Foley Welcomes Theoretical Neuroscientist and Artificial Intelligence Expert Vivienne Ming
Dr. Vivienne Ming, Professional Mad Scientist, Co-Founder & CEO of Socos Labs, Director of OptoCeutics, Chief Scientist of Dionysus, and Chair Emeritus of StartOut, recently joined Foley & Lardner for a firmwide conversation in recognition of Pride Month.
Dr. Ming, an outspoken member of the trans community, shared research that was top of mind for her including issues related to diversity, interrupting bias, and returning to work. Overall, her research is focuses on how to maximize human capacity as a theoretical neuroscientist, serial entrepreneur, demented author, and mother of two. Socos Labs, her fifth company and second co-founded with wife Dr. Norma Ming, is a mad science incubator. It explores seemingly intractable problems—from a lone child’s disability to global economic inclusion—for free.
Vivienne’s previous companies have applied machine learning to bias in hiring and education at home and in school. She started her professional life as a visiting scholar at UC Berkeley’s Redwood Center for Theoretical Neuroscience pursuing her research in cognitive neuroprosthetics. In her free time, Vivienne works to design AI systems to help treat her son’s diabetes, predict manic episodes in bipolar sufferers, and reunite orphan refugees with extended family members. She sits on the boards of numerous companies and nonprofits. Vivienne was named one of “10 Women to Watch in Tech” by Inc. Magazine and one of the BBC’s 100 Women in 2017. She is featured frequently for her research and inventions in The Financial Times, The Atlantic, Quartz Magazine and the New York Times.
Thank you to John Litchfield for providing the intro and serving as the moderator.
Alexis P. Robertson
Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
[email protected]