Khushi Patel (B.S. ’24), a master’s student in the University of California San Diego’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering and an alumna of the department, has been named a 2024-2025 Google DeepMind Scholar in artificial intelligence (AI). She joins a community of exceptional AI researchers to receive the honor.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities DeepMind provides through this fellowship. The mentorship program has given me valuable insights into both industry research and academia, helping me explore my specific interests across various AI subfields,” said Patel.
Patel is a self-described “tech enthusiast” whose interests in AI relate specifically to software engineering and computer vision in robotics. Her research also encompasses topics in human computer interface.
“In the future, I aspire to work in the industry while collaborating with academia to advance research on AI’s impact on education and how it can be effectively leveraged to enhance learning,” said Patel.
Patel, who is in the first year of her master’s program, has already delved into AI through the dual lenses of academia and industry. Prior to earning her undergraduate degree, Patel conducted research in computer vision for indoor scenes under the advisement of computer science Professor Manmohan Chandraker. Her work focused on material, higher-quality geometric reconstruction, and lighting. Additionally, she was a tutor in the department and part of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).
Currently, Patel is a lead graduate teaching assistant for the computer science and engineering department and recently concluded her third software engineering internship at Northrop Grumman, where she researched node packages and resolved dependence issues and compiler errors, and delved into frontend to improve the applications used by the customers
The Google DeepMind Fellowship program advances access to higher education by supporting partner universities’ efforts to build a stronger and more inclusive community in AI and AI-adjacent fields. The program supports talented students from underrepresented groups and those with limited financial means to pursue postgraduate study and careers.
Recipients receive full tuition for up to two years, a stipend for housing and living expenses, relocations costs, and a travel grant to a relevant conference. Scholars may also choose to be matched to a Google DeepMind mentor, who will focus on personal development and growth as well as avenues to pursue career goals.
By Kimberley Clementi