Why Algorithms and Computer Science Are Critical for Individual Minds and Collective Innovation

"Transformative Algorithms" recognizes the presence of algorithms in our daily lives and sheds light on the positive impacts they have on the brain and society as a whole. DeCuir highlights the importance of diversity of perspectives, experiences, and ideas in the wake of new and more powerful technologies; the bottom line is we must work to make computer science and algorithms accessible to everyone. Exploring the awe-inspiring capacity for algorithms to trigger patterns in the smallest neurons in a person’s brain to community initiatives such as "Hoops & Coders" aiming to bring young women to the forefront of technology, DeCuir uses “Transformative Algorithms” as an open door into the world of computer science. Gabrielle DeCuir is a senior at Valencia High School enrolled in the International Baccalaureate & Val Tech programs. She is passionate about bioinformatics, which gives her a platform to combine her love for computer science and genetic biology to evolve modern healthcare. Inspired by the power of machine learning and data science, she plans to one day conduct research on Dementia of Alzheimers, a condition that runs in her family and impacts millions. Gabrielle is the co-president of the tutoring club “Booksmart” to support struggling elementary students and developed the "Hoops & Coders" initiative, which has exposed over 100 young women in underrepresented communities to computer science & basketball. Gabrielle’s ideal vision of the future is to make breakthroughs in bioinformatics & genetic engineering that will better society while still being able to continue her poetic pursuits and actively serve underrepresented communities to catalyze generational change in STEM industries. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx