Case study: Kuniko Azuma

Kuniko is an MSc Artificial Intelligence and Data Science student at the University of Hull. Here she explains why she wanted to study the postgraduate conversion course so that she can use AI in real world health applications.

What made you interested in studying AI and data science?

Before starting this course, I was working in the IT department in industry. AI was one of the largest themes everyone discussed to improve the performance of all divisions. I began to think to install systems which used machine learning and studied short online courses. However, it was difficult to succeed without strong knowledge. I realised that a lot of small and medium-sized companies could not apply the benefits of AI. So I thought I wanted to study AI to support the application of AI in the real world.

Were there any role models that inspired you to get into AI and data science?

I did not have any role models before I got into AI and data science, but after enrolling on this course, I did find a role model. My role model is Dr Nina Dethlefs. It was a good stimulus and a large impact for me that she successfully led the lectures of AI as director of computer science. I am from Japan. Despite being a developed country, Japan is male-oriented with a gender gap ranking of 116 out of 146 countries. So, I never expected there would be a female professor on the AI and data science course.

What parts of the course have you enjoyed the most?

Workshops in the computer lab were exciting for me. It was the opportunity to apply what I learnt through the online lectures with hands on experience. I was able to study not only theories but also practicalities through the workshops. The tasks we were challenged to solve through the workshops were like problems in real life. So, it made me imagine myself becoming a researcher. The workshops were not formal and more friendly and free, so we could talk and share out thoughts and ideas easily with one another. From this, I could make some new friends there too!

What attracted you to the course?

I was attracted to this course because I found out that the conversion course starts with programming, despite the short duration of one year. Other university courses are conversion courses, but I felt that it was assumed that I already had enough basic knowledge of some kind of AI or data science, or that I could program. But this course doesn't do that and starts with programming. It made me feel that the professors were serious about teaching from the basics through this course. I chose this course because I knew that I would not waste a year of my time and tuition fees if I studied in a course with such a high level of enthusiasm and passion from the professors.

What are your plans for the future and do you think the course will help you to achieve them?

My plan in the future is to become a researcher who discovers new usage and proposes an evaluation system of AI in mobile health applications. This course provided me the foundations of the path to be the researcher with a variety of ways. For example, through the case study, I learnt how to collaborate with other researchers. In lectures with external speakers, I could know what a variety of researchers were doing exactly. In the third trimester, I conducted my research project following a proposal created in the second trimester. I believe that this course was a practical practice to become a researcher.

What advice would you give someone who might be thinking about studying on the postgraduate conversion course programme?

Learning from the basics to master's level in a short period of one year is not easy, even if it is a field of interest. However, after completing the course, you will realise that you are much closer to what you wanted to do and the ideal image you wanted to become. Throughout the year, you will feel a sense of achievement, not only in your academic skills, but also a sense of pride in yourself for your hard work. The conversion course is a great foundation for your next success in life. Why not give it a go?