Bo Cheng (BSc '17, Faculty of Science; MMAI '20, Schulich School of Business)
Manager in Data Science, Rogers Communications
It was curiosity that led Bo Cheng to enrol in the specialized honors degree in biophysics at York University. Now, he’s a manager in data science at Rogers, where he leverages machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to solve real world problems for millions of people across Canada.
Cheng, who graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science, and went on to achieve a Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence from York’s Schulich School of Business, says his time at the University helped him to grow both personally and professionally. Now, he’s paying that back into his community.
“When I look back at my time at York, I not only learned math and physics, I also learned what it means to take responsibility for my own actions, to grow up,” says Cheng. “Being in the biophysics program was like attending a small and intimate university. You become lifelong friends with your peers and professors, who are like a family that help each other to grow professionally, and personally.”
Cheng participates in AI events where he applies his quantitative skills in AI and machine learning to build solutions for the benefit of society.
In the summer of 2019, he implemented a flood warning application to help Canadians nationwide predict and monitor natural disasters, supported by Environment and Climate Change Canada. He helped to promote and drive traffic to underutilized Toronto community stores through the Data for Good initiative. And, in the midst of the COVID pandemic, he collaborated on an app to help elderly people cope with social and physical isolation. The app enables volunteers to assist with daily errands without risking exposure to the virus.
Cheng is the recipient of a Top 30 Under 30 Award from York University, reserved for alumni who are exemplary leaders in creating positive change and impact, at home and abroad.
“My education at York gave me confidence and served as a great opportunity for my future success,” Cheng says.