AI4ALL and creAIte

Princeton AI4ALL was an incredible experience! During this past summer, I had a blast learning about a range of AI-related topics from engaging speakers and nurturing mentors. It was particularly fascinating to hear about the multitude of machine-learning algorithms and how to implement them. My group also applied what we learned by working on AI algorithms in genomics. For the project, we trained models to categorize people’s ethnicities based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP’s) of their genetic data and compared the results from different learning algorithms. We found that StackingClassifier and Multinomial Naïve Bayes algorithms worked best (above 80% accuracy) for the general population compared to Logistic Regression that worked very well (99%) only for the super-population, which is a subset selected from the world largest groups. I also came to better understand the importance of increasing diversity among AI developers in order to minimize bias. Our field trip to Washington DC was a particularly memorable highlight. In addition to touring the sites at our national capitol, we also had the opportunity to hear from AI policymakers at the National League of Cities and Federal Trade Commission. Just as importantly, I bonded with a group of friends through shared interests in humor and intellectual pursuits.

Even after the summer camp concluded, an extensive network called Changemakers in AI offers frequent workshops and shares opportunities to ensure that AI4ALL alumni receive continued support and encouragement in our pursuits. Before attending AI4ALL, I was always known as the “artist”. I loved working with both traditional and digital art but also had an interest in programming. I thought I would have to choose one field or the other. Thanks to Dr. Olga Russakovsky at AI4ALL, I was introduced to and now work with creAIte, a national non-profit organization founded by AI4ALL alumni, that hosts Artificial Intelligence + Art workshops for middle and high school students. AI4ALL allowed me to realize that I could combine my two passions. I’m super excited to experiment more with the intersection of art and AI.

If you are a high school student and this sounds intriguing to you, please be sure to visit the AI4ALL website to learn more. Their summer programs are held at 11 different universities across the US. Generous scholarships are available for girls and those in underrepresented groups to encourage diversity in the field of AI and computer science. I serve as the AI4ALL Outreach Ambassador and am the Chapter Lead for creAIte, so feel free to contact me if you’d like more details about either of these worthy organizations.

Please take a look at the AI4ALL 2020 flyer here.