Computer scientist and product leader passionate about the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, business, ethics and society. I am a socio-technologist motivated by the ability to improve human conditions in low-resource environments through technical solutions.
Product Manager at Microsoft NERD. MIT Masters in EECS ('20), BSc in Computer Science ('19) and BSc in Management ('19) with academic and research interests broadly in the fields of responsible Artificial Intelligence, algorithms and their applications to social good. Ron Brown Scholar and recipient of the 2019 Albert G. Hill Prize, 2019 Mens et Manus Award, and the 2019 EECS Seth J. Teller Award.
I was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and immigrated to the United States at the age of 5 as a recipient of the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery. I am passionate about the responsible use of AI and technology, increasing access to education and opportunity in low resource settings, and issues pertaining to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Recent
See details →
Breaking it Down with BK
Check out my new blog - Breaking it down with BK!
See details →
Social Media
Follow me on twitter!
See details →
Chef BK
Check out some of my culinary creations on Instagram!
Overview
Education
I graduated with a Masters in EECS ('20) and BSc in Computer Science ('19) and BSc in Management ('19) from MIT. My academic and research interests were broadly in the fields of AI, algorithms and their applications to social good.
Professional Experience
My professional experiences span academia and industry, in a range of individual contributor roles including research, engineering and product management. I am currently a Product Manager at Microsoft.
Teaching
I have led and scaled new teaching programs at MIT and abroad in countries including Ethiopia, South Africa and Morocco. Subjects include Computer Programming, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering Leadership.
Public Speaking
I speak on a range of topics including AI, Africa, product management, higher education and business. Past speaking engagements include: MIT Media Lab, AI4Youth Canada, Microsoft New England Research and Development Center, MIT Sloan.
Honors & Awards
I am a reciepient of the 2015 Ron Brown Scholarship, and numerous MIT Institute Awards for my contributions to academics, research, and student life.
Personal Projects
In my free time, I enjoy blogging on topics pertaining to world events, technology, Africa, and my personal journey.