Artificial intelligence (AI) has the power to revolutionize various sectors. However, AI systems are often flawed by biases that are ingrained into their decision-making processes. These biases, which often arise from correlations in data rather than genuine cause-and-effect relationships, can lead to unfair and biased outcomes. It is crucial to address this issue to ensure that AI systems are both reliable and equitable. Pranita Patil, a Senior Data Scientist from a leading energy company, is making notable contributions to the field of artificial intelligence by focusing on reducing bias in AI systems. Her decorrelation-based deep learning method is an important advancement in creating fairer and more equitable AI technologies.
Pranita Patil
Understanding AI Bias
AI and ML models can contain biases because they rely on patterns in data rather than actual cause-and-effect relationships. This can lead to unfair or discriminatory outcomes as the biases in the data are reinforced. For example, an AI system trained on data that reflects existing racial biases may perpetuate those biases in its own predictions.
To ensure fair and reliable AI systems, it’s important to address these biases by using data that is representative and by training models that focus on true causality. The challenge lies in creating models that can distinguish between correlation and causation to deliver fairer results.
Pranita Patil’s Academic and Professional Careers
Before uncovering Pranita’s approach to AI bias, it is worth looking at her qualifications and professional career to position her as a thought leader in this space. Pranita’s journey into the world of AI and data science began with her years at university. She obtained a master’s degree in engineering, specializing in machine learning, where she developed tools such as the Flexible Image Recognition Software Toolbox (FIRST) for MATLAB.
Recognizing the growing importance of data analytics, Pranita expanded her expertise by pursuing a second Master of Science degree in Analytics from Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. This degree enabled her to mix machine learning algorithms with extensive data analysis, enhancing her ability to drive business decision-making and create smarter products.
Her interest in data science led her to a Research Fellow position at Harrisburg University, where her Ph.D. research focused on eliminating bias in deep learning models. Pranita introduced novel techniques for Parkinson’s disease recognition using rs-fMRI data, bias mitigation, and integrating the Granger Causality framework into the deep learning domain. Her innovative, decorrelated deep learning techniques addressed significant biases in medical data, contributing to more reliable and accurate diagnostic models.
Pranita’s professional career has seen her holding roles such as Senior DSP Engineer/Machine Learning, where she was responsible for designing systems to detect coronary artery disease, and later as a Product Architect/Data Scientist at a Fortune 500 company.
Her current position as a Senior Data Scientist at a leading energy provider has seen her lead critical projects with significant environmental implications. Pranita currently uses advanced analytics to provide insights that enable executives to make informed decisions and track greenhouse gas reductions.
Pranita Patil’s Approach to AI Bias
Recognizing the limitations of combining online data and traditional bias mitigation techniques, Pranita developed a decorrelation-based deep learning method. This approach focuses on eliminating unintended associations in the input data, thereby reducing the likelihood of biased outcomes. By decorrelating input features, her method enhances the accuracy and reliability of AI systems, making them more equitable.
Traditional bias mitigation techniques often fall short because they do not address the root cause of biases. Pranita’s method focuses on mitigating bias in a simple, stable, and more effective way by decorrelating unintended associations. Pranita’s method and approach are versatile, as they can be applied across various dataset sizes, dimensions, domains, and types of biases. One application of her method involved mitigating class bias and scanner bias while simultaneously identifying distinguishing characteristics in rs-fMRI data, aiding in the accurate recognition of Parkinson’s disease (PD).
The Impact of Her Work
Pranita’s groundbreaking approach holds the potential to reshape the development and implementation of AI systems in sectors ranging from healthcare to finance. Her solution targets the fundamental cause of bias in AI, thereby paving the way for more ethical and inclusive AI applications that better reflect the diversity of our world. Her bias mitigation and causality work in AI has resulted in three published papers in well-regarded scientific journals, including Biosensors and Future Internet. The significance of her contributions is to improve decision-making processes and ensure that AI benefits everyone, not just a select few.
In addition, Pranita’s work has been recognized at numerous conferences where she has presented her research and shared her expertise. She has also been invited to speak at several conferences to discuss her innovative bias mitigation approach.
Changing AI in the Field of Data Science
Pranita’s contributions to AI and data science are impressive, but her most notable work revolves around removing bias. Her creative solutions not only push AI forward but also establish new guidelines for its future development and implementation.
Pranita Patil’s efforts to reduce bias in AI systems represent a substantial breakthrough in the field. Her decorrelation-based deep learning method addresses the core issues of bias, leading to more ethical and reliable AI applications. As Pranita continues to explore new areas in AI technology, her contributions promise to drive positive change across various industries, improving the quality of human lives and promoting a more equitable future.
