Haylat Tibebu

My PhD research is focused on human-inspired Artificial Intelligence (AI) decision-making models.

Humans are very smart beings, but when processing a large amount of data, they are very slow in comparison to computers. Despite their speed, computers are no more than a toy without human operation.

My PhD research begins with learning how humans observe and collect data from their environment using their five sensors, and how they process the data to make a decision.

My research aims to mimic these uniquely human data collecting and processing skills in multiple AI systems, including driverless cars.

Post 16 Education: A Level Maths, English and Physics

Higher Education: BSc: Aerospace Engineering; MSc Cyber Security and Big Data; PhD: Artificial Intelligence (3rd year)

Why I moved from Aerospace Engineering to an MSc in Cyber Security and Big Data?

While studying Aerospace, I was engaged in multiple projects related to AI. I found myself working on these projects with great passion. The more I researched the field, the more I loved it.

The requirements for the course was a degree in Engineering and good coding skill, both of which I had from my aerospace course. I chose to apply for the Masters in Cyber Security and Big Data at Loughborough University London, where I also received a scholarship.

Why I chose to do an Aerospace degree?

Since my early childhood, I have always had a passion for airplanes and wanted to know how they fly. Aerospace is much more than just aircrafts and rockets. The breadth of knowledge I gained ranged from the details of a single atom to interstellar space. Studying aerospace strengthened my problem solving and analytical skill, I continue to apply these skills in many areas of my life. My BEng degree provided me with opportunities to make my first robot and first radio control unmanned aircraft, as well as have my first piloting lesson using flight simulation. I also developed coding skills which have been very valuable in my MSc and PhD.

Career

When I began my BEng in Aerospace, I wasn’t sure that I would pursue a master’s degree. Similarly, when I started my master’s course, I was not certain that I would continue to a PhD.

I enjoyed my master’s course more than I could have imagined. I started to develop a passion for research in AI and hence, approached my MSc dissertation supervisor for a possible PhD opportunity. After some discussions, my supervisor offered me a PhD position in AI.

Alongside my PhD I also work as a university teacher at Loughborough University London. I deliver tutorials for students and help students with one-to-one sessions as necessary. I also assist lecturers in class lectures and in research related to my expertise.