Aayushi is a second-year Ph.D. student in Computer Science at the University of Connecticut, where her research explores the intersection of computer vision and AI security. Under the mentorship of Dr. Ben Fuller, her current work focuses on investigating vulnerabilities in machine learning systems used in voting infrastructure, and developing technical strategies to make these systems more secure, transparent, and resilient.

Before joining UConn in Fall 2024, Aayushi earned her Master’s in Data Science from Pace University, while working as a data scientist at a federally funded research and development center in Virginia. She began her academic journey in New Zealand, earning a BSc in Astronomy from the University of Canterbury in 2022. Her background in astronomy, combined with professional experience in data science and applied machine learning, fuels her passion for trustworthy AI systems that serve public needs.

Drawn to UConn by its research culture and the opportunity to work with faculty at the forefront of security and AI, Aayushi joined JLLA to grow as a technical leader and community builder. During her first year in JLLA, she has contributed to workshop development and serves on the Outreach Committee, helping to strengthen engagement across the College of Engineering and the broader public.

Now in her second year of JLLA, Aayushi is serving as co-Finance Director on JLLA’s executive board, and is excited about connecting JLLA’s mission to graduate student needs across engineering. The leadership skills she gained through JLLA have also inspired her involvement in her department’s GradLife Committee, where she is working to build a stronger, more connected community for computer science graduate students.

Aayushi’s academic interests lie in developing rigorous, usable, and ethical AI systems. Her long-term goal is to become an industrial research scientist who not only contributes to impactful systems, but also builds and leads diverse, forward-thinking research teams. She views leadership as the ability to act with intention, communicate with clarity, and build resilience in both ideas and people.

She believes JLLA has been instrumental in helping her grow into a leader who listens deeply, navigates conflict respectfully, and drives positive change through collaboration. Her advice to aspiring graduate students: seek out communities like JLLA that challenge you to lead with purpose and help you grow beyond the technical. Through her work with JLLA, Aayushi hopes to carry forward Dr. John Lof’s legacy of excellence, innovation, and service.