Reed Coke, Director of Engineering at KUNGFU.AI, shares his journey from a bilingual childhood in Amsterdam to becoming an AI expert. He explains AI's paradox of being smart yet clueless, using relatable analogies like singing in a foreign language. The discussion dives into his groundbreaking work in AI for early cancer detection and the challenges of teaching computers contextual understanding. Reed also offers tips for young learners interested in AI, highlighting community resources that can ignite their passion for technology.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
AI Predicts Cancer Early
Reed worked on an AI system that could predict cancer risks five years before diagnosis by analyzing x-rays.
It was exciting and meaningful to help catch cancer early and improve treatment outcomes.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Start Learning Python Early
Kids can start learning Python and AI early using free and fun websites like Code Academy and Code Combat.
Joining classes, camps, or community groups like Black Girls Hack can provide support and enhance learning.
insights INSIGHT
AI Learns Language Like Singing
AI processing language is like singing along to songs in a language you don’t know.
It recognizes patterns but does not understand the actual meaning like humans do.
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Ever wondered why AI can be simultaneously brilliant and bewilderingly clueless? Reed Coke, Director of Engineering at KUNGFU.AI, offers a beautifully simple explanation: AI is like singing along to songs in a language you don't know. You recognize patterns and can predict what comes next without truly understanding the meaning.
Reed brings his unique background as a linguist-turned-AI engineer to explain natural language processing in terms kids (and adults) can grasp. Growing up bilingual in Dutch and English sparked his passion for languages, eventually leading him to discover programming as a powerful tool for studying human communication. This intersection became his specialty - building AI systems that interact with language.
The conversation explores fascinating territory, from Reed's work on an AI system that could detect cancer risks five years before diagnosis to the amusing challenges of teaching computers to understand context (like distinguishing complaints about counterfeit products from reviews of Halloween "fake doctor" costumes). Reed breaks down complex concepts like supervised learning without sacrificing accuracy, making them accessible for young listeners.
Reed offers practical advice on getting started with AI through resources like Code Academy, Code Combat, kidspython.com, and Black Girls Hack, emphasizing that community-based learning through classes and camps often provides the best support. Most importantly, he encourages approaching AI development with empathy - considering who created the training data, what experiences it represents, and how systems will affect real people.
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