Pursuing My Dreams: From Zoologist to AI Researcher

Looking back at my childhood, there were several jobs that intrigued me. From the zoologist to a survival expert, stuntman, military officer, deep-sea diver, and even a mechanic, I found myself drawn to various fields in my younger years. However, as I grew older, my interests shifted towards careers that aligned more with my educational background and professional pursuits.

As a child, I was always fascinated by machines, cars, stunts, animals, and birds. My admiration for outdoors and nature was particularly steered towards the vast and ancient woodlands, which led me to dream of becoming an Arborist. Now, with the growing urge to contribute to the betterment of the world, my ultimate career aspiration has taken a new turn - I would love to be a researcher in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).

My journey in academia and professional life has taken me through various paths. Initially, I wanted to be a pharmacist, but my experience with organic chemistry in high school was less than stellar. Instead, my career took me to the Air Force, where I underwent training in electronics. This experience motivated me to pursue an Electrical Engineering program in college. However, a required programming course soon captivated me, and I decided to switch my major to Computer Science.

For over thirty years, I have worked as a software tester and in computer systems administration. While my career has been quite successful, my aspirations for making a deeper impact led me to explore the world of AI. The potential of AI to solve real-world problems and create a more intelligent, efficient, and equitable future is truly exhilarating. As a researcher in this field, I believe I can contribute to developing new technologies that can make a significant positive impact.

Specifically, I would focus on the following areas of AI research:

Natural language processing (NLP) Machine learning (ML) Computer vision

NLP is crucial for AI communication, ML enables computers to learn and adapt, and computer vision is essential for interpretative skills and physical interaction. By working in these areas, I hope to contribute to making the world a better place through innovative AI solutions.

Arborist Perspective

Another lifelong passion of mine has been forests and woodlands. The idea of managing an ancient woodland with massive oaks, chestnuts, beeches, and elms is truly heavenly. As an Arborist, I would love to maintain the environment and land, while also enjoying a house with modern amenities and a breathtaking view of my domain.

While the path to becoming a researcher in AI is quite different from being an Arborist, both roles share a common thread of dedication to stewardship and sustainable practices. Whether it's through the intricacies of AI or the health of ancient forests, my goal remains the same: to contribute to a better world one step at a time.