Women in STEM: Rumman Chowdhury, Ph.D., Data Scientist

Rumman Chowdhury is a data scientist specializing in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In addition to her own cutting edge work, Rumman serves as an advisor for several technology (AI) startups and is a global speaker. She holds degrees from MIT, Columbia University and the University of California, San Diego. Here she shares a little about her career in technology and the inspiration behind it.

What is your specific area of STEM?
Data Science, Artificial Intelligence

How would you explain your STEM field to young girls?
I find the coolest technology to figure out the best way to improve people's lives.
 
What traits might a child possess that may indicate an interest or aptitude for your STEM field?
Creativity, curiosity, desire to learn, ability to work well in teams and alone, thinks ‘big picture’ about the results of a project.
 
What did you know about your STEM field when you were a child? 
I didn't know anything about it! In fact, it didn't exist when I was a kid. All I knew was that I liked doing research and figuring things out. I read a lot of books. A lot. In everything, not just science. I would wander the library and pick up books that looked interesting to me. I also had teachers who encouraged me to learn and explore.
 
Why did you choose your STEM field? Were you inspired by someone?
I came here on my own. I've always liked data and numbers and explaining human behavior using this data. I was in graduate school when the field I'm in - data science - became popular. It was scary, but I left my grad program early to become a data scientist AND finish my PhD at the same time.

What are some really cool things that people in your profession work on? 
Oh man, what don't we do? Data scientists use data to make things that customize to your life. We are the people who show you the next movie you'll like, or pick out the songs you might want to listen to. We help make self-driving cars and build the world of the future!

What inspirational message would you give young girls to inspire them to pursue STEM? 
Work your hardest, be your best, and support other girls around you.
 

Thank you for contributing, Rumman!

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