Telling our stories – Payel Patra
Each year, we have the privilege of meeting inspiring women through ACM-W events. We invite participants to share their experiences in blog posts, highlighting their journeys, challenges, and achievements.
This month, we feature Payel Patra, currently pursuing her doctorate in Information Engineering at the University of L’Aquila.
In this blog post, she shares her experience at womENcourage™ 2023, her Ph.D. research focus and key takeaways from the event.
Introduction
I’m Payel Patra, currently pursuing my doctorate in Information Engineering at the University of L’Aquila. As an aspiring data scientist with master’s degrees in both Software Engineering and Data Science, I am deeply passionate about machine learning and deep learning applications. My goal is to build a successful career in this field, particularly exploring the medical domain using deep learning techniques. My commitment and enthusiasm have driven me to complete my degrees, and I aspire to make meaningful contributions to this field. I am working diligently to develop a robust application that benefits society and contributes to the advancement of research.
Ethical Considerations in AI
Building a bright future requires not only technical skills but also strong ethical principles. Human-machine interactions should be conducted ethically, with a clear vision for the future. As I study, I am often amazed by the results of AI applications. Each day, my research and development work fascinates me, and I find great joy in exploring this field. Even when faced with disappointing results, I remain motivated to conduct in-depth research, which further strengthens my expertise.
Women in AI and Technology
Despite advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, and forecasting, women still face barriers in these fields. Men continue to dominate high-ranking positions in the tech industry. In my opinion, women should have more opportunities to demonstrate their skills and advance into leadership roles. It is essential for women in senior positions to support and inspire female students by sharing their experiences.
Women are often hired for non-IT roles, which discourages their progression in the field. However, female students have consistently demonstrated strong technical knowledge and dedication. I believe that in the future, women will rise to leadership positions across organizations. Despite facing numerous hardships and health challenges, I persevered and pursued my passion. This determination has allowed me to engage in my field, share my research, and connect with inspiring professionals.
Ph.D. Research Focus
As part of my Ph.D. work, I am actively involved in both machine learning and service-oriented software engineering. Using RESTful web services, I apply machine learning techniques to reconstruct data in a FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) manner.
I also believe that students who do not engage in practical learning may experience imposter syndrome, a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their abilities despite evident success. Those affected often feel like “frauds” and struggle with self-confidence. By encouraging hands-on research projects, students can see the tangible impact of their work, boosting their motivation and paving the way for a promising future. Society’s expectations should not hinder one’s aspirations. My family always supported my academic journey, despite societal pressures urging me to give up my studies. I firmly believe that a woman’s ability to pursue a career largely depends on her family’s encouragement.
womENcourage Conference Experience
To expand my professional network, I applied to present a poster at the womENcourage conference. I was thrilled to be selected and honored to receive a scholarship, which significantly boosted my confidence. This opportunity allowed me to connect with numerous professionals who inspired me with their stories.
Attending the 10th ACM Celebration of Women in Computing womENcourage in 2023 was a groundbreaking experience. I participated in a hackathon, where I collaborated with my team, and we achieved third place. The event also featured insightful seminars and workshops, including:
- Technical Workshop: “Artificial Intelligence (AI) Workshop,” where I learned new concepts and methodologies.
- Non-Technical Workshops: “Interactive Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction” and “Introduction to Geospatial AI,” where I engaged in knowledge-sharing through Q&A sessions.
The conference introduced me to cutting-edge technologies and the competitive landscape of the IT industry. It also reinforced my passion for my field and provided a roadmap for achieving my goals step by step.
Takeaways and Future Aspirations
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the conference was the networking dinner, where I interacted with peers from diverse backgrounds. We exchanged stories about our hometowns, cultures, research areas, interests, and hobbies. By the end of the event, I felt deeply inspired and empowered.
I strongly encourage students to attend the upcoming womENcourage conference—it is an unforgettable experience filled with learning, collaboration, and personal growth. I, too, plan to participate again and look forward to seeing you there. Wishing you all a successful future!