Duke AIPI Student Yiqing Liu: Shaping the Future of AI and Machine Learning
Yiqing Liu's story is a testament to the transformative power of Duke's AIPI program and a clear vision for leveraging AI to make a positive impact.
Yiqing Liu’s story is a testament to the transformative power of Duke’s AIPI program and a clear vision for leveraging AI to make a positive impact.
“I applied to Duke because of its industry-driven curriculum and emphasis on practical, hands-on projects,” says Yiqing. “My goal was to gain knowledge and skills that align directly with industry demands, particularly in machine learning and artificial intelligence,” Yiqing added. Upon entering the program, Yiqing aimed to prepare comprehensively for a career as a machine learning engineer, focusing on real-world applications.
Commitment to mastering AI and Machine Learning
Yiqing Liu will graduate from Duke University’s Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence for Product Innovation (AIPI) program in Fall 2025. Yiqing’s academic journey at Duke has been characterized by a strong commitment to mastering AI and machine learning, with a clear vision of applying these technologies to solve real-world problems.
Building a Robust Technical Foundation
The courses at Duke’s AIPI program have been pivotal in preparing Yiqing for future career opportunities. She mentioned the pivotal role of two courses: “Modeling Process & Algorithms” and “Large Language Models,” both taught by prof Jon Reifschneider, the Director of Master’s Studies for the Artificial Intelligence for Product Innovation (AIPI) program, with extensive experience in machine learning and predictive analytics. “These courses provided a robust technical foundation, teaching me how to develop, optimize, and deploy sophisticated AI models. These skills are directly relevant to AI and software engineering industry roles,” Yiqing notes. Additionally, the program’s strong reputation and extensive practical project experience enriched Yiqing’s responses to behavioral interview questions, earning positive feedback from interviewers.
Navigating Internship Opportunities
Yiqing applied for a software engineering internship role at Amazon to fulfill the internship milestone of the AIPI program and passed the interview. She found this opportunity through LinkedIn and a regularly updated GitHub repository that tracks job opportunities, showcasing proactive efforts in seeking internships.
Achievements in Competitions
Yiqing’s participation in the DTCC AI Hackathon further demonstrated the ability to quickly adapt and excel in new areas. Leading a team to develop an AI-powered anti-money laundering detection system for cryptocurrency, Yiqing created a structured learning plan to overcome the initial lack of blockchain knowledge. This effort resulted in the team winning first place in the academic category. “This experience required a strong foundation in deep learning, machine learning, and effective teamwork—skills developed through the Duke AIPI program’s technical courses and group projects,” Yiqing explains.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Yiqing aims to become a machine learning or software engineer specializing in AI-driven systems. The focus will be on intelligent applications that address complex, real-world challenges. Long-term, Yiqing aspires to lead cutting-edge AI initiatives that enhance societal well-being, improve daily life, and drive innovation.
Yiqing Liu’s story is a testament to the transformative power of Duke’s AIPI program and a clear vision for leveraging AI to make a positive impact.