Data Scientist Spotlight: Semawit Araya

Please introduce yourself, what you do, and your current role.

My name is Semawit Araya, an Ethiopian data science and AI researcher. I have a bachelor’s in electrical and computer engineering and a master’s in data science. I co-founded Women in AI-Ethiopia and have worked as a data engineer at Excellent Technology-Ethiopia and the Technology and Innovation Research Institute in Addis Ababa. I have also contributed to projects such as designing predictive models for preterm births, conducting a retrospective study on pregnant women, creating an AI-based urban visualisation system, developing machine learning models for traffic flow prediction, and predicting household electric consumption using LSTM and RNN models.

Tell us about your path into data science. What inspired you to pursue a career in the field? Is this what you’ve always wanted to do?

My career in data science is driven by a belief in using data to understand and solve challenges, aiming to make informed decisions for a better future. I find motivation in the idea that even complex problems can be solved through understanding, and I see data science as a means to achieve this. I have contributed to projects such as designing a predictive model for preterm births, conducting a retrospective study on pregnant women, creating an AI-based urban visualisation system, developing machine learning models for traffic flow prediction, and designing a computer vision system for Ethiopian licence plate detection

What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced on your career journey, and how have you overcome them?

Starting my journey in data science in Ethiopia came with its share of hurdles, primarily due to the lack of robust data infrastructure and limited access to historical data. I found that leveraging international best practices while adapting them to our local context was crucial. Additionally, proactive networking was pivotal in overcoming obstacles and gaining access to valuable resources and expertise.

What advice would you give to those who are just starting in AI and data science? What skills or qualities do you think are most important for success in this field?

The future heavily relies on data, and it has become an emerging and multidisciplinary field with applications in nearly every industry. For those embarking on a journey in AI and data science, I’d recommend developing essential skills, including handling and processing various data types, extracting insights, and interpreting them to solve real-world problems. A solid understanding of machine learning and deep learning models is crucial, along with proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R. Continually building knowledge in these areas, staying updated on industry trends, and cultivating a problem-solving mindset are key to success in the dynamic and evolving landscape of AI and data science.