From the Desk of Dr. B. Suresh Kumar, CEO Disclose the Power of Empathy: Insights from our Interdisciplinary Internship Program

At iNexus, we believe that true innovation arises from the confluence of diverse perspectives and expertise. Our internship program, designed to foster interdisciplinary research, has yielded remarkable results, demonstrating the power of collaboration between students from different fields.

Bridging the Gap Between Engineering and Economics

To gain a deeper understanding of the unique perspectives and challenges faced by students from different disciplines, we conducted empathy mapping exercises. These exercises, where students documented their 'Says,' 'Thinks,' 'Feels,' and 'Does,' revealed some fascinating insights. For example, Mechanical Engineering students, as reflected in their empathy maps, expressed excitement about the potential of AI but also voiced concerns about data complexity and ensuring accurate predictions in real-world scenarios. On the other hand, Economics students, as evident in their emphasis on model bias and transparency, were more concerned with the ethical implications and societal impact of AI-powered economic models.

Empathy Map for the Economic Student Kashish Tuteja

Says:

• "Access to the model is just a click of a button - easy on everyone"
• "Will not need to learn the complex algorithms"
• "How accurately does the model forecast the impact of different policies?"
• "What if the model is biased?"
• "Will not need to learn complex algorithms"

Thinks:

• "Challenges in understanding the underlying model for decision-making"
• "Concerns about the accuracy and potential biases of AI-generated predictions"
• "The potential for AI to replace human analysts and decision-makers"

Feels:

• "Excited about the potential for AI to revolutionize economic analysis and decision-making"
• "Anxious about the potential consequences of using AI in economic policy"
• "Curious to learn more about how AI models work and how they can be used responsibly"

Does:

• "Seeks to understand how AI can be used to improve economic analysis and decision-making"
• "Wants to ensure that AI models are accurate, unbiased, and transparent"
• "Wants to develop the skills and knowledge to use AI effectively in their economic studies and career"

Empathy Map for the Mechanical Engineering Student Vetre AK Rahul S Kavin Nilavan

Says:

• "AI is promising, but will it handle real-world market complexities? How do we ensure accurate predictions?"
• "We need to balance technical accuracy with market dynamics and stakeholder trust. Will AI models truly capture market volatility and economic shifts?"

Thinks:

• "Data Complexity: Challenges in handling and interpreting vast financial datasets for accurate AI training."
• "Trust in AI Predictions: Difficulty in trusting AI-generated market trends, especially during volatile conditions."

Feels:

• "Curious and excited about innovation but skeptical and anxious about practical implementation and trustworthiness of predictions."

Does:

• "Collaborates across disciplines, tests AI models with real data, conducts research, and continuously refines the system for better market understanding."
• "Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Team members gain knowledge by merging finance, economics, and AI expertise."
• "Efficient Decision-Making: Faster analysis and actionable insights for financial stakeholders."
• "Enhanced Prediction Accuracy: Improved ability to forecast market trends using AI-driven insights."

Key Findings:

• Shared Curiosity: Both groups expressed a strong interest in exploring the potential of AI in their respective fields.
• Diverging Perspectives: Mechanical Engineering students, as reflected in their empathy maps, focused on the technical challenges and real-world applications of AI, particularly in areas like data analysis and model development. Economics students, on the other hand, were more concerned with policy implications, ethical considerations, and the potential impact of AI on society, as evident in their emphasis on model bias and transparency.
• Complementary Skills: We recognized the unique strengths of each group, with Mechanical Engineering students bringing expertise in data analysis and model development, and Economics students contributing knowledge of economic theory and policy, as highlighted in their empathy maps.

Building on These Insights

Based on these findings, we have implemented several initiatives to enhance the learning experience and foster more effective collaboration:

• Interdisciplinary Project Teams: We have formed project teams comprising students from both Mechanical Engineering and Economics, encouraging them to leverage each other's strengths and perspectives as outlined in their empathy maps.
• Cross-disciplinary Workshops: We have organized workshops and seminars to facilitate knowledge sharing and promote a deeper understanding of each other's disciplines, addressing the concerns and questions raised in the empathy maps.
• Mentorship Program: We have established a mentorship program where senior researchers and industry professionals provide guidance and support to student teams, helping them navigate the challenges and leverage the opportunities identified through the empathy mapping process.

Looking Ahead

We are confident that these initiatives will further enhance the impact of our internship program and empower students to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges. We are committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment where students can thrive and contribute to a brighter future.

Sincerely,

Dr. B. Suresh Kumar Avudaiappan Dharma , Ph.D

CEO, iNexus STEM Research Pvt Ltd, CDO, iNexus STEM Research Pvt Ltd,