Spotlight: UCSF AI4ALL Alum - Valerie Kwek
UCSF AI4All is back, and DoC-IT is proud to be a partnering sponsor of this incredible program. Over 10 weeks, this summer internship gives high school students hands-on exposure to AI and data-driven biomedical discovery, helping shape the next generation of researchers and innovators.
Applications are open for the 2026 cohort (deadline is March 25), and we're excited to feature program alumni and where they are now.
Read on to hear firsthand from an alumnus of the program in the Q&A below.
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Q&A with Valerie Kwek (UCSF AI4ALL '20)
Valerie Kwek is a 2020 UCSF AI4ALL alumna whose experience in the program helped set her on the path to studying computer science. Drawn by a passion for biomedical applications of AI and a desire to connect with like-minded peers, Valerie came away with more than technical skills. She developed a lasting commitment to building technology that is purposeful and ethically grounded. She continues to carry that mindset forward in her work today.
What drew you to apply to the UCSF AI4All program?
I was drawn to AI4All because I was interested in how computer science could be applied to real-world problems, especially in biomedical applications. Through this program, I wanted to gain more hands-on experience with AI and also meet friends that were similarly passionate about the field.
How did AI4All shape the direction of your education or career?
AI4All helped me realize that I wanted to pursue opportunities in computer science and really showed me the potential of AI on what we can do to better the future. It was part of the reason I decided to be a computer science major!
Looking back, what's one skill, mindset shift, or piece of advice from mentors or fellow trainees that you still carry with you today?
It's really important to be aware of the real-world impact of what you're building. In this age of generative AI where so many things can be created instantly, it's sometimes easy to lose track of the bigger purpose. Grounding our work in intention helps ensure that the technology we make remains meaningful and ethical.
If you could describe the AI4All experience in one sentence to someone who's never heard of it, what would you say?
AI4All is a really exciting and hands-on experience where you can explore how AI is being used to tackle real-world problems in the biomedical industry while also collaborating with passionate peers and inspiring mentors.
Anything else you'd like prospective applicants to know?
If you're worried about not having that much experience in AI, don't be! As long as you have the curiosity, you're halfway there -- this program is an amazing way to explore interests in STEM with a supportive environment.