Temiloluwa Prioleau

"Good health is fundamental to living a fruitful life, and although I don't contribute to people's health as a doctor, a nurse or a clinical personnel, I contribute with technology-based solutions."

"Role models are critical for anyone, including Black women in STEM in academia."

"Many important lessons stand out to me. First, do not underestimate yourself. I have done and am doing more things than I ever thought I was capable of."

"Second, understand that failure is part of the journey. We often hear about people's successes but not so much about their failures. Many prominent people have had their own share of failures, which were necessary to their success."

"Third, persist. All mountains are surmountable simply by taking one step at a time. I believe the main thing that has paid off in my journey is persistence."

"Finally, ask for help. I learned early in my academic journey not to be afraid to ask for help. It doesn't matter how you learn whether it be a concept or skill, what matters is that you learn even if it takes many tries."

"Crowdsourcing is a powerful way to build datasets that can support research."

"“It’s hard to learn about something that you have no data on.”"

"All mountains are surmountable simply by taking one step at a time."

"The most exciting part of what I do is that it has a direct impact on people. I get to mentor students and contribute to shaping their future paths. I also get to develop and contribute to technology that can improve people's health. These are the things that motivate me."

"I am still learning ways that my presence will impact the institution. However, one thing that I have noticed is that I am an important resource for women and people of color in engineering and computer science."

"One of the hurdles that I have and continue to encounter is being a minority in various circles in my field, this includes being a young Black woman in male-dominated spaces. This made it particularly difficult for me to find role models."

"I chose academia because I learned that through research I could push the boundaries more in academia than I could in industry. In academia I am free to ask any questions that I think are important or potentially beneficial."

"The overwhelming majority of people who contracted COVID-19 have journeyed through their illness in self-isolation. These people have been suffering and recovering in silence. What we learn from them can help society at large understand the different facets of COVID-19."