Dr. Shahrzad Gholami
Dr. Shahrzad Gholami is a Senior Applied Research Scientist at Microsoft’s AI for Good Research Lab. Before Microsoft, she completed a Ph.D. in Computer Science at USC. Immersed in this academic environment, Gholami’s trajectory was influenced by her involvement with CAIS, where she was involved in groundbreaking research at the intersection of AI, the environment, and other societal challenges. Her research culminated in the creation of PAWS (Protection Assistant for Wildlife Security), an AI system designed to help rangers track poachers and aided in increasing the number of snares found by five times [1].
Now, as a professional at Microsoft, Gholami continues to develop innovative solutions, developing AI solutions within health, humanitarian actions, and environmental science. More specifically, she has developed forecasting models to predict wildfires, neural networks to predict household food insecurity, and is working on a self-supervised learning model to aid in the treatment of macular telangiectasia patients. Join us as we explore her journey from academia to industry and the profound impact of CAIS on her remarkable career.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am Shahrzad Gholami, currently a Senior Applied Research Scientist at Microsoft’s AI for Good Research Lab. Prior to joining Microsoft, I earned my Ph.D. from the Computer Science Department at the University of Southern California. During my doctoral studies, I was a member of the Teamcore Research Group under the supervision of Prof. Milind Tambe [founding USC CAIS co-director], who is currently a professor at Harvard University. Throughout both my academic journey and my tenure at Microsoft, I have remained deeply passionate about harnessing the capabilities of machine learning and artificial intelligence to address global societal and environmental challenges. My research endeavors encompass a broad range of applications, including advancements in healthcare, environmental sustainability, and humanitarian efforts.
What factors influenced your decision to pursue your Ph.D. at USC?
I received several Ph.D. offers, including ones from UCSD and Boston University. However, upon receiving a fellowship admission from USC and engaging in conversations with USC students and graduates, I realized the exceptional strength of USC’s research program. Situated in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, USC provided abundant opportunities to pursue an advanced degree, participate in research under the mentorship of renowned professors, and build a robust network. The decision to join USC was further reinforced by the rich academic environment and the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals. Upon enrollment, I was introduced to Prof. Tambe’s research lab, where I was captivated by the diverse array of real-world applications and the depth of collaborations. The unique balance between theory and application within his team’s research agenda was particularly exciting to me. Spending five years surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes and beautiful sunny weather of Southern California added a fulfilling dimension to my doctoral experience.
What were some of your highlights at USC?
I think working with many great computer scientists as well as scientists from other domains like environmental science helped me develop skills to do multidisciplinary research and take my AI expertise to various other domains to solve world problems harnessing the power of AI. My line of research at the intersection of AI and environmental science yielded promising results, culminating in the creation of PAWS (Protection Assistant for Wildlife Security)–an end-to-end AI solution that employs artificial intelligence techniques to forecast poachers’ behavior in conservation areas at scale. This endeavor garnered significant attention from reputable media outlets such as Forbes and BBC. Additionally, mentorship from other professors, like Prof. Bistra Dilkina, was invaluable in guiding my research endeavors. The environment within the diverse team at USC facilitated meaningful friendships and collaborations, making my time there truly unforgettable. Through extensive travel for conferences, I had the privilege of networking with outstanding researchers worldwide, further enriching my experience and broadening my perspective.
Tell us about why you decided to get involved in CAIS.
My decision to become involved in the CAIS center was fueled by my long-standing passion for advancing cutting-edge AI techniques and applying them to address pressing social issues. Although the center had not yet been officially established when I joined Prof. Milind Tambe’s lab, my dedication to leveraging AI for social good was unwavering from the start of my involvement in the CS program. The inception of the CAIS center presented exciting new opportunities for collaboration and research. It allowed us to explore diverse areas where AI could make a meaningful impact, empowering decision-makers and benefiting society at large. Engaging with the CAIS center proved to be both challenging and rewarding, as it enabled us to expand our knowledge base and drive insights that could drive positive change.
How did your experience at CAIS contribute to making your time at USC memorable?
My experience at CAIS significantly contributed to making my time at USC memorable in several ways. Working within a large lab environment alongside over a dozen PhD students focused on AI for social impact projects provided me with invaluable opportunities to form meaningful friendships and engage socially with my peers. Collaborating on impactful projects and contributing to academic publications together fostered a sense of camaraderie and shared accomplishment within the lab. These experiences not only enriched my academic journey but also made my time at USC truly unforgettable, as I forged lasting friendships and enjoyed the collective pursuit of our common goals in advancing AI for social good.
How has CAIS impacted the work you currently do?
CAIS has had a profound impact on the work I currently undertake. The opportunity to pursue a similar line of work within CAIS provided me with invaluable skills and experiences that have greatly influenced my current endeavors. The knowledge and skills gained through my involvement in CAIS as a PhD student, equipped me with the necessary tools to tackle challenges more effectively in my current work. Moreover, the collaborative environment fostered within CAIS facilitated the exchange of ideas and best practices, further enhancing my ability to address complex issues. Overall, my experience at CAIS has been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of my career and continues to be a guiding influence on the work I do today.
Tell us about your plans for the future.
My plans for the future are rooted in a steadfast commitment to continue my research along the same lines, focusing on making impactful contributions to both the AI community and various other domains, including healthcare, environmental science, and humanitarian actions. I am dedicated to leveraging advanced AI techniques to address pressing societal challenges and drive positive change. Through interdisciplinary collaborations and innovative research endeavors, I aim to advance the frontiers of knowledge and develop solutions that have tangible benefits for individuals and communities worldwide. My overarching goal is to contribute meaningfully to the betterment of society while continually pushing the boundaries of AI research and application.
What advice would you offer to someone considering pursuing a Ph.D. in computer science?
My advice to someone considering pursuing a Ph.D. in computer science would be to embrace every moment of the journey. While there may be moments of uncertainty and challenge, embarking on a Ph.D. will empower you to grow as a researcher and refine your skillsets exponentially. Surrounding yourself with supportive advisors, accomplished researchers, and like-minded peers will provide invaluable opportunities for learning and growth. Remember to cherish each experience, as they will contribute to your development as a scholar and shape your future endeavors.
References
[1] A. Tarantola, “PAWS anti-poaching AI predicts where illegal hunters will show up Next,” Engadget, https://www.engadget.com/paws-anti-poaching-ai-predicts-where-illegal-hunters-will-show-up-next-203614412.html (accessed Mar. 19, 2024).
