Maya Bridgman, Canadian living in UAE

I am a Canadian student, raised in Dubai, studying artificial intelligence and computational neuroscience at Stanford University. Academically, I am fascinated by the intersectionality between the brain and AI/ML, as AI enables us to fundamentally explore how our brains operate, allowing us to better treat neurological conditions. I am deeply passionate about democratizing AI education, particularly to disadvantaged youth in developing countries to reduce algorithmic bias and close the digital divide. I developed my own novel, accessible AI curriculum and have taught it to the over 1,200 students of my thriving global community, the ‘Dubai AI Society’.

I aim to democratise AI Education to all students (targeting those aged 12 to 25) globally, regardless of their background or location. Through doing so, I intend to: aid in closing the digital divide; diversify the AI industry by introducing students from more varied backgrounds to AI/ML when they begin to explore their academic interests; and help them understand how AI is impacting the world around them and how they can harness its potential in a safe, positive manner.