MSA Alumni Spotlight
Gabriella Runnels (’17)
Principal Data Scientist, American Eagle Outfitters
Remote
About Gabriella
I’m a Principal Data Scientist at American Eagle Outfitters, where I lead a team of data scientists focused on applying machine learning and optimization to supply chain decision-making. I’ve spent about eight years working on supply chain analytics, including inventory optimization, network design, and predicting lost sales in the fashion retail space.
I’m an alum of the MS in Analytics program at Georgia Tech, and earlier in my career I worked in consulting, which really shaped how I think about defining scope and delivering work that has impact. I currently live in East Tennessee and work remotely, traveling to headquarters a few times a year. Outside of work, I enjoy reading and writing—I recently finished a full-length play—and cooking Cajun food, which I grew up with.
How do you use analytics or data science in your day-to-day work?
My team primarily builds applications powered by machine learning and optimization to support supply chain decisions. That usually means developing models, allowing for human intervention or overrides by business users, and then producing outputs that either feed directly into operational systems or generate actionable insights. The specific technology varies by use case, but the goal is always to translate models into tools the business can use.
What do you enjoy most about your job, especially when it comes to working with data?
What I enjoy most is working with data that represents a very tangible system. We’re modeling supply chains for fashion, so the data reflects how garments are made, shipped, stored, and eventually delivered to customers. I also really enjoy working on problems connected to a product I care about—it’s motivating to build models around something that’s part of my everyday life.
What's one favorite memory you have from the MSA program-academic, social, or professional?
My favorite memories are honestly the time spent with my classmates—studying together, working through assignments, and spending time together outside of class. I made really close friends in the program, and I’m still connected with many of them today. Those relationships have been the most lasting part of the experience for me.
What MSA skill, class, or project helped you get your job or grow in your career?
What stood out most for me was the programming foundation. The balance the MSA program strikes between technical skills—like R, Python, and SQL—and communication and professionalism is really valuable. For me, improving my programming skills made the biggest difference in my ability to build and deploy models and grow into more advanced and leadership roles.
What advice would you give to a MSA student looking to break into your industry?
I would strongly recommend taking advantage of the network and the strength of the industrial engineering and supply chain ecosystem connected to Georgia Tech. I didn’t start out with a specific industry in mind—I just wanted to go into data science—but the instruction and industry connections were so strong that supply chain became a natural path for me. Staying open to where your skills can take you can lead to great opportunities.