AI for Good Foundation Fellowship Program
Each Summer AI for Good Foundation invites Undergraduate, Graduate and Post-Doctoral applicants for our competitive Summer Fellowship Program.
This week, we hear from fellow Dr. Randon Taylor:
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF, AND WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO STUDYING/WORKING IN SDGs
I was mostly raised in Oklahoma on and off a military base. I enjoy great food, laughter, traveling, swimming, gym time, jazz, coffee, cigars, and spending time with my son, among many other things. In this life, I genuinely believe in showing up fully and giving any activity I find myself in 100% effort–anything less would be wasting my time and others’ time. Additionally, I live by the proverb “let fear be your engine, not your brake.” When I encounter that familiar feeling of apprehension before pursuing a big goal, this proverb helps me push past self-limiting comfort zones.
I recently completed my PhD in the Sociology of health and well-being at the University of Miami. I, like many other people who pursue a degree in sociology, wish to change the world for the better. I focused on mental and physical health because I believe that any economic gains people may make will be ultimately limited by their health, broadly speaking.
I was attracted to working with AI for Good because the relationship between health and tech is growing exponentially, especially considering the expanding usage of AI and ML. Consequently, I reached out to inquire if there were any opportunities to contribute. Luckily, and as the stars must’ve been aligned, there were opportunities. Contributing to AI for Good has been an extraordinary experience so far and I hope my partnership with the organization will grow.
HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?
Trusting myself, listening more than I speak, sacrifice, always being willing to learn, being of service to others, expressing gratitude, having grit, and lots of coffee.
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I am inspired by people who win against all odds, people who go against the grain, those who swim upstream. I am also inspired by people who believe in the power of the heart and the power to intuit, rather than, ostensibly, totally relying on logic.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS TIME?
In 5 years, I’ll have a bunch of research articles under my belt and a book or two out. I see myself teaching part time, while spending most of my time in entrepreneurial activities in the US and on the continent of Africa. I see myself consulting in the realm of AI ethics and auditing algorithms for harmful bias. I’m also going to make sure I get back into producing hip hop music and move into producing South African house music–I plan on getting a few production placements. I can see myself finally being fluent in French.
Our fellows have a critical impact in the work we do at AI for Good Foundation. You can learn more about AI 4 Good’s Policy Fellowship and AI Fellowship here.
