Continuing our Get to Know the Team series, we would like to introduce Isabel Ray, our Data Science and Policy Innovation Analyst.
Isabel brings a unique background that spans both the arts and sciences. Following an initial career as a professional ballet dancer, she transitioned into applied mathematics and is currently a PhD candidate in the Applied Mathematics department at Stellenbosch University. This rare blend of creative discipline and technical knowledge gives Isabel a unique lens through which she views complex problem-solving.
At the core of her work is a desire to apply data science and AI to solve real-world challenges, with a particular interest in health and gender equity applications. Isabel is interested in how AI is shaping our world and its wider impact on society. She believes it is important to ensure people understand not just the benefits of AI, but also its limitations and risks. While she sees AI as a fantastic tool to add value to people’s lives, she is mindful of the negative impacts that can occur if the technology is misunderstood, misused or if policy and governance fail society at large.
In her role at the Policy Innovation Lab, Isabel works closely with the AI for Policy Platform team. Here, she helps address the concrete challenges faced by policymakers in South Africa by researching and developing practical AI tools that support better, safer and socially impactful decision-making.
When she isn’t working or doing her PhD research, Isabel is an avid reader with a preference for fiction. She also enjoys keeping active and channeling her creativity through arts and crafts. Lately, you can find her hanging upside down or building core strength, as she is currently really enjoying aerial sports like lyra (aerial hoop) alongside her regular pilates practice.
We are so pleased to have Isabel’s expertise and passion for responsible technology on the team.