From Astrophysics to AI: The Inspiring Career Journey of Nhung Ho
When Nhung Ho moved from Vietnam to the US at the age of five, she faced the challenge of learning English. However, a pivotal moment in grade two changed everything for her. A teacher introduced her to a picture book about astronomy, sparking a love for the subject that helped her learn English through reading astronomy books.
This passion eventually led Ho to pursue a PhD in astrophysics from Yale University, where she focused on the evolution of dwarf galaxies. After two decades of stargazing, Ho decided to pivot her career towards data science, seeing a strong parallel between the two disciplines.
Now, as the vice president of artificial intelligence at Intuit, a multinational financial-software company, Ho is at the forefront of integrating AI into the firm’s suite of personal-finance and small-business software. She has been instrumental in transforming AI from a niche department to the core of Intuit’s future strategy, aiming to create an “AI-driven expert platform” for millions of customers and small-business owners.
Drawing on her experience as an astrophysicist, Ho approaches problem-solving in data science with a focus on following the story the data tells, even if it means challenging assumptions. She emphasizes the importance of experimentation and pivoting based on new data, viewing failures as opportunities to refine solutions.
In a conversation with the BBC, Ho shares insights on the role of AI in problem-solving, the power of data in demystifying challenges, and the thrill of finding answers in the unknown. Her inspiring career journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of passion, curiosity, and adaptability in the ever-evolving tech industry.