VENUE: School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh
DATE: Thursday 9 November 2023
TIME: 6-8pm

This collaborative event between The Data Lab Academy and Diverse AI, promises to be an engaging experience that shines a light on the unconventional pathways that diverse talent in the artificial intelligence field often find themselves on. This event brings together a panel of professionals who have charted their unique routes into the realm of AI and data. They'll share their stories, insights, and the importance of inclusivity. By highlighting the diverse narratives, we aim to inspire future AI enthusiasts, researchers, and professionals, as well as the new student cohort of The Data Lab Academy. Be a part of an event that's not just about celebrating diversity but also about acting on its essential role in the world of AI.

Our amazing panel includes:
CHAIR: Dawn McAra-Hunter - Diverse AI Communities Engagement Project Lead and Scottish AI Alliance Project Manager
Kameron Bowstead - Data Science Graduate for Heineken UK
Uzair Khan - Data Scientist for NEC Software Solutions
Catherine Ojo - Lead Data Scientist, Scottish Government
Dilraj Sokhi-Watson - Director, Equate Scotland and Scottish AI Alliance Leadership Group Member

Free to attend but registration required

SPEAKER BIOGS:

Catherine Ojo

Catherine Ojo is a Lead Data Scientist within the Scottish Government’s Directorate for Digital. Catherine obtained a Masters of Mathematics degree, before moving on to study for a MSc in Control Systems Engineering.  Catherine’s interest in machine learning stemmed from her experience in control systems engineering, leading to joining a Doctoral Training Programme at the University of Edinburgh and consequently gaining a PhD in Neuroinformatics. Catherine has worked in many different fields since then as a quant, information technology business analyst, data scientist, and data engineer, as well as stints working in Thailand, Mongolia and Texas to name a few.

Uzair Khan

Uzair Ahmed Khan is an accomplished Data Scientist skilled at using analytics and AI to create high-impact solutions for real-world problems. He currently works at NEC Software Solutions UK. Uzair holds a Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science from the University of Hull. His research on variable stars was published in the prestigious Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society as the lead author. He aims to raise awareness about representing all groups in AI and make the field more accessible. Uzair is committed to developing ethical AI that benefits humanity.

Kameron Bowstead

Kameron Bowstead is a Data Science Graduate at Heineken UK. He completed his MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Applications at the University of Strathclyde with the support of The Data Lab, gaining a distinction. Kameron is a first generation university student from Glasgow and credits his natural curiosity for leading him into AI.

Dilraj Sokhi-Watson

Dilraj is the Director of Equate Scotland, which is a national policy, research and development organisation focussing on women’s underrepresentation within the science, engineering, technology, and the built environment industries. As programme lead, she directs the work of Equate Scotland through financial, strategic, people and policy management. Dilraj has worked in senior programme management, policy development and executive positions across a diverse range of not-for-profit organisations. With grounding in business administration and carbon management, Dilraj brings cross sector experience in urban development with subject matter expertise on the themes of environment, poverty, and social capital (with a focus on gender mainstreaming). As a trained project manager her core competencies are strategic planning and execution, evidence driven programme management, change management and fundraising. Dilraj is currently a member of Scotland’s AI Alliance Leadership Group and Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan Implementation Steering Group, along with ongoing trustee responsibilities in local and international organisations. Dilraj’s work has been always guided by her personal values- rights based and intersectional.