Yuliia Bobrovytska: 'We are the invisible architects in an AI-powered world'

Why did you choose to study Data Science & AI at BUas? 

Yuliia: 'I moved from Ukraine to the Netherlands about three and a half years ago with a strong interest in programming. When I discovered the Applied Data Science & AI programme at BUas, I was immediately drawn to it. Artificial intelligence felt like a field with enormous potential and relevance for our time.' 

Has the programme lived up to your expectations? 

Yuliia: 'The programme has exceeded my expectations in many ways. Beyond the technical curriculum, we have benefited from data lab sessions, home-based project work, and extensive team collaboration. This practical experience has been invaluable for developing the teamwork skills that are essential in professional settings. We have also had the opportunity to work with major companies such as Banijay Benelux, which adds significant value to our professional development.' 

Can you tell us about your project 'The Invisible Architect'? 

Yuliia: 'When people think of AI, they often imagine robots or machines that replace human work. As a data science student and future professional in this field, I see my role quite differently. I don't see myself as building machines, but rather as building trust. I consider data scientists to be invisible architects. 

'We build the unseen foundations of society through algorithms that direct traffic flows, predict health risks, and help cities become more sustainable. Like physical buildings, these digital structures often go unnoticed by the people whose lives they shape. Yet they fundamentally influence how we live, connect, and access opportunities.' 

How did you develop this concept? 

Yuliia: 'The idea emerged through a combination of personal reflection, academic exploration, and real-world observation. Last year, I volunteered on a project analysing urban data for sustainable energy distribution. That experience made me realise that data scientists are building digital infrastructures that drive efficiency and innovation, even though this work remains invisible to most end users.’ 

'This insight helped me reframe the common narrative about AI as a job replacement threat. Instead, I see it as a story about empowerment: humans using AI as a tool to design better futures for society.' 

What does the visual element of your submission represent? 

Yuliia: 'The skyline in my image isn't constructed from glass and steel, but from streams of data. Each light and line represents a decision shaped by AI: determining where ambulances arrive on time, how energy is distributed throughout a city, or which stories appear in news feeds. The human figure at the centre serves as a crucial reminder that behind every model and algorithm, there is human intention, responsibility, and creativity.' 

What aspects of this field excite you most? 

Yuliia: 'What excites me most is the profound responsibility we carry. We must architect with ethics at the core, ensuring fairness in algorithms and actively working to avoid biases that could widen societal gaps. This isn't just a theoretical concern, it's a call to action for collaborative, human-centred AI development. 

'For me, the future of AI isn't about replacing people. It is about shaping better systems for people. We are the architects of trust, fairness, and possibility. AI provides us with powerful new tools, but the blueprint must always remain fundamentally human.' 

How did the jury respond to Yullia's submission? 

The jury praised Bobrovytska's submission for its originality and conceptual strength. In their feedback, they highlighted the innovative approach to representing AI through the metaphor of the Invisible Architect, noting that it transcended standard imagery and superficial representations. 

The jury particularly valued the emphasis on responsibility in AI development and deployment. They noted that the submission effectively demonstrated how AI provides powerful tools, whilst the ultimate direction, blueprint, and ethical choices remain firmly in human hands. The work was recognised as original, sharp, and conceptually strong, offering an inspiring contribution that challenges viewers to think more deeply about the relationship between humans and technology in shaping the future. 

Where are you now in your studies and career development? 

Yuliia: 'I am currently completing my internship at Rabobank in Utrecht, where I am working as a data scientist. The experience has been extremely positive. I have also secured my graduation project, which will be with a company in Rotterdam, again in a data scientist or data analyst role. These experiences have confirmed my career direction, I definitely see myself continuing in data science or data analytics after graduation.' 

Are you considering further study after graduation? 

Yuliia: 'I am considering pursuing a master's degree focused on AI and ethics. However, I am also open to gaining professional experience first and potentially returning to postgraduate study later. Either way, I am committed to developing expertise at the intersection of artificial intelligence and ethical practice.' 

About the ‘Jij powered by AI’ competition 

The 'Jij powered by AI?' competition challenged students in higher professional education to demonstrate creatively how artificial intelligence influences their future professional practice. More than 80 students participated, with 10 submissions nominated for the final round. Entries ranged from videos and essays to poetry, all exploring the role of AI as a powerful partner rather than a threat. 

The competition revealed that students are curious about AI's possibilities whilst remaining alert to the ethical aspects and responsibilities it entails. Higher professional education students view AI primarily as a tool and maintain confidence that they retain control over how they deploy technology in their work. 

Connect with Yuliia 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yuliia-bobrovytska