In the dynamic realm of computer science, where innovation is the norm and technology continually evolves, the importance of research cannot be overstated. It serves as the catalyst for groundbreaking advancements that shape our digital landscape. Mary Nankya, a full-time Data and Evaluation Manager at Hearth Inc., is dedicated to applying data analysis, AI, and machine learning to the mission of ending elderly homelessness. Mary exemplifies innovation and research-driven excellence in the field of computer science.

With a rich background spanning software development, database management, cybersecurity, and machine learning, Mary's journey is a testament to her exceptional commitment to pushing the boundaries of technological innovation. Her expertise lies not only in navigating complex data landscapes but also in leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Python, AI, and machine learning to drive transformative change.

As a dedicated advocate for data security and predictive analytics, Mary's contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge and passion for research has propelled her to the forefront of the field, where she continues to spearhead initiatives that revolutionize the digital age.

Join us as we delve into Mary's inspiring journey, exploring the milestones and experiences that have shaped her career towards excellence in computer science and research.

Welcome, Mary. I see you are a determined researcher when it comes to advanced subjects concerning AI, Machine Learning, and Cyber security. What drove you to become a researcher and influence the digital community?

My journey into research and influence within the digital community is driven by my passion for leveraging technology to solve complex problems and drive positive change. I'm captivated by the potential of AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity to transform industries and improve lives. Through collaboration and engagement with cutting-edge technologies, I seek to advance my understanding and share my insights with the broader community through publishing more scholarly research papers and articles through collaboration with like-minded individuals and engagement with cutting-edge technologies. I immersed myself in research projects that pushed the boundaries of what was possible. My motivation lies in my belief in the transformative power of technology and my commitment to harnessing that power for the greater good. Currently, as a Data and Evaluation Manager at Hearth Inc., I lead efforts to apply data analysis for social impact, particularly in promoting housing stability for older adults.

Alan Turing, often denoted as the father of theoretical computer science and AI, made groundbreaking contributions to the field and hatched the foundation for modern computing and AI research. He has inspired me to investigate the field and begin research projects to discover the intricacies of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity practices, and data science.

Can you tell me more about the awards you achieved and the circumstances surrounding them?

Throughout my education, I have received several accolades for contributing to the cyber world. I earned the Silver Award during the Orange Community Innovations Awards in 2014 for showcasing my leadership abilities in driving impactful projects within my community. Around this time, I was a requirements analyst intern for Data Care in Uganda. I was solely responsible for gathering project requirements to create user stories, use cases, system requirements, and other detailed documents. Most of the time, I conducted interviews with my clients to understand their needs. Another facet of this position was maintaining traceability between requirements, design, and test cases, ensuring the alignment of project goals spanning cross-functional teams.

As a Grace Hopper Scholarship Award winner in 2015, I helped secure a place for women in technology, getting them recognized as valuable assets in computer science. As part of an

underrepresented group, I demonstrated my aptitude for leading projects and portfolios for companies. For instance, as a product manager for Orange Uganda Telecom, I created and executed a product strategy that resulted in a 20% increase in market shares within 12 months. Some of my work included managing product marketing campaigns and launching redesigns for paramount user satisfaction and comprehension.

Similarly, I earned the NCCWSL Scholarship Award in 2023 for my leadership ability. As a STEM workshop instructor, I successfully raised awareness about programming fundamentals, problem-solving, and game development for girls with hands-on laboratories for an optimal learning experience. I also mentored and gave my attendees support and expertise for programming challenges that deterred their progress.

I am thrilled to have been selected as a recipient of the AnitaB.org Advancing Inclusion Faculty Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship recognizes my dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the field of technology. As part of this scholarship program, I have been granted the opportunity to virtually attend the Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC) 2024, the world's largest gathering of women and non-binary technologists.

The AnitaB.org Advancing Inclusion Scholarship acknowledges not only my academic achievements but also my active involvement in research, teaching software programming courses at Fitchburg State University as an adjunct faculty, and inclusion endeavors.

With many technological innovations being implemented regularly, the future ahead is bright. How do you believe your research will shape the future of computer science as we know it?

As a researcher deeply invested in the field of computer science, I am confident that my research will play a significant role in shaping the future of the discipline. By focusing on topics such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies like 6G networks, my work seeks to address critical challenges and pave the way for innovative solutions.

In the realm of cybersecurity, my research endeavors aim to enhance the resilience of industrial control systems and defend against cyber threats. By developing machine learning-driven defense strategies and exploring novel approaches to data security, I hope to contribute to a safer and more secure digital landscape. As cyber threats continue to evolve, my research will help organizations stay ahead of emerging risks and protect critical infrastructure from potential attacks.

Similarly, my exploration of artificial intelligence and its integration with emerging technologies like 6G networks has the potential to revolutionize various aspects of computer science.

What do you imagine 6G has in store for us?

6G networks is truly groundbreaking and holds promise for transforming various aspects of our lives in ways that were previously unimaginable and promises to revolutionize the way we interact with technology, offering ultra-fast speeds, massive connectivity, and seamless integration with artificial intelligence. With speeds potentially reaching terabits per second, 6G will enable near-instantaneous downloads and real-time communication with minimal latency. As the demand for more efficient communication systems increases, the 6G innovation will serve to be more reliable and faster than previous mobile network systems.

About the Interviewer

Tracy Wells is an avid machine learning engineer who develops AI systems mainly for clients in the education industry. She wants to help teachers implement adaptive learning platforms so students can learn reasonably and apply knowledge to their lives.