Elayne is a PhD candidate at the Complex Software Lab (CSL) & LERO. She is also a Senior Data Scientist at Fidelity Investments. Her research focuses on the quality evaluation of Conversational Agents (mainly text-based chatbots) and the ethical considerations of Conversational Artificial Intelligence (AI). Elayne is interested in how we can leverage conversational systems to improve accessibility and inclusion. To that end, her research aims to provide valuable resources for practitioners so that organisations that don't have huge data or expertise resources (like non-profits) can still use this technology for the betterment of society. In addition to her research, Elayne is passionate about mentoring future data scientists and Conversational AI researchers, and she conducts teaching activities on Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Business Analytics.

“It's not always easy to be a woman in a male-dominated field, but it is always important. My colleagues and I continue the legacy of the many amazing women who paved the way before us, and we hope to bring about positive change to improve the field for the many more women who come after us.”

Elaine took an interest in Computer Science after taking an intro to programming elective during the final year of her undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Commerce).

“I loved the elements of problem solving, creativity, and finally beginning to understand the machine I spent so much time using. I decided to pursue a master’s in computer science (Conversion). I was introduced to some of my PhD supervisor’s projects, Dr Anthony Ventresque was working on with his lab.

“The focus on social impact inspired me, and I could relate a lot of the accessibility and inclusion efforts to my own experiences and those of my friends and family. That's when I began down this research path, and I couldn't be more thankful for where it's taken me. I've found a passion for research and teaching, met and worked with some incredible colleagues and friends”.

Elaine and her colleagues recently took part in the global online BBC series, ‘Unlocking Science’, presented by the International Science Council. The series, produced by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions, explores how scientific culture is changing for the better towards a future of more effective and inclusive citizen engagement, interdisciplinary and international cooperation, and open knowledge-sharing.

Lero’s ‘Battling bias in AI’ looks at how AI is being used to champion equality and inclusivity at the cutting edge of software innovation. The team at Lero are looking at the human aspects of technology and how AI is written, and how it impacts people. They’re looking at ensuring that technology doesn’t discriminate and is inclusive, and unlock its possibility of benefiting marginalised people.

Watch Battling bias in AI

opment and The SFI CodePlus project (with Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick and NUI Galway) addressing the gender imbalance in the computer science field by engaging students in activities to help them make more informed choices about studying computer science courses and pursuing careers in the area.

You can read more about Cornelia’s work in Silicon Republic: The importance of STEM education goes beyond building a workforce.