Humnah Poonawalla ’27, Operations Research and Financial Engineering

Humnah Poonawalla ’27

Major

Operations Research and Financial Engineering

Project Title

Electric Vehicle Charging Programs and Artificial Intelligence in Norms Surfacing

Minor(s): Sustainable Energy

I worked across two dynamic projects to explore the role of artificial intelligence and energy systems in shaping a more sustainable future. My first research project involved developing a program model to optimize the stability and efficient allocation of energy within contained geographical areas, primarily through electric vehicle charging programs. I helped conduct a typological theory analysis to determine which variables are most significant in the process of creating, implementing and adopting such programs, thus laying the groundwork for a potential nation-wide, unified model. My second research project investigated the feasibility of using Artificial Intelligence as a tool to accurately identify and track normative language. To do this, I coded descriptive and injunctive normative statements from U.S. television news recordings and fed these statements into large language models including ChatGPT. Then, I created detailed graphical representations mapping ChatGPT’s accuracy and reliability. These discoveries provided insights into the strengths and limitations of using advanced language models to interpret complex human behaviors and societal expectations. This experience has inspired me to pursue a career where I can continue to innovate at the intersection of technology and societal good, contributing to a future that is both sustainable and achievable.