From Politics-Economics to Pixels: A LUMS Student Explores AI through Design

Currently working as the Head of Brand at Autoblocks AI, a New York based startup that tests and improves GenAI products; Design Specialist at Not A Bot, a newsletter on AI with 50,000 subscribers across the world; Project Head at the World Economic Forum and a Dean’s Honour List (DHL) Awardee 2023, LUMS. This is Syeda Fatima Binte Aziz, a Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences (MGSHSS) student of BSc Economics and Political Science at LUMS, who will graduate in 2026.

The questions arise: How has Aziz achieved so much in such a brief period of time? How has LUMS contributed to her success?

Aziz belongs to a family in Peshawar that values academics over everything else. Her brother, a University of Pennsylvania graduate, and a Harvard researcher inspired her to shoot for the stars in academia. While Aziz came forth with her own budding interest in arts - from acrylics to watercolours to pixels and vectors - she did not lose sight of her place in academia; a notion that her family fuelled further. When she came to LUMS, she chose Politics and Economics. “It blends well with my creative side since it's both quantitative and qualitative.

“MGSHSS really prizes the fact that its students get a diverse range of experiences. We are not stuck in one major. One can choose subjects like Anthropology or Sociology, or Business Management, even if one is studying Economics. I’m curious and that is why I’m always eager to merge my art side with my academics,” adds Aziz.

Attending the DHL ceremony was originally intended as a surprise for Aziz's parents. It was a challenging time for her in the first year at LUMS so she kept telling her parents that they should not expect any awards from her.
In her second year, Aziz settled down to hostel life, selected the right courses, studied hard, and aimed to be on the DHL. “I interacted more frequently with my professors and asked questions if I needed clarity,” explains Aziz. Then the Dean's Honour List letter arrived. She realized that to be on the DHL, one needs to manage time effectively, and be focused.

Aziz is an all-rounder. During her first year at LUMS, she was involved with five student societies. Later she narrowed down these to one – the Economics Society. This helped her balance her academics, her job as a designer as well as her extracurriculars.

Another feather in her cap was her involvement with Autoblocks AI, a company that helps teams collaborate to create world-class generative AI products. During COVID, Aziz’s brother came across an advertisement that was asking for a volunteer for designing a website. She liked the idea and applied for the post. An interview was scheduled and she was selected. Aziz's experience at A.I. for Anyone proved to be immensely educational. Her exposure to AI predated ChatGPT by several years, granting her invaluable insights into its potential benefits and risks. She gained a deep understanding of algorithmic biases and the world of Generative AI. Notably, the non-profit even collaborated with the Mark Cuban Foundation. She volunteered at the non-profit for a little over two years, gaining professional experience in design.

Later, Aziz transitioned from volunteer to employee at Autoblocks AI, created by co-founders of the non-profit. She was now the Head of Brand at Autoblocks AI. Beyond shaping their visual identity, she was creating educational collateral for the "Building With AI" podcast and its complementary academy.

"What truly excited me was being a complete AI novice, I knew nothing about the subject. However, I loved immersing myself and finding the answers," explained Aziz. "Furthermore, my art, which was once only within the bounds of my studio, is now serving a real purpose of demystifying AI across the world and that feels immensely gratifying."

Aziz also designed Not A Bot, a free newsletter about AI. Its readers include Mark Cuban, and Fortune 50 CEOs, amongst others. While the Co-founders of Not A Bot write the content for the newsletter, Aziz is the design powerhouse behind its visual appeal. She understands that in today's information overload, aesthetics grab attention and influence readership. Her expertise ensures the newsletter stands out in the crowded AI space, not just for its content, but also for its visually engaging presentation.

In terms of the impact of her work, she says, “As a newbie to AI, I wish to continue making it accessible to anyone who is interested in it.” She has also worked on authoring academic essays on how AI can help lawyers in court cases.

What is next on her cards?

Much to the disbelief of her loved ones and mentors, Aziz's plans remain fluid. While her initial goal was a master’s in public policy at her dream school, Princeton, her current role at Autoblocks AI, with its incredible team and mentors, presents a compelling alternative. Balancing her passion for this field with the desire for an academic career, Aziz currently leans towards staying at Autoblocks AI. We wish her the best of luck as she keeps exploring and achieving success in her journey.