Shonda Bernadin
Dr. Shonda Bernadin is a distinguished engineering educator and researcher specializing in speech and image processing, natural language processing, data analysis, and artificial intelligence. She earned her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Florida State University, where she made history as the first Black woman to receive a doctorate in engineering from the institution. Recently promoted to Full Professor at Florida A&M University, Dr. Bernadin also holds the prestigious Google Endowed Professorship, awarded in recognition of her leadership in ethical generative AI, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and commitment to student advancement in STEM.
Throughout her career, Dr. Bernadin has been a passionate advocate for broadening STEM talent, diversity and inclusion in engineering. She leads the Speech Processing and Data Analysis Laboratory (SPADAL), where she mentors students and advances research in speech perception and related technologies. Her contributions to research and education have earned her multiple institutional and national honors. Dr. Bernadin has also spearheaded several major initiatives, including a semiconductor manufacturing training program and a student-led virtual AI art museum, both aimed at expanding access to technology education and engaging the broader community in conversations about innovation and the future of AI.
• Florida State University- Ph.D.
• University of Florida- M.S.
• Florida A&M University- B.S.
• IEEE
• Florida Engineering Group
• Research Groups
• Community Groups
• NSBE
• SWE
• ASEE
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to constantly challenging myself to learn and grow—whether through new opportunities in my career and education, conducting extensive research, committing to lifelong learning, mentoring others, and striving to make a meaningful difference every day.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to stay curious—learn all you can from school and those around you and always show up as the best version of yourself every day.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to be courageous and passionate about the path you choose, keep your goals and priorities clear, and pursue education and growth every chance you get.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in our field right now is expanding our company’s name and product line while actively pursuing new business to grow our reach and impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life include staying determined in reaching my goals, embracing every opportunity to learn, staying organized, managing time wisely, setting new goals regularly, and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth.