Day 5 - Artificial Intelligence (AI): ChatBSW

Key qualifications: MSc Bioinformatics.

What does your job involve? I am in the Big Data, Insight & Analytics team and have worked on a variety of projects, namely fairness and bias in machine learning and aiding the IP migration team. Currently, I am working on audio deepfake detection.

How did you get into your current role? I joined through the BT Graduate scheme after finishing at University.

What did you want to be when you were younger? Probably something peculiar like becoming an astronaut.

What do you do outside work? I am an avid gamer and recently I have picked up running.

Key qualifications: MEng, MIET.

What does your job involve? I lead the AI Futures team, a part of our AI research lab. Our work spans Large Language Models and Natural Language Processing; AI Safety and Governance and Technology Facilitated Abuse; and tackling AI Deepfakes and Nuisance and Scam calls.

How did you get into your current role? I'm an engineer at heart and studied electronic systems engineering at the University of York where I was sponsored by BT. I've worked in a variety of research and development roles but came into machine learning and AI through so-called 'big data' technologies.

What did you want to be when you were younger? I always wanted to follow in my Dad's footsteps and become an engineer. He worked in power engineering but from a young age I was fascinated by electronics and the emerging world of personal computers. So my career path was set from early on!

What do you do outside work? When I get the time I scuba dive, mostly in the cold waters around the coast of Norfolk. I also enjoy road cycling and even some artistic roller skating (although I'm not very good)!

Key qualifications: PhD, MSc, PGCE.

What does your job involve? Together with my team I think about how BT will develop software 5-10 years from now. This includes playing around with new AI tools, working with teams and bringing new ways of working into BT to help create better software.

How did you get into your current role? I did an MSc and PhD in computer science, and after that I worked for universities across Europe as a post-doctoral student and a lecturer. When one of my former students came back to talk about her research work at BT, it sounded so appealing I decided to switch to BT and help build the software research unit.

What did you want to be when you were younger? I was always fascinated by electronics and computers, so it was always going to be something in that area. It is amazing that machines can be as versatile as computers, and there is always an interesting challenge to be found. I inherited an inquisitive mindset from my grandfather who could literally build anything he put his mind to. I am now able to apply that mindset every day.

What do you do outside work? In my spare time I enjoy playing badminton, computer games and hanging out with my daughter who is the most amazing and funniest person you will ever meet.

Key qualifications: BEng Computer Science, MSc Intelligent Systems, PhD Artificial Intelligence, Chartered Engineer.

What does your job involve? I lead a team of talented people to develop and deploy data science and AI in response to needs for insight across the business, for example, to personalise products and services to customers. I love making connections between opportunities in different areas.

How did you get into your current role? I started as an AI research scientist in the private sector before spending several years in the public sector supporting innovation across many areas including not just AI but manufacturing, advanced materials, biosciences and emerging technologies. I moved to BT to apply my learning to the use of AI in the context of a household name.

What did you want to be when you were younger? An accountant because I loved maths and, for a while, that seemed the obvious choice. Later on a teacher mentioned I should consider university, and as I wanted to know how computers worked, I chose Computer Science and ended up specialising in AI.

What do you do outside work? Aside from family time, I volunteer as a school governor and I love growing fruit and vegetables on my allotment.

Key qualifications: MSci Physics, DPhil Physics.

What does your job involve? New technologies change the ways we live. Many of these changes have a positive impact on society but it is also important to think through the risks. I currently research the risks of the consumer IoT such as smart home security, internet connected cars and smart locks. Sometimes one person in a family can misuse technology to control or harass the other members and it is important that companies designing new products make their technology as safe as possible.

How did you get into your current role? I worked in AI and machine learning for a while but experienced domestic abuse myself and wanted to work on making technology safer in these situations.

What did you want to be when you were younger? A meteorologist! My DPhil (another name for PhD) was in atmospheric physics.

What do you do outside work? I enjoy playing violin in some local orchestras. Working at BT has also enabled me to start training as a psychotherapist through the support of the company.