S02E09: Ilke Demir - Paving the way for the future of women in science!

Hey! I Want Your Job!

Even in 2022 women in science are ridiculously rare. Less than 30% of the world's researchers are women. The impact that this overwhelming bias has can be felt across sectors from the lack of focus on women's health, or reproductive issues, to the algorithmic biases found in AI that has been developed overwhelmingly by men. For years different groups have attempted to address the problem with programs like the Association for Women in Science (AWIS), the United Nations' International Day of Women and Girls in Science, and so many others. The barriers to entry are complex, and the solutions need more than mere representation (though that makes a huge difference). Ilke Demir is an AI research scientist who is not only on the front lines of technology and scientific discovery, but also trying to find new ways to tackle this old problem.

In this interview Ilke talks about the realities of life in science for women, the good and the bad. She talks through her solutions, and her frustrations. She also talks just about technology. Want to know if AI is about to take over the world? Is Skynet a real threat? Ilke talks about all that and more. As you listen to her insights, and find yourself impressed with the depth of her knowledge try to keep in mind how much harder it was for her to get to where she is - just because she's a woman, and then consider what you might do to help.

For more information on Ilke:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilkedemir/

Website: https://ilkedemir.weebly.com/

500 Women Scientists: https://gage.500womenscientists.org/profile/8264

Twitter: ilkedemir

Hey! I Want Your Job is sponsored by the resume and career experts at O&H Consulting. Find out more about O&H's services at: https://www.oandhconsulting.com/. This week's episode is hosted by Michele Olivier.

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