Hi Shachi, can you please tell us about your AI journey

I work on Natural Language Understanding, a field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that builds computer algorithms to understand our day to day speech and language. Guided by Google’s AI principles, one of my primary focus is to ensure that our products are socially beneficial and inclusive. I graduated with a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Southern California. After working at a few U.S. startups, I joined Google over 12 years ago and returned to India to take on more research and leadership responsibilities. I also actively contribute toward improving diversity and inclusion at Google through mentoring colleagues from underrepresented groups.

What are the major challenges you faced as a woman in reaching where you are right now?

During the initial years of my career, I struggled to speak up and get over my imposter syndrome. I acted on the feedback from my senior colleagues and made very conscious efforts to get out of my shell.

Over the years, I have gone through difficult situations as someone from an underrepresented group. I was fortunate to have a great support network — women peers as well as allies — who helped me. I try to pay it forward by being a mentor for underrepresented groups both within and outside Google.

Balancing family responsibilities with my professional career has been an ongoing struggle. Fortunately, I have an extremely supportive family who encourages me to pursue my dreams. I also proactively seek help from my support network when I feel overwhelmed.

What made you interested in AI?

I took an Introduction to Artificial Intelligence course as an undergraduate, and it piqued my interest and curiosity. That led to research on Machine Translation at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and then an advanced degree at the University of Southern California. After that, I spent some time working at U.S. startups that were using Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning. 

What's your area of expertise in AI and why chose that one?

My job is to make sure computers can understand and interact with humans naturally, a field of computer science we call natural language processing (NLP). Our research has found that many Indian users tend to use a mix of English and their native language when interacting with our technology, so that’s why understanding natural language is so important—it’s key to localization, our efforts to provide our services in every language and culture—while making sure our technology is fun to use and natural-sounding along the way.

The biggest challenge is that India is a multilingual country, with 22 official languages. I have seen friends, family and even strangers struggle with the technology that doesn’t work for them in their language, even though it can work so well in other languages. 

So that’s part of my motivation to do my research, and that’s one of Google’s AI Principles, too—to make sure our technology is socially beneficial. 

What's the one thing that you see AI transforming completely? (Eg. cars becoming self-driving)

AI has the potential to transform all industries and free up humans from boring, repetitive jobs. This will enable the human race to focus on creative endeavours that will ultimately lead to an advanced civilization.

Your biggest AI nightmare?

AI holds tremendous promise. Does it have the potential to be misused? Yes, like all the other technological advancements that came before AI. That’s why it is imperative that we work towards ensuring that it is used for the common good.

What's your advice for other women who wants to pursue a similar journey?

First, be a lifelong learner: The industry is moving at a fast pace. It’s important to carve out time to keep yourself well-read about the latest research in your field as well as related fields.

Second, know your motivation: When a problem is super challenging and super hard, you need to have that focus and belief that what you’re doing is going to contribute positively to our society.

Third, make yourself heard: Find your inner voice, get over the self-doubt and muster self-confidence to speak up.