April Student/Alumni Spotlight – Poonam Patil

Poonam Patil, a recent graduate of Harvard Extension School, is a seasoned technology professional and a dedicated advocate for empowering the next generation through self-leadership. With over two decades of experience in Information Technology, she brings a wealth of expertise in developing and implementing technology solutions that drive meaningful impact. Currently pursuing an interdisciplinary PhD, she focuses on the application of Virtual Humans—AI-driven digital humans—to enhance accessibility and engagement in these critical fields and for underserved communities. Her psychology background adds a vital human-centered perspective to her work, enabling her to study AI-driven Virtual Human design frameworks that are not only technologically advanced but also deeply aligned with human behavior, cognition, and emotional well-being.

Beyond academia, Poonam is committed to inspiring and mentoring the next generation. She is currently pursuing a Teaching Fellowship certification and serves as a Brilliant Club Scholar Tutor in the UK, empowering students from underprivileged backgrounds to tackle real-world challenges using cutting-edge technologies like Computer Vision, Computer Graphics, and Artificial Intelligence. By integrating AI advancements with human-centered design, Poonam is bridging the gap between innovation and impact. Through her experience and interest in IT, psychology, research, and teaching, she is not only pioneering the future of Virtual Humans but also empowering young minds to harness technology for social good.

✨Nominate Now!We are seeking nominations to recognize and celebrate the incredible work of HES students and alumni in the field of psychology. Whether you know someone making a difference or want to share your own achievements, we encourage you to submit—self-nominations are welcome!🔗 Click Here to Nominate