Let's talk robotics with Dr Diana Benavides-Prado

Joining me today is Dr Diana Benavides-Prado! Diana currently holds the position of Senior Research Fellow at the School of Computer Science, The University of Auckland, New Zealand. Her research focuses on continual machine learning, with a particular interest in exploring knowledge transfer for increasingly knowledgeable continual learning systems. In 2020, she proposed a method that enables 'backward transfer', a mechanism that refines existing knowledge in continual systems. Furthermore, she is interested in the application of cutting-edge AI technologies in high-impact domains, such as life sciences and social welfare.

Diana completed her PhD in Computer Science in 2019 at The University of Auckland. Prior to pursuing her doctoral studies, she gained extensive professional and research experience in her home country, Colombia. She worked on data analysis projects for scientific research, operations, and decision-making for various public organizations. After moving to New Zealand, she worked as a data scientist specializing in machine learning for social welfare. She has collaborated with public and private sectors across multiple countries, including Colombia, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, and the United States.

Throughout her career, Diana has mentored several junior data scientists and post-graduate computer science students, including females. She takes pride in being one of the few female 'Latinas' in the AI field.