Naveen Govindaraj (MSc Artificial Intelligence, 2024)
'I chose to study at Queen Mary University of London not only for its well-structured and up-to-date curriculum but also because London is rapidly emerging as a major tech hub. For international students in particular, I’d suggest actively engaging with both faculty and peers to enrich your experience and build a strong network in that scene.'
Why did you choose to study your programme and why Queen Mary?
I chose this course because Queen Mary University of London offers a cutting-edge curriculum that incorporates the latest advancements in the field. I was particularly impressed that it also includes Artificial Intelligence Ethics as a core component, something I didn’t find in other programs.
Why did you choose to study at Queen Mary?
I chose to study at Queen Mary University of London not only for its well-structured and up-to-date curriculum but also because London is rapidly emerging as a major tech hub. Being in this environment has given me valuable opportunities to network and collaborate with the right people in the industry, which was essential for my professional growth.
What did you most enjoy about your course?
I most enjoyed the opportunity to work closely with PhD students on my dissertation, which allowed me to explore complex yet fascinating challenges in the field of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Diffusion models. I also really valued the coursework on robotics and cognitive science — areas that are becoming increasingly important as AI continues to advance. These experiences gave me both depth and breadth in understanding the future direction of the field.
Can you share an example of a project, assignment, or activity that stood out to you?
One project that really stood out to me was part of my cognitive science coursework, where I built a reinforcement learning environment in Unity. In this project, I modeled a penalty shootout scenario with two players trying to score and a goalkeeper defending, applying cognitive science principles to shape the agents’ behavior. It was fascinating to watch how these principles translated into intelligent decision-making within the simulation.
Which modules did you enjoy the most and were there any academics that had a strong influence on shaping your time and studies here?
The modules I enjoyed the most were those focused on deep learning, computer vision and cognitive science. They offered a perfect balance between theory and practical application, which made the learning process both engaging and impactful.
I was also fortunate to receive incredible support from Dr. Shanxin Yuan and Qing Wang during my dissertation. Their guidance and encouragement played a big role in shaping my research approach and deepening my understanding of complex AI concepts.
Describe your career path since graduating.
Since graduating, I have been working in the field of generative AI and agentic automations, focusing on developing intelligent systems that can perform complex tasks autonomously. In addition to my technical work, I established an AI Ethics Review Board within my organization to ensure that all AI projects align with ethical standards and responsible AI practices. This experience has allowed me to combine hands-on AI development with leadership in shaping ethical and impactful AI initiatives.
How has your degree remained relevant throughout your career and are there any particular areas of your degree that you use in your day-to-day job?
My degree has remained highly relevant throughout my career, particularly in two key areas. First, the focus on ethical AI has been central to my day-to-day work, guiding how I design and evaluate AI systems responsibly. Second, the deep learning modules provided me with a strong understanding of the models we use regularly, including their capabilities and limitations, which has been invaluable when building complex AI systems and agentic automations.
What's one piece of advice you'd offer to someone considering studying your programme at Queen Mary – especially international students?
One piece of advice I would offer is to make the most of the hands-on projects and research opportunities, as they are where the real learning happens. For international students in particular, I’d suggest actively engaging with both faculty and peers to enrich your experience and build a strong network in London’s tech scene. I’d also recommend making regular use of the university gym to stay active and healthy, while being mindful to limit reliance on meal deals to maintain a balanced diet.