Soapbox Science 2023

Soapbox: Did you choose a scientific career or did the scientific career choose you?

AK: At first, I was drawn to the intricate workings of the human brain and pursued neuroscience, but then I encountered some events in my home country of Iran that piqued my interest in collective decision-making and the diffusion of responsibility in humans. And just like that, I found myself running down a new path toward the fascinating world of AI and Reasoning! So, to answer your question, I think it was a bit of both – my curiosity and my scientific career both played a role in leading me to where I am today.

Soapbox: What was the key moment that brought you to the place where you are today?

AK: I don’t think one specific moment can change your life dramatically. Becoming a scientist is like climbing a mountain. It’s not about reaching the summit in one big leap but rather about taking one step at a time and keeping a steady pace. Sure, there may be some big milestones along the way, but the small steps add up to create progress and momentum. Passion, resilience, and consistency were the climbing gear that I needed to continue my path. Without these key elements, getting discouraged or giving up when the going gets tough is always easy. So to answer your question, there may not be one specific “aha” moment that led me to where I am today. It’s been a gradual journey, with many twists and turns along the way. But with each step, I’ve taken and each experience I’ve had, I’ve gained valuable knowledge and skills that have helped me progress further up the mountain.

Soapbox: What is your scientific superhero power? Or what superhero would you be?

AK: I think my scientific superhero power is my passion for exploring new ideas and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. I never give up on a problem until I’ve found a solution that satisfies my curiosity and desire for understanding.

Soapbox: What challenges do you encounter in science?

AK: Uncertainty is one of the biggest challenges I face – sometimes, I spend months on a project, only to find out that our results were inconclusive or didn’t quite turn out the way I expected. But that’s all part of the fun – science is all about embracing the unknown and taking risks in pursuit of discovery. Of course, another big challenge is funding. It’s not easy to secure the funding we need to conduct our experiments and research, especially in less well-known or popular fields.

Soapbox: Do you have a few words to inspire other female or young scientists?

AK: Science is for everyone, regardless of gender or age. Embrace your unique perspective and ideas, and use them to push the boundaries of what we know and can achieve. Remember that you are not alone. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek out mentors and role models who can guide you on your scientific journey. There are so many people out there who want to help and support you.  So go out there, follow your passion, and make your mark on the scientific community!