A Conversation with Dr Natalie Lao, CEO, App Inventor Foundation, MIT
Empowering Young Minds with AI: A Conversation with Dr Natalie Lao, CEO & Executive Director @ App Inventor Foundation
July 2024 @ MIT
I had the privilege of attending the AI and Education Summit at MIT in July 2024. Together with my team, we were invited to present our poster. It was an incredible experience and one of the highlights for me was meeting Dr. Natalie Lao, the CEO and Executive Director of the App Inventor Foundation. She is someone I really look up to because of her work in making AI and coding accessible to students worldwide.
I was thrilled to have the chance to interview her and learn more about her journey, her advice for young learners, and the role of AI in education.
The Journey to STEM: A Global Childhood
Audrey: Dr Lao, you’ve had such a diverse background. Could you share with me, more about your childhood and how it shaped your interests?
Natalie: Absolutely! I moved around a lot when I was little. I was born in Bangkok, Thailand, then moved to China until first grade. After that, I lived in Canada, Tennessee, and Ohio. Having such a diverse childhood helped me realize that success and happiness can take many different paths. I had a very free and open childhood, which allowed me to explore various interests.
Audrey: How did you first become interested in coding and technology?
Natalie: When I was young, I loved playing video games like Pokémon, Zelda, and Mario. In school, I took a computer science class and thought it was amazing that I could create something just by coding. I initially wanted to make video games, though I never actually built a real one! But I kept going with computer science because I loved the idea of taking an idea and bringing it to life quickly—much faster than creating physical objects.
“Technology is always changing, and what matters most is developing critical thinking skills and curiosity. ”
Leading the App Inventor Foundation and UNESCO AI Research
Audrey: Can you tell us about your role at the App Inventor Foundation and your work with UNESCO?
Natalie: I spent 10 years at MIT’s App Inventor Lab before this, and my role now is very similar—advocating for App Inventors, working with students, and developing curricula. At UNESCO, we focus more on research, trying to figure out the best ways to teach AI. It’s more academic compared to my work at the foundation, which is hands-on.
AI’s Role in Education and the Future
Audrey: AI is everywhere today. How can young students like me make the most of this trend?
Natalie: Many people say, “Learn AI, code AI, use AI!” but I believe the most important thing is to think critically about when and why you use AI. One of UNESCO’s key learning objectives is understanding when AI should and should not be applied—whether for cultural, ethical, logical, or environmental reasons. Right now, people just throw AI at every problem, but in the future, we need to ask: Is AI the best solution for this problem? That’s an important mindset to develop.
“Focus on what you truly enjoy and become the best at it.”
Advice for Young Students
Audrey: Many students and parents think about getting into top universities like MIT. What advice do you have for them?
Natalie: Don’t stress about the prestige of the university. Focus on what you truly enjoy and become the best at it. MIT opens doors, yes, but many of my PhD classmates didn’t come from top universities—they were just incredibly passionate and skilled. If you work hard at what you love, opportunities will come. Instead of worrying about elite schools, focus on your passions and develop expertise in what excites you.
Audrey: What advice would you give to young girls who want to pursue STEM?
Natalie: Find a support network. STEM fields can be tough, and women are still underrepresented, so having friends and mentors who support and learn from each other makes a big difference. Build a network, encourage one another, and stay resilient!
Audrey: What would you say to students and parents who are looking for the best way to navigate technology and education?
Natalie: I think the key is to focus on learning rather than chasing achievements. Technology is always changing, and what matters most is developing critical thinking skills and curiosity. If parents and students can cultivate a love for learning, they will naturally find opportunities to thrive in STEM and beyond.
Audrey: Thank you so much for this inspiring conversation!
Natalie: You’re very welcome! It was wonderful meeting you, Audrey. I hope this interview helps others who are interested in AI and technology!
