture that will combine the data from wearable technology and help in the analysis of employee mental wellness.

I also am researching and designing strategies to create a decentralized blockchain tech stack solution for the Learner and Employer Record (LER) ecosystem, a project xLab is working on with the Walmart Foundation.


Why did you want to be involved with xLab?

I heard about xLab after joining the MBA program and the real-time projects that xLab offers. I liked that the course is focused on digital innovation and teaching experiential based learning. I have similar interests which help in developing skills working on a live project. 

What has been your favorite part of working with xLab?

xLab is providing me with an exposure to work on the latest tools and technologies that companies currently focus on. Each individual has so many ideas and how naturally we integrate those ideas to the projects. So far my journey has been amazing with learning and networking opportunities. 

What do you like most about being a student at CWRU?

CWRU has provided me with diverse experiences. I got to explore my strengths and interests in technical as well as managerial areas. 

What are some other activities/hobbies/interests you enjoy?

I love to travel, and my other hobbies include reading books and writing. I wish to travel across the world to experience and explore different cultures.