AI Research and Operations Manager
What does a typical day working for AIClub look like for you?
A typical day at AIClub is a mix of deep thinking and a lot of coordination. I usually start by looking at where each student is in their research journey what dataset they’re using, what stage their analysis is at. I help suggest the right project direction based on their interests and level. A big part of my day is finding or evaluating datasets that could work for different students and shaping those into realistic, meaningful projects.
I also spend a lot of time training and guiding teachers on research directions, and syncing with our engineering teams to discuss the more technical aspects and long-term direction of projects. Another core part of my day is creating customized curriculums and research plans, because no two research projects are the same; each student needs a slightly different path. Throughout the day I’m answering questions from students and parents, clarifying expectations, and unblocking small issues as well as technical issues in projects. All of these pieces students, teachers, engineering, mentors and our broader customer base are tightly connected, and my day is really about keeping that ecosystem moving smoothly.
What encouraged you to choose AIClub?
I chose AIClub because it brings together three things I care a lot about: AI, education, and structured, real outcomes. I liked that students aren’t just doing “toy” exercises they’re working with publicly available datasets or datasets acquired by request, and turning them into real research projects with papers, presentations, and competition submissions. That felt honest and academically grounded to me: students learn how to stand on the shoulders of existing open data and still create something original.
I also saw that AIClub needed people who could understand both the technical side of AI/ML and the operational side of running programs, supporting our customer base, and managing timelines. That combination of impact and structure is what really convinced me to join.
What do you love most about your job?
What I love most is watching confusion slowly turn into confidence. Many students initially feel that “research” is something only university labs do. Over time, as we work through datasets, methods, and write-ups, you can literally see their thinking become sharper and more independent. That transformation is very satisfying.
I also genuinely enjoy designing the behind-the-scenes structure the research plans, templates, and processes that make things smoother not just for one student, but for our entire customer base, including parents and teachers. When someone says, “That document really helped, I knew exactly what to do next,” it feels like quiet but very real impact.
What's the best advice you've ever gotten?
The best advice I’ve received is: “Don’t chase being busy; chase being intentional.” It reminded me that a packed calendar isn’t the same as meaningful work. Now I try to ask myself, “Does this task actually move a project, a student, or the company forward?” before I commit my time. It has changed how I prioritize, and it’s one reason I focus so much on building reusable systems instead of repeatedly solving the same problem manually.
What does success mean to you?
For me, success is when my work leaves a positive impact on both our customer base and the company. If students feel more confident, parents feel reassured, and teachers feel better equipped and at the same time AIClub as an organization becomes stronger, more structured, and more sustainable that’s success.
On a personal level, success also means being able to look back and see that I didn’t just “complete tasks,” but actually helped build systems, experiences, and outcomes that will keep benefiting people even when I’m not directly involved.
What's a unique or interesting fact that most people would not know about you?
An interesting fact about me is how seriously I take documentation. I don’t just do it for kids I write emails and guides so that anyone reading them, whether it’s a parent, a teacher, mentor or a student, can follow each step clearly without needing extra explanation. I’ll happily take screenshots of portals and forms, annotate each button, and walk through the process in detail.
My philosophy is: do a piece of work once with as much clarity and perfection as possible, so it becomes self-explanatory afterwards. It saves time in the long run and gives people a sense of confidence when they interact with our processes.
Who inspires you?
My teammates inspire me the most. I see how much thought and effort they put into helping students, supporting each other, and improving what we offer as a company. Whether it’s someone patiently walking through a technical concept, or someone staying late to fix a process issue before it impacts our customer base, that quiet dedication really motivates me. Working with people who care about both quality and kindness pushes me to do better.
What's your all-time favorite movie and why?
My all-time favorite movie is “The Pursuit of Happyness.” I love how the main character refuses to give up on his dreams, even when everything around him is difficult financially, emotionally, and personally. He works hard and smart, learns something completely new, and eventually becomes a stock broker of "NYSE" in a field that initially feels out of reach for him.
For me, the movie is a reminder that no matter how much hardship you go through, how new the work is, or how life changes with time, determination still matters a lot. That message stays with me and often comes back to mind when I’m dealing with challenges in my own journey.