Tong Su
Computer Science Specialist
Statistics Major
Woodsworth College
Tong Su wants to harness technology to help underserved communities. With interests in computer vision, natural language processing, machine learning and software engineering, she hopes to use AI鈥檚 potential to positively impact minority communities.
As she prepares to graduate, she reflects on her time at U of T and what鈥檚 next for her.
What inspired you to study computer science?
When I was a child, I noticed that traffic lights didn鈥檛 adjust to traffic flow, causing unnecessary congestion. I asked my dad about it, and he told me that solving this problem would involve computer science. That鈥檚 what sparked my interest in the field!
During your undergraduate studies, you had three published papers, including one on computational linguistics and another on computer science education. How did you get involved with research as an undergraduate and what did you learn from these experiences?
The University of Toronto offers great programs for undergrads to dive into research. I got my first break through the in my second year. These experiences taught me the importance of perseverance and curiosity in tackling complex problems.
You have stated that one of your main objectives is to use AI鈥檚 potential to positively impact minority communities. What motivates you to pursue this goal, and how do you plan to work toward it?
I鈥檝e noticed that most AI products target the majority for profitability, which leaves minorities underserved. I鈥檓 driven to use AI to promote social equality and bridge this gap. My plan is to join a forward-thinking company or research institution and work on making technology more accessible for everyone.
What鈥檚 one piece of advice that you would give to incoming students?
My advice is to plan ahead. Start things early so you have time to experiment and learn from mistakes. It helps you stay focused and makes your undergraduate life more manageable.
What鈥檚 next for you?
Next, I鈥檓 heading to the University of Oxford for a master鈥檚 in Advanced Computer Science. I鈥檓 excited to continue learning and to eventually use my skills to make a positive impact in the field of AI.