Her Story
About Vasuda
Vasuda Trehan is a professional with over 10-15 years of experience spanning academia and the tech industry, with expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics. Her career path began with a childhood dream of working for NASA, leading her to pursue computer science after an initial engineering focus. She completed internships at the Indian Space Research Organization and the Inter University Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, earned a master's degree in computer science with a specialization in AI, and worked as a full-stack developer for three years in California. Trehan is currently defending her PhD in AI, machine learning, and data analytics for NASA while teaching as an adjunct faculty at a university and working for the New York State government at the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, where she develops machine learning models to predict wildfires. She was a fellow in the Women in Government Public Policy program and holds memberships in the American Astronomical Society, IEEE, and the American Physics Society. Trehan attributes her success to the sacrifices and support of her mother and parents from a small town background, where she had to prove herself at every step. She values following passion and confidence, and she advises young women to listen to their hearts, trust themselves, ask questions, and step out of their comfort zones. Trehan plans to start an NGO to empower women in developing countries with skills and financial independence.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Vasuda
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from my mom who sacrificed for my education and dreams from a young age, and my supportive parents who worked hard for me despite coming from a small town where higher studies for women in their 30s or going abroad is not common. I had to prove myself at every step because people saw my high dreams as a joke, but their support and my determination shaped my career.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Always listen to your heart and what you want to do, even if society tells you otherwise. Be confident, trust yourself, and if you don't have support or mentors, keep walking the path because you will find people who want to help. Asking questions is important, get out of your comfort zone, and reach out because there are thousands of people ready to support you.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The field is multidisciplinary and men-driven, where women must check all boxes before applying while men apply with only 25-30% qualifications. Women underestimate themselves and have to constantly prove their ideas make sense because they are women, as I experienced when my contributions were dismissed compared to male colleagues. Opportunities exist in applying AI and machine learning across physics, electronics, and civic departments, but the challenge is overcoming gender biases to be taken seriously.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I don't want to do anything wrong to anyone or myself, and if I see something wrong happening, I should help in any way I can without stopping myself. Always follow passion because if you're passionate about something you will achieve it, and confidence is key. These two things, confidence and passion, are the most important to me.
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