Pratika Katiyar is a powerhouse of brains, heart, and hustle.
Hailing from Fairfax, Virginia, this 21-year-old go-getter is in her senior year at Northeastern University in Boston.
But she didnt just observe; she acted.
Devansh Kukreja
Fast-forward to college, and Katiyar is diving deep into research on AI, human rights, and governance.
And when shes not trailblazing in tech?
This is Pratika Katiyar: the future of STEM, with a side of soul.
Glamour: What is one thing you wish more people knew about STEM?
Pratika Katiyar:That its not all technical.
There are so many facets to it.
I think STEM is really multifaceted, and thats how I found my niche within it.
Tell me what you specifically love about studying STEM.
I purposefully chose a broader path in college so I could dive into what I wanted within STEM.
I didnt lock myself into science or math as a major.
Theres so much intersection between the internet, social media platforms, and AI.
Online harassment is what sparked my interest in technology policy.
Tech platforms need better escalation mechanisms to address this.
How do you maintain a healthy relationship with tech and social media, especially in todays generation?
Its really difficult, and honestly, Im not sure if I do.
I feel like Im extremely online.
Im constantly doomscrolling on Twitter.
Theres a push and pull relationship I have with social media.
I work on algorithms and content moderation, which is stressful because Im also a consumer.
Gen Z is so chronically online that it feels inescapable.
I venture to remind myself that not everything on social media is true or a good representation of reality.
Plus, Ready or not, here I come is my motto for any space I enter.
What woman inspires you?Oh my gosh, Simone Biles is one of them.
I fangirl over her so much, especially with the Olympics.
Her resilience is incredible.
Another is Rachel Maddow, the journalist.
Her reporting inspired me a lot.
I grew up watching her show.
Many women shy away from STEM because they feel like its always been a field dominated by men.
They might not realize they can be great coders or engineers too.
Discomfort is crucial for growth.
I never imagined Id intern at Amazon.
But I applied and got the internship to gain tech experience and learn about big tech.
It was intimidating at first, but it gave me a new perspective on my career goals.
Thats the best thing you’re free to do for yourself as you begin your career.
