Benjamin Choi, AB/SM ’26: From bionic arms to machine learning researcher
Benjamin Choi, AB/SM ’26: From bionic arms to machine learning researcher
https://seas.harvard.edu/news/benjamin-choi-absm-26-bionic-arms-machine-learning-researcher
Publish Date: 2026-05-07 07:14:00
Source Domain: seas.harvard.edu
- Benjamin Choi constructed a mind-controlled bionic arm as a high school student, which revealed the complex nature of human brain signals and laid the groundwork for his interest in applied math and machine learning.
- Choi is about to graduate from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) with degrees in applied math and computer science, as well as having done machine learning research at Johns Hopkins University, NASA, and the Kempner Institute for the Study of Natural and Artificial Intelligence at Harvard.
- Choi’s interdisciplinary approach is aligned with the principles of the applied math curriculum at Harvard, which he describes as the “liberal arts of STEM,” offering flexibility to explore broad interests while delving into specific subjects.
- An eye-opening class in geometric methods for machine learning and mentorship by Professor Melanie Weber significantly influenced Choi’s research path and approach to machine learning.
- Additionally, Choi’s involvement with the Kempner Institute’s research initiatives further strengthened his connection to artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural intelligence.
- His computer science master’s degree enhanced his understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of machine learning, equipping him with a flexible problem-solving approach.
- Ready to enter the workforce, Choi is eager to continue applying his research, having benefited from a diverse range of experiences at Harvard that have exposed him to advanced AI concepts and trends.
