Mentor profile: Chhavi Chauhan
Dr. Chhavi Chauhan works as Director for Scientific Outreach at the American Society for Investigative Pathology and Director of the Continuing Medical Education (CME) Program at the Journal of Molecular Diagnostics. She is one of the leaders of the Women in AI Ethics Collective and an expert at the AI Policy Exchange. She is a biomedical researcher, expert scholarly communicator, and a sought after mentor in the fields of scientific research, scholarly publishing, and AI Ethics, especially for women and minorities.
She is a thought leader, a renowned international speaker, and a strong advocate for equitable and accessible healthcare. She sits at the intersection of scientific research, scholarly communications, and AI Ethics in Healthcare. Her vision is to provide equitable personalized healthcare to all, beyond geographies, and despite socioeconomic disparities.
How did YOU pave your career in the Responsible Tech field? What advice would you give others that are looking to grow their career in the field?
I was introduced to the responsible tech field when our organization expanded the scope of one of our titles to include peer-reviewed content on AI & Computational Pathobiology, which was absolutely new to me. In my attempt to understand this field by way of attending events and conferences with AI in Health & pharma tracks, I immediately noticed the need for implementing the missing frameworks and ethical guidelines for the sustainable development and deployment of safe and responsible tech.
I actively starting networking with folks working in the responsible tech space. In a short period of over 2 years, I have made formidable alliances across geographies and led and participated in several events and initiatives driving the development and adoption of responsible tech, especially in the healthcare sector. I would advice interested individuals to network with folks in the responsible tech community, follow the resources created and shared by the community, and brining their own unique perspectives and burning questions to the table to help make technology more accessible and equitable.
What skills have you found most valuable in your current role?
Authenticity, problem solving, understanding the big picture, effective communication with diverse stakeholders, active networking, collaborative approach.
What advice with you give to a current college student that is looking to take their passion around creating a more responsible tech future and turn it into their career?
Identify your passions and strengths and align them for an effortless start, and constantly review your goals and interests to fine-tune your path ahead.
What individuals, organizations, or resources have been instrumental in advancing your career?
Leaders of the Women in AI Ethics Collective, All Tech Is Human, Montreal Ethics Institute, Microsoft.
Where do you see the future of Responsible Tech headed?
I can foresee the future of responsible tech to be equitable, accessible, and sustainable. Tremendous amount of effort is being put into brining such responsible tech into being, and with collaboration, I have no doubt that we will succeed.
Additional thoughts?
Responsible tech is not the responsibility of a single individual or expert. It can only result from collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, from the users, designers, researchers, developers, regulators, enforcers, and service providers. Responsible tech is the responsibility of ALL humans as this technology will touch humankind in ways yet unimaginable.
You can stay in touch with Chhavi Chauhan at @chhavic