Girls in STEM Panel

Keeley Crockett SMIEEE SFHEA is a Professor in Computational Intelligence at Manchester Metropolitan University and Chair of the IEEE Technical Committee SHIELD (Ethical, Legal, Social, Environmental and Human Dimensions of AI/CI). She has over 27 years’ experience of research and development in Ethical and responsible AI (for both SME’s and an advocate for citizen voice), computational intelligence algorithms and applications, including adaptive psychological profiling, fuzzy systems, semantic similarity, and dialogue systems. Keeley has led work on Place based practical Artificial Intelligence, facilitating a parliamentary inquiry with Policy Connect and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Data Analytics (APGDA), leading to the inquiry report “Our Place Our Data: Involving Local People in Data and AI-Based Recovery”. She obtained STRENGTH IN PLACES POLICY funded engagement work with Greater Manchester businesses on “SME Readiness for Adoption of Ethical Approaches to AI Development and Deployment” and has contributed to the recent APGDA: AI and Ethics Repot (launched 19-06-23). She is currently the PI on the EPSRC “PEAs in Pods: Co-production of community based public engagement for data and AI research.” Grant, Co-I on The Alan Turing Institute “People-powered AI: responsible research and innovation through community ideation and involvement” Grant, PI on an Innovate UK Knowledge Transfers Partnership with My First Five Years and CI on Innovate UK Knowledge Transfers Partnership with COUCH. She was Co-academic lead of the GM AI Foundry and is Co-Lead for AI/Cybersecurity on the new Centre for Digital Innovation (CDI). She is a member of IEEE Computational intelligence Society ADCOM (2023-25), Chair of the IEEE Computational Intelligence Diversity and Inclusion subcommittee, Co-Chair of the IEEE Women in Engineering Educational Outreach, and a U.K. STEM Ambassador. She has 28 PhD completions and will be technical Co-Chair at IEEE FUZZ 2024 (IEEE WCCI 2024) Japan.

Dr. Karen Panetta received the B.S. degree in computer engineering from Boston University, Boston, MA, USA, and the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from Northeastern University, Boston. She is currently the Dean of graduate engineering education and a Professor with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA. She also holds secondary appointments in Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering. She is the Director of the Panetta Vision and Sensing System Laboratory. Her research interests include developing efficient algorithms for Artificial Intelligence, simulation, modeling, signal, and image processing for ocean engineering, biomedical and security applications. She was a recipient of the 2012 IEEE Ethical Practices Award and the Harriet B. Rigas Award for Outstanding Educator. In 2011, she was awarded the Presidential Award for Engineering and Science Education and Mentoring by U.S. President Obama for her Nerd Girls Program to empower young women in STEM. She is the Vice President of the IEEE Systems, Man and Cybernetics Society. Karen was the President of the 2019 IEEE-HKN (Eta Kappa Nu) honor society and 2021-2022 IEEE Awards Board Chair. She is the Editor-in-Chief of the award-winning IEEE Women in Engineering Magazine. She was the IEEE-USA Vice-President of communications and public affairs. From 2007 to 2009, she served as the Chair for the IEEE Women in Engineering, overseeing the world’s largest professional organization supporting women in engineering and science. Karen is the CEO and Co-founder of Tessera Intelligence Inc., Co-founder of Sea Deep Inc. and Co-inventor of the first Digital Twin. She is a Fellow of National Academy of Engineers, National Academy of Inventors, IEEE, EASA (European Academy of Sciences and Arts), AAIA, NASA JOVE and AAAS.

Naomi Adel is a Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and AI Ethics at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU). She gained a BSc Degree (Hons) in Computer Science from The University of Salford, an MSc in Information Systems from MMU and a PhD in Fuzzy Natural Language Processing with a thesis entitled  “Fuzzy Natural Language Similarity Measures Through Computing with Words” from MMU. She is a member of IEEE, member of IEEE CIS and a member of IEEE WIE UKI and actively participates in STEM activities and public outreach. Her areas of research include fuzzy natural language processing, semantic similarity, fuzzy systems, machine learning, computational intelligence, conversational agents and the ethics of artificial intelligence (AI). She is an active member of the Machine Intelligence and Data and Artificial Intelligence Ethics research themes in the Centre for Advanced Computational Science at MMU.

I am Dishita Naik, an aspiring Computer Science student with a strong foundation in programming, networking, data structures, algorithms, cyber security, and web designing. With a keen interest in learning and expanding my expertise in order to make a positive influence through technology. I have authored and co-authored several research papers in areas of artificial intelligence, machine learning, federated learning, and chatbots. Currently pursuing BSc (Hons) Computer Science Degree at Birmingham City University, UK. Beyond my academic pursuits, I am a versatile and multifaceted individual with knowledge and experience in different dance forms and musical theatre. Additionally, my love for travelling and exploring new cultures amongst countries has influenced my design approach for global inclusion enriching my work further. It’s the blend of these endeavours that have enhanced my creativity and provided me with a broad perspective complementing my technical skills as well as making me more adaptable.

Elisa Torres Durney, an 18-year-old Chilean student, is actively promoting gender diversity in quantum computing. She has been recognized as one of the 30 most powerful women in Chile by Forbes Chile and was selected as a top 10 recipient of the Global Student Prize. 

Elisa pursued summer programs at Yale and Stanford University, where she gained inspiration to unite students in technology. She founded “Girls in Quantum,” leading a global team of ambassadors. They’ve reached over 2,000 students in 21 countries, providing 250+ free educational resources. 

Elisa is committed to inclusivity in quantum computing and STEM, particularly for girls and students. She engages with organizations like Girl Up, Inspiring Girls, and G100: Mission Million. Elisa has also spoken at international conferences, including The Lancet, The Economist, Women Economic Forum, TEDx, Quantum Latino, and The InterAmerican Commission on Science and Technology.