Pratyusha Sharma is a PhD student at MIT working on developing algorithms to understand the structure of solutions artificial neural networks implement, understanding the complexity and structure of naturally arising animal communication systems in the wild, and how language and natural-language-like structures can support effective reasoning and planning in embodied agents and robots.

Through her innovative use of technology, Sharma has contributed to projects that aim to better understand whale ecology and to inform policies that protect ocean habitats. Her efforts are part of a growing field of conservation technology, where AI and data science play a crucial role in safeguarding biodiversity and promoting sustainable ecosystems.

Sharma's research is published in interdisciplinary journals like nature communications, and in top academic conferences across robotics, natural language processing, machine learning and marine biology. Her research has also been featured in articles in the New York Times, National Geographic, BBC and The Washington Post.

Prior to MIT, Sharma was at Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute for a year-long research internship advised by Prof. Abhinav Gupta. Earlier, she was an undergraduate student at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.

TED, Artificial Intelligence, MIT, Research Scientist, Robotics, Communication, Marine Biology, Computer Science, Data, STEM, Women in Tech