**Ria Cheruvu: A Young Visionary Influencing the Future of Ethical AI**
Ria Cheruvu has consistently surpassed expectations and shattered ceilings from a notably tender age. At only 11, she completed her high school education in Arizona, earning the distinction of prodigy. By her teenage years, she had already etched her name as one of the youngest graduates in Harvard’s storied history. Her educational path, encompassing various fields, continues to motivate and amaze.
After venturing into neurobiology and obtaining her initial degree in computer science, Cheruvu became a member of Intel’s ethics team at the youthful age of 14. This occurred long before artificial intelligence (AI) emerged as a ubiquitous buzzword and global phenomenon. Over time, she has risen as a prominent advocate for responsible AI development, building an impressive portfolio that includes several AI patents, a Master’s degree in data science from Harvard, a neuroscience internship at Yale, and teaching contributions for courses on AI ethics. Currently advancing her PhD, Cheruvu stays at the cutting edge of AI innovation.
Now at 20, Cheruvu occupies a role as one of Intel’s AI architects and “evangelists,” placing her at the heart of vital conversations regarding the future of AI. Her focus is on fostering the development of AI that is human-centered, emphasizing real-world effects and ethical considerations over mere commercial pursuits. In an industry often swayed by corporate motives and tech “disruptors,” Cheruvu’s insights are both refreshing and necessary. As a member of the generation set to inherit AI’s future, she is distinctly equipped to steer its course.
Cheruvu recently engaged in a conversation with *Mashable* about her professional journey, her commitment to ethical AI, and the need to empower younger generations to engage in the field.
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### **Why AI? Why Intel?**
When inquired about her choice to specialize in AI and affiliate with Intel, Cheruvu recounted her journey commencing after she completed her Bachelor’s degree in computer science. Standing at a crossroads between pursuing neuroscience or further immersing herself in computer and data science, she found herself captivated by AI. Her parents, both engaged in software engineering, influenced her interests, and her father’s role at Intel exposed her to the company at an early age.
“I applied and interviewed with three distinct teams at Intel,” she recounted. “One was concentrated on pure mathematics and AI, another was inclined toward neuroscience, and the third centered on deep learning and hardware. I opted for the third team, and that choice initiated a six-year voyage at Intel.”
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### **Maintaining Focus in a Rapidly Evolving Sector**
In spite of the swift changes in the AI sector, Cheruvu has remained dedicated to her role at Intel. She credits her endurance to the varied positions she has occupied within the company, from technical research to business strategy and public speaking.
“My network and the community I’ve fostered at Intel have provided continual encouragement,” she stated. “That support keeps me inspired to remain within the AI domain and persist in my contributions.”
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### **A Commitment to Ethical AI**
Cheruvu’s involvement in ethical AI has become a pivotal facet of her career. Over recent years, she has tackled both the technical and social dilemmas posed by AI, addressing concerns such as privacy, consent, bias, and algorithmic discrimination.
“There’s an immense amount of work to accomplish,” she remarked. “From crafting technical instruments and quality assurance measures to confronting societal challenges like bias and privacy, the endeavor is both demanding and fulfilling. It revolves around identifying tangible solutions and reassessing what genuinely holds significance.”
Her dedication to ethical AI also springs from personal roots. With a mother who possesses a PhD in metaphysics and philosophy, Cheruvu frequently engages in deep conversations surrounding the ramifications of AI for humanity. “We discuss topics like consciousness, the boundaries of AI in replicating human qualities, and how we can establish frameworks that prioritize mutual assistance,” she shared.
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### **Visualizing “AI for Good”**
Cheruvu underscores the necessity of “human-centered” AI, a concept that has gained momentum in recent years. For her, it’s about ensuring that technology uplifts users rather than taking advantage of them.
“Users should possess the authority to manage the data they produce,” she clarified. “Developers require instruments to examine for bias and confirm that consent is secured prior to utilizing data. Not every AI application is appropriate, and at times, less development proves to be more beneficial. It’s about instilling trust and empowering both creators and users.”
She finds motivation in influential researchers like Fei-Fei Li and Yejin Choi, whose work provides a standard for understanding the impending future of AI. “Their research aids in shedding light on what’s forthcoming in the industry,” she noted.
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### **Balancing the Role of an AI Evangelist**
As an AI evangelist, Cheruvu skillfully merges her enthusiasm for public speaking with her technical know-how. She recognizes the difficulties of cutting through the excitement surrounding AI to convey its practical implications.
“The discussion is extensive;”