Léonel Vodounou
Mathematical Engineer · Aspiring AI Researcher · Cotonou, Benin
Statistics, stochastic modeling and machine learning, from the math on paper to models that run. Currently rebuilding an LLM from scratch and writing about it.
Hello, I'm Léonel! I am a Mathematical Engineer and an aspiring AI researcher, driven by the mission of bridging the gap between rigorous mathematical research and practical AI deployment.
With a background in stochastic modeling and statistics, I specialize in transforming complex theoretical ideas into robust AI prototypes. I am particularly passionate about Machine Learning, Large Language Models (LLMs), and Computer Vision, where I focus on improving both the performance and the theoretical foundations of modern models.
My goal is to take mathematical insights and turn them into experimental solutions that solve real-world problems. I thrive at the intersection of abstract analysis and high-performance engineering, always looking for new ways to make AI more robust and understandable.
Writing & Reading Notes
Series · 4/7 chapters
Build a Large Language Model (from Scratch)
Chapter-by-chapter reading notes on Sebastian Raschka's book. A complete path to understanding and building an LLM from the ground up.
Series · 5/5 chapters
Logic Tensor Networks
A step-by-step series on Logic Tensor Networks, a neuro-symbolic framework where first-order logic becomes a differentiable loss: from grounding symbols as tensors to learning by satisfying a knowledge base.
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Why LLMs Struggle to Reason: The Limits of Autoregression
What energy-based models (EBMs), JEPA and World Models propose to get around the structural limits of LLMs.
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Descriptive Statistics
Before diving into machine learning algorithms, we need a solid grounding in descriptive statistics, the tools that let us summarize and understand data at a glance.
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From Math to Models
On studying machine learning in depth, from formal foundations to systems that truly work.
Experience
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Sep 2025 - Dec 2025
Data Scientist Intern (End-of-Studies Internship)
LKA Services (Bénin)
Designed and developed data processing and analysis solutions. Automated classification processes and contributed to improving data management systems to optimize decision-making.
Data AnalysisPythonAutomationMachine Learning -
Aug 2024 - Oct 2024
Data Scientist Intern
LESCAL (Laboratory for Statistical Studies and Application & Software Design)
Contributed to statistical studies and software application design. Analyzed datasets to extract actionable insights and supported the development of data-driven applications.
StatisticsData ConceptionSoftware Design
Recent Projects
Logic Tensor Networks
2026A presentation and hands-on case study of Logic Tensor Networks, a neuro-symbolic framework that combines deep learning with first-order logic. Covers how symbols, connectives and quantifiers become differentiable operations, and a semi-supervised MNIST experiment where the network learns to recognize single digits only from the sum of two digits, compared with a purely supervised baseline.
Gomory - Cutting Plane Method
2025A pure Python implementation of the Gomory cutting plane method for solving Integer Linear Programming (ILP) problems. Designed for educational purposes, it features exact fractional arithmetic and step-by-step simplex tableaux generation.
Black-Scholes Simulation
2025Analytical resolution of the Black-Scholes equation by transforming it into the heat equation. Includes the derivation of the pricing formula and the calculation of the Delta Greek for a European Call option.
Education
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2022 - 2025
Engineering Degree in Mathematical Engineering and Modeling
National Higher School of Mathematical Engineering and Modeling (ENSGMM, UNSTIM, Bénin)
Specialized in random modeling, statistics, and machine learning.
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2020 - 2022
Preparatory Classes for Engineering Studies (MPSI/PCSI)
National Higher Institute of Preparatory Classes (INSPEI/ UNSTIM, Bénin)
Intensive training in Mathematics, Physics, and Engineering Sciences.
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2020
Scientific Baccalaureate (Mathematics and Physical Sciences)
Notre Dame de Toutes Grâces College, Cotonou, Benin
High School Diploma with emphasis on Mathematics and Physics.
Certifications
Data Scientist
2024Africa Tech Up Tour / OpenClassrooms
Specialization acquired through the Africa Tech Up Tour program, including Deep Learning, Time Series Analysis, SQL, NLP, and ML Model Deployment.
ML Engineer
2026iSheero x DataCamp
12-month program combining online training, applied projects, and a final hackathon, covering Machine Learning Engineering with DataCamp.
Community & events
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Sep 2026
Deep Learning IndabaX Bénin 2026
IndabaX Benin Republic · In-person participant
Took part in person in the three days of the Benin edition of the Deep Learning Indaba, the gathering of the African machine learning community (September 10 to 12, 2026).
Certificate of participation ↗ -
Aug 2026
Deep Learning Indaba 2026
Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos (Nigeria) · In-person participant
Took part in the annual Deep Learning Indaba (August 1 to 6, 2026), the flagship pan-African machine learning gathering, whose 2026 theme was sovereign intelligence: Africa building and understanding its own AI systems, data and research.
Certificate of attendance ↗ -
2026
Cohere Labs community member
Cohere Labs · Open Science Initiative
Member of Cohere Labs' open science community. I regularly attend the courses and sessions the community organizes on the research topics I work on.
Member badge ↗
Volunteering
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July 2026
Volunteer trainer: AI for artisans and entrepreneurs
iSHEERO, Sèmè City Open Park (Benin)
Co-led a hands-on introduction to generative AI tools (ChatGPT, Gemini) for about twenty artisans and local entrepreneurs: tailors, electricians, hairdressers, farmers. Use cases were built from the participants' own day-to-day challenges (customer relations, promotional content, work organization), followed by two hours of group practice and a final presentation of the solutions each group designed.
About the event ↗