Computer scientist Shwetak Patel - ScienceLives

The speaker reflects on their career choice in computer science, inspired by its societal impact. They share insights from an internship at Sony, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and perseverance in research. Early scientific curiosity is highlighted through childhood experiments. The speaker discusses the qualities needed for effective research, such as confidence and resilience. They also address the societal benefits of their work, particularly in energy consumption. Influences from mentors are acknowledged, and common misconceptions about researchers are clarified. Personal values and music preferences are briefly mentioned.

What characteristic does the speaker believe is most important for an effective researcher?

What societal benefits does the speaker mention regarding their work?

Who does the speaker credit as having the most influence on their research thinking?