When we talk about artificial intelligence (AI), few immediately think of its role in saving the planet. Yet for Chantelle, AI is more than algorithms and data. It is a tool for climate action. Her work sits at the intersection of technology and sustainability, exploring how AI can drive Ireland’s journey toward decarbonization.
Hi Chantelle. It is such a great pleasure to have you today on this episode of Words That Count. Thank you for joining us
Thank you for this opportunity. I am happy to be here.
Let’s start with a brief introduction about who you are
My name is Chantelle Amoako-Atta from Ghana. Currently, I am a PhD Researcher at University College Dublin in Ireland. My research focuses on how AI can help the decarbonization process in Ireland. It’s not just academic research! We are actually building innovative solutions that could turn into real-world products to help meet EU climate goals. It’s a very action-oriented PhD, which is incredibly exciting.
Alongside that, I’m still teaching. I mentor data science and machine learning students using the EPFL curriculum for professionals in Ghana. Since I am not currently in Ghana, I get to do this remotely. I also mentor with Thrive Africa, where we focus on making AI accessible, even for learners who prefer more hands-on, no-code approaches.
In short, my current work is a blend of cutting-edge AI research and teaching others. It’s fulfilling to see how both sides feed into each other and help me grow.
Walk us through how you joined the AI field, more so for decarbonization. Is this something you envisioned as a child?
As a child, I was endlessly curious. My dad used to say I’d ask a thousand questions a minute. One of my earliest memories is asking him why the sky was blue. Funny enough, I didn’t get a real answer until years later in a university meteorology course. That moment of finally understanding just reminded me how much I’ve always loved asking ‘why’ and ‘how.’ Growing up, I was the kind of kid who needed answers to keep moving forward. If I didn’t get them, I’d feel stuck and sometimes even doubt myself.
In my early education in Ghana, that curiosity sometimes made me feel out of place. It felt like I was asking too many ‘silly’ questions. But I realized later that it wasn’t that my questions were silly. It was that the environment didn’t always have the answers or the encouragement I needed. When I reached higher education, everything changed. University was where I learned that asking questions was actually a strength. I originally wanted to become a doctor, but out of fear and a bit of shyness, I chose an arts track instead of science. That decision changed my path completely, but it also led me to discover my love for mathematics. I owe this to a teacher who really pushed me and showed me I had the potential to excel. From there, I went on to do my undergraduate degree in mathematics and graduated top of my class.
My introduction to AI can vaguely be traced back to a course I took during my BSc in Computational Mathematics. At the time, I was passionate about theoretical physics and Quantum Computing, but something about computational mathematics and working with data appealed to me. I didn’t think much of it since I was so deep into the world of Quantum, but it’s something I considered diving into when I got the time.
During my first master’s degree at AIMS Rwanda, I got the opportunity to take courses where I did more programming with Python, R, Julia, machine learning, big data analytics, etc. Then, Machine Learning and AI appealed to me even more. I enjoyed studying it. We even had a chance to work on some data analysis projects as a freelance job in our spare time. That was a good introduction for me into what working in data was actually like.
I also applied and got accepted to the Ishango AI data science fellowship during my latter days at AIMS. This opportunity also gave me the chance to go deeper into AI. T received their DataCamp scholarship and worked with European companies on their data problems through hackathons. Through these experiences, I got the chance to sharpen my programming and business thinking skills in relation to AI.
After AIMS, I got an opportunity to travel to Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT) in Finland for further studies. This was a very challenging moment because I faced doubt and financial struggle, but each challenge helped shape me. It pushed me not just to learn but to teach and mentor others, especially young women who needed to see that they could thrive in STEM.
My time in Finland threw me much deeper into AI through courses like Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning, and Advanced Data Analytics. By the end of the program, I completed a project on Reinforcement Learning as my thesis: Playing Oware NamNam with Deep Q Networks. The journey to completing my thesis was particularly challenging, and by the time I was done, I had gained even more confidence in my programming skills and my ability to push through hard times. I remember almost halfway through the thesis, all my code disappeared without a trace, and I had to start again from scratch.
Also nearing the end of my time in Finland, I applied and got accepted into the SPARK program, where I got to work on AI for Brain Tumor Segmentation. It was a 6-month research fellowship, and it was at the end of that fellowship that I received the travel award to attend the MICCAI conference in Morocco, nearing the end of 2024.
So that’s how I ended up here: a journey of curiosity, a few detours, a lot of learning, and a determination to make sure no other young girl feels like she can’t ask the big questions. I have seen AI applied to many fields that impact life, and now, I am embarking on a journey of seeing it used as a tool for climate action through decarbonization.
What have been some of the challenging moments in your AI journey?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was overcoming my own shyness and the fear of not being good enough. When I was younger, I often felt like my questions were dismissed, which made me doubt myself. But in university, I realized that those questions were actually my strength. It took time and some incredible mentors to help me see that being curious and persistent is a good thing.
Another challenge was making that tough decision in high school to choose the arts path out of fear. It felt like I was giving up on my dream of becoming a doctor. But that path led me to discover mathematics, and it turned into a whole new passion. I learned that sometimes a setback is really just a redirection.
I also faced challenges being a woman in STEM. Sometimes I felt underestimated, sidelined, or like I had to prove myself more than my male peers. But that experience fueled my passion for mentoring other young women and making sure they knew they had a place in STEM. It taught me resilience and gave me the drive to help others find their confidence, too.
How were (or are) you able to stay motivated during these challenging moments?
My greatest inspiration has always been my mom. She believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. She taught me confidence and resilience, and she’s not just my mother but also my friend. Every time I felt like giving up, she was there to lift me up. My dad, my brothers, and some incredible friends have been my support system. They’ve listened to me explain quantum topics just so I could practice, and they’ve encouraged me when I felt unsure.
My faith has also been a huge anchor. It’s given me the strength to push through hard times and the motivation to keep going even when things get tough.
And of course, I’ve been lucky to have mentors who believed in me. People like Dr. Prince Osei, who saw potential in me and supported me every step of the way. I really can’t thank them enough for seeing something in me that I sometimes couldn’t see in myself. They all kept me going, and I’m so grateful for every single one of them.
Let’s talk about some of your most prestigious moments along this AI journey
My journey in STEM has been filled with moments that remind me how learning, building, and teaching can transform lives, including my own.
In 2024, I received a MICCAI Travel Scholarship, where I deepened my understanding of AI in medical imaging and engaged with leading researchers in the field. My research focused on brain tumor segmentation using ensemble learning methods for Sub-Saharan African MRI data, which was later published on arXiv.
I have also had the privilege of leading and contributing to projects that bring AI research closer to real-world use. Some highlights include;
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The Quantathon Judging App, a Django-based platform that powered the AIMS Quantathon with real-time scoring and analytics.
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The TLR Helper, a curriculum-aligned web app supporting Ghanaian teachers in developing Teaching and Learning Resources; and
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The NileEdge AI Assistant, a local privacy-first chatbot with semantic FAQ matching and speech transcription.
My first hackathon experience came while I was at AIMS Rwanda, where my team participated remotely in an international hackathon organized by Boise State University and other institutions. We placed first, and that experience sparked my long-term interest in applied machine learning and collaborative problem solving. In 2025, I served as a mentor at the AIMS Quantathon, where my team won two awards: First Place Overall and Most SDG-Aligned Solution for a quantum computing project connecting innovation to sustainability goals. Later that year, I was selected for the Google Ireland Hackathon, where my team developed Voice Path Focus, a voice-based AI companion designed to help users manage cognitive overload, inspired by neurodiversity-friendly design.
My teaching and mentoring roles are among my proudest achievements. As a Lecturer and Tutor at AIMS Ghana, I taught a two-week NLP applications module, guiding MSc students from fundamentals to building chatbots and sentiment analysis systems. I also teach data science and machine learning at Adaire Academy and mentor learners through Thrive Africa, where I help students and professionals transition into data-driven careers. Over the years, I have trained and mentored more than 200 students across Africa, many of whom have gone on to win awards, scholarships, and research placements.
Beyond technical work, I am deeply committed to representation and inclusion in STEM. I volunteer as a mentor for FemAfricMaths and Divas in AI, serve on the sponsorship and partnership team, and speak at community events such as the Ghana NLP Learn + Connect sessions.
Each recognition, from scholarships and hackathon awards to the success of my students, reinforces the same truth for me: that real achievement lies not just in what you build, but in who you uplift along the way.
As someone who has known you before, I am very proud of how far you have come.
What do you enjoy doing outside of the walls of AI and its use for decarbonization?
Outside of school and work, I love exploring and creating. I enjoy hiking, cooking, and baking, and I find joy in spending time with friends and people who bring warmth and laughter into my life. I’m naturally curious, so I often unwind by reading, learning about new ideas, and watching videos about technology, innovation, and AI.
Even though AI is my field of work, I genuinely enjoy it as a hobby too. I love seeing how the field keeps evolving and discovering creative ways people use technology to solve real problems.
I also love shopping and finding new tools or products that make life a little easier or more interesting.
Overall, I’m a mix of creativity and curiosity. Whether I’m trying out a new recipe, walking a new trail, or reading about a new AI model, I’m happiest when I’m learning, exploring, or sharing experiences with others.
What is your favorite quote?
“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you” ~ B.B. King
What are your words of encouragement for a young girl who is interested in AI?
Remember that your curiosity is your superpower. Never be afraid to ask questions or take a path that feels right for you. Every challenge you face is just a step toward discovering how capable you are. Keep going, and know that you have a place in STEM where you can shine.
Thank you, Chantelle, for sharing your STEM journey with the world. We know that everyone is talking about AI, but you are the first guest we have had planning to use it for decarbonization. We wish you all the best with your PhD and look forward to learning more about your work.
