Zekun Wu

Meet Zekun, an Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development MSc graduate at UCL Computer Science. Learn more about Zekun's experience at UCL and what he has got planned since graduating.

What's your background? 

I'm from Shenzhen in China and before my Master's study, I completed my undergraduate degree in Computer Science BSc at UCL. 

For my final year project in my undergraduate degree, I collaborated with partners at UCL's Slade Art School and Dementia Centre using natural water sounds to improve mental health in response to user input. 

Why did you choose to study Computer Science at UCL?

I chose to study at UCL Computer Science for its global reputation and its unique interdisciplinary approach. The curriculum in my Computer Science BSc degree was an effective blend of theoretical and practical learning.

This multi-disciplinary approach continued in my Master's degree, Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development MSc, which seamlessly combined AI technology with discussions on ethics and sustainability.

Another key factor was UCL's extensive professional network. This network not only enhanced my academic experience, but also opened the doors for my career. It led to my current role at Holistics AI, a company founded by a UCL Alumni.

What were the highlights of your CS programme?

For my Master's programme, one of my highlights was the module, COMP0195 - Accountable, Transparent, and Responsible Artificial Intelligence. It equipped me with skills to create ethical AI systems, delving into topics such as algorithmic fairness and AI governance. 

Another great moment was my thesis for my master's degree which was conducted in partnership with Holistic AI. My research focused on detecting text-based stereotypes and benchmarking bias in Large Language Models.

What were the highlights of your time generally at UCL?

During my Master's programme, my time at UCL was marked by strong academics, great friendships and the benefits of living in London. I made friends from around the world, and together we explored London, trying out different foods, visiting popular spots and playing different sports.

When I was studying at UCL, I had access to excellent academic facilities, the Research Grid in the Science library and the undergraduate computer science lab in the engineering front building. 

What industry and career opportunities did you get access to on your programme?

During my Master's programme, I secured an internship position at Holistic AI, a company specialising in auditing and management founded by UCL alumni, Dr Adriano Koshiyama and Dr Emre Kazim. This employment opportunity directly stemmed from my Master's programme studies. 

A crucial habit that aided my progress was consistently checking emails from UCL academic staff - these communications often contained invaluable information and opportunities. This has been instrumental in expanding my network both in the industry and academia. 

What did you write your dissertation on?

My dissertation focused on text-based stereotype detection and bias benchmarking in Large Language Models (LLMs). My interest in AI bias was sparked by the COMP195 module, where we examined how historical data could lead models to perpetuate biases.

My thesis project also closely aligns with Holistic AI's product, Guardian, which aims to audit various aspects of LLM outputs, including bias. Throughout this experience, I've learned valuable skills in model validation using different explainable AI techniques, benchmarking through reliable metrics, and elicitation prompt generation and experiment design.

How did you manage your workload, and what advice would you give to prospective students in terms of being successful and making the most of the  opportunities at UCL?

For prospective students at UCL, I would say, firstly, attending the CS department's regular [ml-talks] lectures is highly recommended. These lectures are hosted at UCL's AI Centre and feature leading academics from around the world.  Also, make sure to subscribe to the lecture series' email notifications.

Secondly, it's essential to take part in the weekly personal tutor meetings. UCL assigns each undergraduate and Master's student a dedicated tutor who is an expert in their field. Though this support is often overlooked, it's one of the greatest opportunities UCL offers for all-around guidance and even for practising English.

Thirdly, to manage an undergraduate final-year project or master's thesis effectively, I strongly believe in starting the literature review early. This step can be a game-changer: it could either disrupt your initial plans or generate new, valuable ideas.

If you were an international student, how easy was it to settle in? How did you find studying in the UK?

Coming from China, I initially faced challenges settling into the UK due to language barriers and cultural differences. Yet, actively participating in lectures and classroom discussions helped speed up my integration.

To enrich my experience, I joined UCL's extracurricular activities, specifically the badminton club and running club. A highlight was the Project Active 5km run, which improved my physical stamina and allowed me to connect with others who share a passion for running. These activities helped me build a social circle and feel more at home in the UK.

Where are you working now, and what are your career goals? How did your programme help you achieve this?

I'm currently employed at Holistic AI, an amazon company founded by UCL alumni focused on AI auditing and management. My role here aligns closely with my Master's study on responsible AI and thesis research on auditing and benchmarking Large Language Models, particularly with development and research related to the Large Language Models.

The programme helped me build an invaluable professional network that not only led to my current position but also opened doors for further academic opportunities, like pursuing a CS PhD at UCL. This network was cultivated through UCL's regular academic guidance, industry-specific talks, and research collaborations.

Why would you recommend this course?

I highly recommend this course for its balanced focus on both technical skills and real-world applications. Located in London, UCL adds cultural and professional enrichment to the educational experience. The course is designed to integrate theory with practice, preparing you not just as a computer scientist but also as a problem-solver in sustainable development.

UCL's facilities, such as the science library, graduate hub, and student centre meet various study needs and contribute to an exceptional educational journey. Overall, UCL provides an ideal environment for achieving a balanced study-work-life experience and I also highly recommend this course.

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