Shazia Afzal is a Research Scientist at IBM Research India since 2016. Her research interests are broadly in the areas of human-centred computing, interaction design, affective computing and education technology. Currently, she is exploring the role of humans in the data and AI lifecycle and how to formalize their collaboration in an integrated framework. Before joining IBM, she has worked in the areas of conversational tutoring and affective computing. She holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge and is a Gates Cambridge Scholar. She has publications and patents in related fields and has also received a Best Paper Award at ICALT (IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies). 

Can you tell us about your AI journey?

My PhD research was inter-disciplinary – studying the application of facial affect analysis in intelligent tutoring systems. Since then, I have been interested in understanding and improving user experiences with technology. After I completed my PhD I joined IBM Research as a Scientist in the Education group to work in the area of conversational tutoring. Currently, I’m exploring the role of humans in the data quality and assessment pipeline for machine learning. I think of solutions in a socio-technical context and strongly believe that technology is meaningful only when it brings value to us.

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

I think the challenges are common to most women – handling multiple responsibilities and being the primary caregivers for family means having to stretch yourself a bit more than others. There are phases that you go through and the key thing is to just stay strong and keep going. You may feel at times that you’re not able to step up and take on as many things as you wish but it is important for your physical and mental well-being to prioritize things and not push yourself into a burn-out. Thankfully there is a greater empathy in organizations now with respect to work-life balance. IBM is exceptional in its diversity outreach and efforts which makes it a wonderful place to work and maintain a work-life balance.

What made you interested in AI?

AI is a natural progression for computer science and applied technologies. Being in this field gives you a unique opportunity to study and appreciate the incredible abilities that human beings often take for granted like cognition, vision, speech etc. AI solutions are no longer limited to your computer but increasingly feature across a wide range of devices and sensors. This also impacts how knowledge is engineered and represented for AI consumption and usage. All these bring interesting scenarios at the intersection of human interaction and behaviour and require an empathetic perspective which I try to bring. 

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

I am an HCI or Human-Computer Interaction Researcher and I have always been interested in how technology impacts people and the way they live and work. As AI finds its way into our daily lives, a unique set of challenges appear at the human-technology intersection. It is important to study these and ensure that we design technology with human ease, transparency and fairness in mind. This also means exploring how to improvise and innovate in this emerging socio-technical space. 

What's the one thing that you see AI transforming completely? 

AI is an elusive term as AI problems tend to `disappear` when solved or incorporated into solutions. A lot of AI is already out there without our realizing it. Needless to say, AI is going to transform all sectors, but I would best like to see its value in education and healthcare.

Your biggest AI nightmare?

Creating technology that we do not understand, trust or control! This is why, thankfully, there is an increased focus on transparency, fairness and explainability of AI techniques. What truly scares me though is the use of autonomous AI in sensitive domains like defence and medicine because of the sheer impact that an incorrect decision could have. 

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

I believe that everyone’s journey is unique and remarkable in its own way, hence identifying your interests and working constantly to improve your skillset is critical to remain relevant and excel. There will always be challenges along the way as well as more responsibilities – having the confidence to effectively manage them is key to staying motivated and grounded. And it is OK to reach out, take help and advice from others – seeking and offering mentorship can be both inspiring and gratifying. 


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