Mercedeh Rezaei Is 'THE VOICE' Of Women's History Month, Today.

Featuring today's edition of 'THE VOICE' of Women's History Month series, is Mercedeh Rezaei, from Queen Mary, University of London.

Mercedeh was interviewed by Forbes contributor, Rajinder Tumber, in 2019, to share her experience of studying a university course, related to the Artificial Intelligence (AI) industry. The aim is to encourage more women to join the industry.

Mercedeh is currently in her 1st year, PhD Computer Science in Machine Learning and AI, at Queen Mary, University of London.

Rajinder Tumber: Why are you interested in the AI/Cyber Security field?

Mercedeh Rezaei: I am interested in science and technology in general. It excites me to see raw ideas turn into reality and making a difference in other people’s lives. I am especially interested in Artificial intelligence and cyber security because I have seen the real-life examples and it’s just so fascinating; in terms of machine learning and AI, new technology examples such as driverless cars, cancer classification and detection and so much more. I believe that most women are not aware of the applications and opportunities that is being brought with this knowledge. Cyber security is also booming at the moment, cyber crime has increased over the years and everyone is trying their hardest to come up with the best security procedures and make a difference. I genuinely believe science is about making a difference, no matter how small it is.

Tumber: What do you feel you can add to the industry?

Rezaei: As I mentioned before even a small difference in the right area matters, and when you stay in this field long enough with enough research, your own creativity comes up and you could be in for a surprise. There are so many problems in this industry and there is a high need for it at the moment.

Tumber: Approximately, what is the ratio of men and women on your AI/Cyber Security course? What do you feel you could contribute to a male-oriented team/domain?

Rezaei: Ever since I have entered the university; the ratio difference has been significant. Most of the times the ratio has been 80% men and %20 women. Even now in our small group of researches, the mentioned ratio has stayed the same. Even though this could mean that the team is male-oriented, in real life, I haven’t really been pressured by it and I have always had my own opinion and ideas, and everyone appreciated it, but I am sure not everyone has had this good experience and everyone’s situations is different.

Tumber: Being the minority on your university course, what (if any) challenges have you encountered?

Rezaei: The only real challenges are that you don’t see so many women in our sector and sometimes that makes you wonder whether you are doing something wrong! Or whether you should be working in a different sector where the majority of women are focused on. It can sometimes get awkward if you are the only girl in the group and you always have to collaborate with boys for university projects and coursework. The major challenge for me has been the overlooking of my talents and just seeing me as an ordinary girl in an ordinary course.

Tumber: Have you experienced any difficulty with making yourself heard during your studies, e.g. group coursework?

Rezaei: Not particularly, but there have been times when people have underestimated my abilities mainly because they thought a girl can’t do this and she can’t be better at programming for example than a boy. I have proved it otherwise!

Tumber: Within your university course, do you feel women are being treated differently because they are female?

Rezaei: No, fortunately within our university, there is no sign of discrimination by any means and everyone is treated equally and respectfully.

Tumber: Do you think more female students should be encouraged to join an AI/Cyber Security university course? If so, why?

Rezaei:  I am a strong believer of the fact that woman should be more involved in science in general. When it comes to sciences such as Electronics, computer science, cyber security and artificial intelligence and other similar sciences; the percentage of female students drops significantly. I believe this goes back to the fact that female students have come to believe that these sciences are mostly a man’s job and girls don’t have the necessary brains to get into these sectors or maybe it’s better to say that us females think that these sciences are hard and boring, and they are better left to the experts.

Although it is impossible to push people if they don’t want to do something, in my view, it is quite important to keep the balance and have at least equal number of female and male students/professionals in these sectors. At the moment, this lack shows itself greatly especially for other female students like me.

Tumber: How do you think more female students can be encouraged to join?

Rezaei: Looking at role models and other people who have joined in this industry and are doing well could be a fantastic motivation. Humans tend to feel safe and secure about a particular action when they see another human being has successfully done it and he/she is enjoying it. This is a type of proof that contradicts their beliefs and makes them want to change their mindset. Other ways of encouraging are having workshops about different topics (AI and Cyber security included) at early stages for example in their A levels or GCSEs for female students. That is the time when most people are trying to find the next step in their lives and the direction in which they want to go.

Tumber: Do you have any advice to share for female students who are thinking about studying AI/Cyber Security at university?

Rezaei: My advice would be never giving up and never underestimating yourself solely because you are a girl. For a long time, especially in certain cultures people have believed some areas to be exclusive to men. For example, in my country of birth, whenever I paid a visit, people used to get shocked that a girl is studying such a hard subject (in their opinion) and they started to have doubts that whether I can make it or not. I believe it is about time to start changing these old beliefs and just see everyone for what they are not and not what the society or culture wants them to be.