TA Spotlight: Renée Yaldoo

Friday, March 21, 2025

Renée Yaldoo is a TA for CS 7641: Machine Learning. Keep reading to learn more about Renée!

What is your academic and/or professional background? If you're currently working, what do you do?

I’ve always loved problem-solving, which led me to earn a Bachelor’s in Mathematics from Wayne State University and later a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science from Drexel University. Now, I’m finishing my Master’s in Computer Science at Georgia Tech, with a focus on Machine Learning. Along the way, I’ve had the chance to work on some exciting projects, like improving car upgrade predictions at Ford Credit and tackling fraud detection for iPads at Apple. These experiences, combined with teaching mathematics as an adjunct faculty member with Pima Community College, have shaped my passion for blending technical expertise with teaching and mentoring.

Why do you TA for OMSCS?

I love being a TA for the OMSCS program because it lets me share my passion for learning while helping others succeed in their educational journey. There’s something incredibly rewarding about breaking down challenging concepts in machine learning and seeing that “aha!” moment in students. Plus, I know firsthand how impactful education can be, and OMSCS’s accessibility to learners around the world makes it even more meaningful to me. Teaching here isn’t just about supporting students; it’s about being part of a global learning community that’s inspiring and constantly evolving.

What do you like most about OMSCS, and why?

What I love most about OMSCS is the diversity of the student community. It’s inspiring to learn alongside people from all over the world, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences. The program also emphasizes hands-on learning, which has been invaluable for bridging theory with real-world application. Whether it’s working on cutting-edge machine learning projects or engaging in discussions with peers and professors, OMSCS creates an environment that’s both intellectually stimulating and incredibly supportive.

What research do you hope to work on in the future?

I hope to focus on research at the intersection of machine learning and public health, particularly in cancer prediction and prevention. My interests lie in developing statistical models and machine learning algorithms to analyze biological data, identify risk factors, and improve early detection methods. I’m especially passionate about research that has a tangible impact on underserved communities, ensuring that advancements in technology and healthcare are accessible to those who need them most. Ultimately, I aspire to contribute to solutions that improve public health outcomes and support equitable access to healthcare innovations.

Who is your inspiration, and why?

My biggest inspiration is my father. Despite facing economic hardships and health challenges, he showed me what it means to persevere with grace and resilience. As a war refugee, his strength and determination to create a better life for our family have deeply shaped my values. His unwavering support and sacrifices have inspired me to pursue my education and career with gratitude and purpose. His story reminds me every day of the importance of hard work, community, and lifting others up through education and opportunity.

Tell us about why you feel the work that you do is significant and why it is important that you are the one doing it.

The work I do is significant because it combines my passion for education, machine learning, and equity. As a first-generation Chaldean-American and a woman in STEM, I’ve faced barriers that underrepresented communities often encounter in pursuing education and technical careers, and this perspective fuels my mission to make these fields more accessible and inclusive. In teaching, I strive to inspire confidence and curiosity in students who might feel like they don’t belong in STEM, and in research, I hope to focus on projects that positively impact public health, particularly in underserved communities. My journey, shaped by resilience and gratitude, allows me to break down stereotypes, represent a unique voice, and create opportunities for the next generation to thrive in ways they might not have imagined possible.