Bison Trailblazers | Machine Learning Engineer, Howard Prioleau

by Daliah Ouedraogo

When Howard Prioleau applied for the Google PhD Fellowship in Natural Language Processing, it felt like a natural step towards his journey of diving deeper into the world of computer science. Now, the Howard University doctoral student makes history as the first recipient from an HBCU of the prestigious Google PhD Fellowship. For Prioleau, this achievement represents a significant milestone in his ongoing dedication to advancing the field of natural language processing.  

Google's impact on Prioleau’s journey began in childhood.  

“As a kid fascinated by technology, Google was one of the places that sparked my curiosity and inspired me to dive deeper into the world of computer science. From building my first computer to exploring machine learning, Google’s work showed me what was possible with tech and pushed me to pursue my own path,” recalls Prioleau. 

“It all started when I accidentally installed ransomware on our old family HP computer, which led to me being banned from the family PC. That setback became the spark I needed; I decided to build my own computer,” he adds.  

Fast forward, as a freshman at Howard University, Prioleau was excited to keep learning the ropes of computer science and heading straight into the industry. 

An opportunity to conduct natural language processing research during his sophomore year changed the trajectory of Prioleau’s plans to ultimately pursue a PhD. His passion for research was solidified by several collaboration and mentorship opportunities with renowned researchers in the field of computer science at Howard. Working alongside the likes of professors Dr. Saurav Aryal, Dr. Legand Burge and Dr. Gloria Washington, Prioleau was able to push the boundaries of research in critical areas in computer science. Additionally, Prioleau indicates that participating in the year-long AIM-AHEAD Training Practicum Pilot Program (PRIME) was an experience that as not only enhanced his research skills but also provided him with an in-depth training in AI/ML, with a focus on equitable AI development in healthcare using Big Data and EHRs.  

Currently, Prioleau’s research explores the intersection of computer science, linguistics, and artificial intelligence to drive meaningful impact. His focus centers on leveraging NLP to address low-resource challenges and solve real-world problems, particularly in areas underserved by current technologies. For example, Prioleau is working on a project focused on detecting adverse drug events (ADEs) from electronic health records using Natural Language Processing (NLP). The goal of the project is to improve how we extract and identify these events from unstructured medical data, making it more efficient to uncover potential drug-related issues. 

Prioleau states that access to Google’s cutting-edge resources will be crucial in advancing his work and ensuring that his research remains aligned with the most impactful developments in the field. He is equally excited to leverage the Google Fellowship by forming connections with other members of the fellowship cohort and learning from a Google mentor, whose guidance will provide invaluable insights into NLP advancements and industry perspectives.  

“As a Google PhD Fellowship recipient, I will have access to resources, a network of experts, and mentorship. I am passionate about addressing low-resource problems in NLP and aim to contribute to theoretical advancements and practical applications that will push the field forward. With the Fellowship’s support, I will be able to focus more deeply on my research, amplify my impact in NLP, and continue to serve as a role model for others in the community,” Prioleau remarks.  

For anyone else who may be thinking of applying for the Google PhD fellowship, Prioleau emphasizes the importance of putting yourself forward, showcasing your strengths, and not letting self-doubt hold you back from potential opportunities.  

In the words of Prioleau, “The best advice I can offer is to apply. Even if you're unsure or feel like you're not the perfect candidate, you never know what opportunities may come your way. Focus on showcasing your passion for your field, your research potential, and how you want to make an impact. Don't be afraid to highlight your unique experiences and perspective; that's what will set you apart.”