Biography

My name is Ndoumbe Ndoye, and I’m a Computer Science student at the University of Rhode Island with a deep interest in how technology can create positive, lasting change. I’ve always been drawn to the ways data and computing can solve real problems, whether that’s helping communities, improving access, or making systems work more efficiently. What excites me most about research is its mix of creativity and purpose. The idea that code, when combined with collaboration and empathy, can have a real social impact. Outside of coursework, I’ve enjoyed taking on roles that let me connect people and ideas, whether organizing programs for student groups or mentoring peers exploring tech for the first time. These experiences have taught me the importance of inclusive spaces and teamwork in innovation. I’m interested in joining the Sustainable Research Pathway because it brings together the kind of research community I hope to grow in, one focused on sustainability, equity, and real-world applications of AI. I see this as a chance to learn from mentors, contribute to meaningful projects, and develop into a researcher who uses computing to build better, more ethical systems.

Academic Status

Undergraduate Student - 4th

Research Area/Department

Computer Science

Major/Specialty

Computer Science

Degrees Earned or in Progress

Degree in Progress: Computer Science, September 2022 - May 2026

Academic Preparation

I’ve completed several courses that have helped me build a strong foundation for a research or internship experience. In computer science, I’ve taken CSC 212: Data Structures and Algorithms, CSC 350: Software Engineering, CSC 310: Introduction to Data Science, CSC 340: Applied Combinatorics, CSC 411: Machine Organization.

Research/Academic Interests

I'm interested in how AI and data can make products better, not just more powerful, but actually useful and fair. I've always been drawn to the gap between what's technically possible and what people actually need. That's what pushes me toward product management, figuring out how to take research insights and turn them into decisions that matter. I care about questions like: when does adding AI to a product actually help users versus just creating new problems? How do we spot bias in our data before it becomes bias in our systems? A lot of my curiosity comes from seeing how often tech gets built without asking whether it should be built that way in the first place. I like working at the messy intersection of technical work and human behavior. I want to understand machine learning well enough to know what's realistic, but also spend time thinking about how design choices affect real people. Long-term, I'm aiming to build things, or help teams build things, that don't just work technically, but work well for the people using them.

Computational and Data Science Areas

Applied Computer Science; Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems; Other Computer and Information Sciences; Other Engineering and Technologies

Motivation

The Sustainable Research Pathway feels like the perfect opportunity to keep growing in that way. I’m excited to learn from researchers and professionals who approach complex problems from both technical and human-centered perspectives. I hope this experience will not only strengthen my research and collaboration skills, but also give me insight into how innovative ideas are developed and managed. In the long term, I’m interested in possibly creating a startup, and I believe experiences like this, working on real projects with teams will help me understand how to build technology that’s both impactful and sustainable.

Lightning Talk Title

How AI Can Guide Sustainable Technology Adoption

Keywords (Maximum 20 words)

AI decision support; sustainable technology; user adoption; product strategy; rollout planning; system integration; data analysis; optimization; cybersecurity compliance; user behavior