By Alistina Shrestha
23 June 2024: Women remain a significant minority in the scientific fields, driving the digital revolution amid a general skills shortage holding back progress. The UNESCO Science Report 2021 found that women are still underrepresented in fields such as computing, digital information technology, engineering, mathematics, and physics. According to a report published by the World Economic Forum in 2022, only 22 percent of AI professionals are women, and just 18 percent of authors at leading AI conferences are women. AI is one of the world’s fastest-growing technology sectors, with the global AI market size projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 37.3 percent from 2023 to 2030, reaching $1,811.8 billion by 2030. Despite this rapid growth, women remain underrepresented in scientific fields, particularly in leadership roles.
Rakshya Lama Moktan, a woman of determination and resilience, is making significant strides in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Her journey, which began in her formative years, was not without its hurdles. Despite societal pressures nudging her towards a medical career, Rakshya discovered her true passion in computer science, inspired by her older brother’s studies and her own innate curiosity. Her journey into the world of technology started with simple ‘Hello World’ programs, which soon blossomed into a deep fascination with programming and artificial intelligence.
Rakshya’s determination to make a difference in the medical field led her to AIT, where she is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence program. Her goal is to integrate AI with neuroscience, driven by a personal mission to prevent and treat brain strokes—a vision inspired by the loss of her grandmother to a stroke. Awarded the prestigious His Majesty King Scholarship, Rakshya is on a path to revolutionize medical AI, developing innovative solutions for brain stroke management through predictive analytics and personalized treatment plans. One thing she will be forever grateful and proud of is being an HM King’s Scholar, which has helped her financially and kept her motivated to achieve more with the golden opportunity she is honored with. She is also very grateful to the AIT School of Engineering and Technology for awarding this scholarship and providing her with this opportunity. Rakshya not only excels in her studies but also stands as the topper of her class.
Rakshya’s pursuit of AI is deeply rooted in her mission to revolutionize the medical field and make it more accessible. A painful personal experience drives this mission, as she lost her grandmother to a brain stroke at an early age. Witnessing her grandmother’s untimely departure made Rakshya realize that advancements in medical science could have potentially saved her life. This realization has fueled her focus on her thesis titled “Brain Stroke Classification Using EEG,” aiming to make significant strides in stroke prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Her thesis specifically explores the combination of advanced neurological research with cutting-edge AI technology to develop innovative solutions for brain stroke management. By leveraging AI’s predictive analytics and pattern recognition capabilities, she aims to identify early warning signs, personalize treatment plans, and improve patient outcomes. Furthermore, this research aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages. SDG 3 focuses on preventing needless suffering from preventable diseases and premature death by targeting key areas that can significantly boost the health of a population. By making stroke care more efficient and accessible, healthcare disparities can be reduced, ensuring healthier lives. Additionally, integrating AI in medical diagnostics can lead to more sustainable healthcare practices by optimizing resource use, reducing waste, and lowering the overall environmental impact of medical procedures.
The person who introduced Rakshya to the transformative potential of AI in the medical field is her advisor, Dr. Chaklam Silpasuwancha, an Assistant Professor at the Information, Communications, and Technologies Department and co-founder of AI Brain Lab. His ability to see the beauty in each detail of AI has been a profound motivation for her. Dr. Chaklam has been a significant source of inspiration and guidance for Rakshya. His passion for the intricate beauty of AI has profoundly motivated her, helping her navigate the challenges of her research journey. One of the first pieces of advice Dr. Chaklam gave her was to “imagine the world in vectors” and to strive to be the best she can be, a mantra that continues to drive her forward.
Through this work, Rakshya hopes to contribute to a future where advanced medical care is available to everyone and where technological innovations continually drive progress in global health sustainability. She envisions a world where AI can predict and prevent medical emergencies, personalize treatment plans, and bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility. By leveraging the power of AI, Rakshya aims to create solutions that not only save lives but also promote a healthier, more equitable global society.
For Rakshya, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) is not just a field of study; it’s a passion that ignites her every day, even through the toughest challenges. She believes in “trusting the process” and finding motivation in every problem she solves using AI and Machine Learning (ML). Her work in AI has ranged from ensuring the smooth flow of vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic to various projects at AIT, making her journey rewarding and impactful.
Despite technological progress, women in engineering and IT are still underrepresented. Rakshya recalls that in her Bachelor’s class of 30, only five were women, a trend that continues in her Master’s program. Nevertheless, she has not faced prejudice at AIT, though the same cannot be said for her experiences in Nepal. Her relatives often dismiss her work in AI as a phase, but Rakshya remains undeterred. Her aim to create revolutionary technology is a personal ambition and a call to action to remind the world of pioneering women like Ada Lovelace, the mother of computers. As she continues to push the boundaries of technology, Rakshya inspires women everywhere, proving that with determination and passion, they, too, can make a profound impact on the world.
Rakshya draws inspiration from women who have made significant contributions to science and technology. Ada Lovelace showed that computers speak to women, too, and Madam Curie, a symbol of driven women, is her guiding light. Closer to home, her maternal grandmother, the first four-wheeler female license holder in Nepal, taught her that “cannot” is a word to be refused.
To those women considering a career in engineering, Rakshya offers heartfelt advice: “Go for it and embrace this journey with open arms. There will be hiccups along the way, but trust me, the journey is worth it.” She believes technology is not scary but rather a treasure box waiting to be unlocked, offering limitless possibilities for those with the skills and passion to explore it.
Rakshya Lama Moktan’s journey is a powerful narrative of breaking barriers and following one’s passion against all odds. Her work in AI and medicine promises to bring significant advancements to the medical field, making healthcare more accessible and efficient. As she continues to push the boundaries of technology, Rakshya inspires women everywhere, proving that with determination and passion, they, too, can make a profound impact on the world.
