From an English Major to an AI research scientist
Hey guys, I'm Yashika Vahi!
I'm in my third year studying English and Philosophy at the University of Waterloo, and for the past two years, I've been working at an AI startup called Artus. When I first started, I conducted a lot of research and wrote in-depth papers specifically on multi-agent systems, which truly shifted my perspective from an anti-AI stance to advocating for ethical AI to resolve global issues. Over the years, I've studied AI’s potential in advancing the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as its impact on both blue- and white-collar jobs.
Personally, I’m a traveler who loves working on farms. Doing technical and analytical work has always made me feel dull from within. Because of that, the idea of AI automating our jobs has always been appealing to me. Sometimes we tend to take ourselves too seriously and forget that death is always near; what really matters are the connections we make and the kindness we show to people, not our ambitions or our legacy. Eventually, the universe will swallow not just us, but the whole of humanity.
I love getting excited about new developments in science, arts, and technology, but I feel it’s equally important to stay grounded. To be honest, I wasn't sure if Product Hunt was the right platform for someone like me, who is constantly balancing a passionate, ambitious drive with a more detached, existential perspective. But I'm so happy to see more and more people following their dreams here and getting the chance to build something they can call their own.
If you're a founder, I would love to know: what are the true motivations behind what you've built?
Replies
Beautifully written, Yashika. I really resonate with this balance between ambition and detachment.
I’m also deeply interested in philosophy and writing, while working on AI and startup ideas. For me, building is not only about success or legacy — it is about understanding real human problems, creating something meaningful, and using technology in a way that genuinely improves people’s lives.
What motivates me most is the possibility that an idea, if built with enough care, can reduce friction, open opportunities, or make someone feel a little more empowered.
Your perspective on staying grounded while still being curious about science and technology is rare and refreshing.
@riyazhossaini thanks for the comment, Riyaz! I'm really interested in learning how new scientific or technological developments affect our inner psychology and actions and it's nice to see that you think in a similar fashion! while it's true that certain advancements can make the world better and empower us, how do you think this kind of situation could reverse by making people feel superior than they are? of course this is a hypothetical question just to keep the conversation going but I do think it's interesting to ponder on this question and consider its depth in this economy.
@yashika_vahi I think that when technology gives us more power, speed, or access to knowledge, it can also create the illusion that we have become wiser, deeper, or more capable than we actually are. We may begin to confuse access with understanding, automation with mastery, and visibility with value. That is where advancement can quietly turn into arrogance.
Technological advancement expands our abilities, so we should also focus on expanding our humility. The more powerful technology becomes, the more important self-awareness, ethics, and emotional maturity become too.
I was watching a podcast where LinkedIn’s CMO and another speaker were discussing AI, and they said that AI is pushing us to become more human.
@riyazhossaini I really like the idea of AI making us more human. People have been scared that it's gonna replace our jobs but I do think that this is just a normal hesitant adjustment period for most people, where some are draining the benefits while others struggle to change their viewpoint. If seen through a broader lens, AI is definitely gonna streamline our workflows in the sense that we can think deeper on our own goals and allow it to handle the analytical, financial, and worldly aspects of building on our most important and irreplaceable quality to be creative.
@yashika_vahi Exactly.