Irene Alisjahbana profile photo

Irene Alisjahbana

Senior Machine Learning Engineer at Apple

Generative AI & LLMsMachine LearningDesign ThinkingStatistical ModelingData VisualizationTechnical Leadership
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About

I'm Irene Alisjahbana, currently a Senior Machine Learning Engineer at Apple where I focus on scaling Generative AI Writing Tools. My journey is a bit unconventional—I spent years as a professional sprinter for the Indonesia National Team before earning my PhD at Stanford. This background in elite athletics instilled a disciplined practice that I now apply to discovering patterns in data and solving complex technical challenges. I’ve spent time lecturing at the Stanford d.school, teaching researchers how to use design thinking to unlock insights, and I’ve led data science teams in fields ranging from robotics to education technology. I am deeply passionate about equitable AI and bridging the gap between academic rigor and user-centric products. I’m always happy to connect with people at the intersection of tech, design, and social impact to share actionable insights or discuss high-impact innovation.

Networking

What I can offer

  • ›Expertise in end-to-end Generative AI development
  • ›Mentorship for PhD students and emerging researchers
  • ›Guidance on applying Design Thinking to technical research
  • ›Insights into equitable post-disaster recovery algorithms

Looking for

  • ›expanding my professional network
  • ›exploring mutual opportunities in the tech and design industries

Best fit for

Stanford PhD communityMachine Learning engineersDesigners and researchersEd-tech and robotics professionals

Current Interests

Design Thinking in ResearchEquitable AIData VisualizationEducation TechnologyHuman-Robotic Interaction

Background

Career

Transitioned from a professional national athlete to a PhD researcher at Stanford, then moved through lead data science roles in robotics and ed-tech before joining Apple.

Education

PhD in Structural Engineering from Stanford University; MS in Structural Engineering from Stanford University; Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from University of Indonesia (Cum Laude).

Achievements

  • ›Won 12 National Championship titles in Indonesia (Athletics)
  • ›1st place winner at the 2018 Mars City Design Competition
  • ›Former National Record holder for Under-17 4x100m
  • ›Selected for Correlation One Data Science fellowship (5% acceptance rate)

Opinions

  • Bridging the gap between rigorous academic research and practical, user-centric product development is essential.
  • Algorithms should prioritize social equity over 'naïve policies' typically implemented by central authorities.
  • Professional athletic discipline directly translates to the ability to discover complex patterns in data.