Durga Chavali was born and raised in southern India. A first-generation migrant from India, she has built an accomplished academic and professional career that bridges technology and healthcare.

Durga earned her bachelor’s degree in electronics and communication engineering from Nagarjuna University in 2007. She later completed a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Oklahoma State University in 2025, where she is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in the same field.

She is employed with Trinity Health, a leading national Catholic healthcare organization. As an IT leader, she oversees all IT and clinical revenue applications across the healthcare business units.

Giving back through volunteer work plays a central role in Durga’s life. She served as vice chair of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society for the Southeast Michigan Chapter in 2024. She is currently a senior editor for Ubiquity Magazine, published by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), and serves as the communications chair for the ACM Fremont Chapter. Additionally, she is a global ambassador for Women in Tech, a judge for the Business Intelligence Awards, and a conference committee member for the upcoming IEEE International Conference in spring 2026.

Durga’s dedication to professional excellence and community involvement reflects her commitment to advancing technology, healthcare, and leadership.

Let’s get to know Durga!

What first inspired your interest in technology and healthcare innovation?
I have been passionate about mathematics since childhood, which led me to pursue STEM subjects and develop a fascination with computing. I worked for over seven years in multinational IT companies in India, where I also volunteered to help others.

After moving to the U.S. in 2014, I began working in healthcare, combining technology with purpose. The COVID-19 pandemic inspired me to address misinformation’s impact on mental health through research, which was later published in PubMed.

With nearly two decades of experience, I continue to explore innovative solutions through research and technology, designing practical solutions to complex problems and publishing my work in reputable journals.

As a leader in ethical AI and data governance, what principles guide your work?
My core principles are compassion, ethics, and governance. I believe AI should serve humanity, guided by standards and safeguards to keep systems trustworthy and aligned with human values. AI must be trained on accurate, unbiased data, as exposure to skewed datasets can amplify biases. I emphasize that AI should enhance efficiency, inspire critical thinking, and support informed decision-making, rather than being followed blindly.

You’re an advocate for women in technology. What advice would you give to young women pursuing careers in STEM and AI?
I strongly encourage women to pursue careers in STEM and AI. Women bring unique perspectives, empathetic leadership, and the ability to drive collaboration and innovation. By strengthening technical and analytical skills alongside their innate leadership qualities, they can become true drivers of change and leaders in shaping the future of AI.

How do you see AI shaping the future in the next decade?
We are currently adapting to AI, and in the next five to ten years, I see it becoming a true partner for individuals, with humans learning to use it effectively and responsibly. Gen Alpha will likely integrate AI naturally into daily life. This evolution highlights the need for ethical use and responsible handling of information, with AI security becoming as critical as cybersecurity. I advocate for policymakers, researchers, and innovators to focus on regulations and policies that safeguard its use.

What does Phi Kappa Phi mean to you?
Phi Kappa Phi is an honor and recognition for my efforts. 

What is one thing most people would be surprised to learn about you?
One thing that often surprises people is my out-of-the-box thinking. I approach challenges from unique angles, uncovering solutions that others might not see.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m proud of my innovative work, my leadership approach, my work with Ubiquity magazine, Trinity Health, and my ability to share the panel with renowned scientists across the world. I’m proud of my unique perspective on AI advocacy and governance, focusing on sensitive industries like healthcare.

What is your favorite holiday, and why is it your favorite?
I like to spend time with my kids and travel to new places, especially in the summer when kids do not have school. It is my favorite time to enjoy the sun, as I stay in the cold state of Michigan. 

What is your go-to comfort food?
South India chicken biryani is my go-to comfort food. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my family, playing with my kids, and watching movies together.