Celebrating the diverse journeys of women in AI: A conversation with Sher Lynn Wong

Today, we spotlight Sher Lynn Wong, one of our Lead Machine Learning Engineers in the Energy business unit. Sher Lynn discusses what motivated her to enter the world of AI and how you can keep growing in the industry.

1.No two journeys into AI are the same. What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

Before entering university, I interned at a company that provides data analytics software to enterprises. This experience gave me my first real insight into the world of data science. Fast forward to my final year at university, I got the opportunity to work on a research project using machine learning to predict air quality in large cities. Once I completed this project, I knew this was the career I wanted to go for.

2. AI is still a male-dominated industry. Have you faced any gender-related obstacles, and how have you overcome them?

Yes, it’s often subtle, and people don’t think much of it when it happens. There have been times when I wasn’t given opportunities because of assumptions people made about me based on gender stereotypes. I remember being sidelined for an industrial data science opportunity at the start of my career. Two of my male peers had informal inductions with the team lead while my female peer and myself were overlooked, even though we were equally qualified for it and had strong interests in the domain given my Civil Engineering background.

I try not to let it get to me too much. Instead, I focus on what I can do better, invest in my skills, and build relationships with allies who support my work. While there have been gender-related obstacles, I have also been fortunate to have had many (male & female!) allies who provided mentorship and lots of amazing opportunities to showcase my potential.

3. For young women looking to enter AI, what advice would you give them to thrive in this industry?

Don’t be intimidated by people who come across as super confident. Just because they present themselves that way doesn’t mean they’re better than you – it’s just the way they showcase themselves to the world. Meet people, ask loads of questions, keep learning, and spend time building your personal brand. In no time, you will become one of the many people you look up to in the industry.

4. What steps can we take to ensure more women see AI as a viable and exciting career path?

Education is key – people need to know that AI isn’t just for technical experts. There are so many roles beyond coding, like product design, project management, product management, policy-making and so on. There are plenty of ways to get involved. It’s all about showing the different paths available and making the industry more accessible.

5. If you could send one message to all women working in AI today, what would it be?

AI systems are currently being built to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. Your unique perspectives and experiences are indispensable in ensuring we build AI systems that uplift our underrepresented community. Keep going and continue being a driving force for positive change! 

6. What is one of your favourite projects you've worked on during your time at Faculty?

This is a difficult one. I’ve worked on so many amazing projects at Faculty. I’ve done a lot of work with people on the frontlines. From building data and AI tools for multiple NHS organisations to creating tools that detect propaganda on social media.

I’d say my favourite project was the work we did with the National Energy System Operator (NESO). We are helping them to improve the way they do long-term gas network planning. It was a perfect mix of my background in civil infrastructure and data science – everything I studied at uni finally coming together in a real-world application.

7. What are you most excited to see in the future of AI? 

I’m most excited to see AI being used to tackle global challenges relating to climate change, healthcare and education. Particularly in ways that benefit vulnerable populations. Coming from the Global South, I have witnessed firsthand how the well-being of many poor communities have been disproportionately affected by unpredictable weather patterns, lack of access to education and basic healthcare. This is quite close to my heart and it would be so cool to contribute to projects in these areas.

Keep an eye out for more stories about the women at Faculty who help shape what we do.