Maya Shankar’s journey towards becoming a beacon of resilience and impact began in the picturesque town of Cheshire, Connecticut. Born into a family deeply rooted in academia, Maya Shankar’s parents, Ramamurti and Uma Shankar, instilled in her a love for learning and exploration from a young age.
At the tender age of nine, Maya Shankar’s prodigious talent as a violinist caught the attention of renowned virtuoso Itzhak Perlman, catapulting her into the prestigious halls of the Juilliard School of Music. Under Perlman’s tutelage, Maya honed her craft with unwavering dedication and passion, poised to embark on a promising career in classical music.
A Defining Moment: Triumph and Tribulation
As Maya Shankar’s musical journey flourished, fate intervened in the form of a devastating setback. At sixteen, Maya suffered a debilitating hand injury, shattering her dreams of a career as a concert violinist in an instant. Yet, in the midst of despair, Maya found the resilience to forge a new path forward, guided by her insatiable curiosity and thirst for knowledge.
Pioneering Pathways: A Journey into Cognitive Science
Driven by a desire to understand the complexities of the human mind, Maya Shankar embarked on a transformative academic journey at Yale University. Immersed in the study of cognitive science, Maya delved deep into the intricacies of perception, cognition, and decision-making, laying the groundwork for her future endeavors.
Under the mentorship of esteemed professors such as Dr. Brian Scholl and Dr. Laurie Santos, Maya Shankar’s passion for unraveling the mysteries of the mind blossomed, culminating in a groundbreaking PhD thesis at the University of Oxford on a Rhodes Scholarship.
Armed with a wealth of knowledge and a thirst for innovation, Maya set her sights on the nexus of science and policy, determined to make a tangible difference in the world.
A Force for Change: The White House Years
In 2013, Maya’s visionary leadership caught the attention of policymakers in Washington, D.C., leading to her appointment as a senior advisor in the Obama White House. Tasked with founding the pioneering Social and Behavioral Sciences Team, Maya embarked on a mission to revolutionize government policy through the lens of behavioral science.
Through her tireless efforts, Maya spearheaded initiatives that reshaped the landscape of public policy, leveraging insights from behavioral science to enhance the efficacy and impact of government programs. Her groundbreaking work earned her widespread acclaim, culminating in a Webby nomination for Best Podcast Host in 2022.
Beyond Borders: A Global Impact
Maya’s influence transcended national boundaries, as she assumed the role of the first Behavioral Science Advisor to the United Nations under President Ban-Ki Moon. At the intersection of science and diplomacy, Maya’s visionary approach to addressing global challenges garnered international recognition, cementing her status as a trailblazer in the field of behavioral science.
A New Frontier: Google and Beyond
In her current role as Google’s Global Director of Behavioral Economics, Maya Shankar continues to push the boundaries of innovation, applying her expertise to enhance the user experience and drive meaningful change on a global scale.
With each new endeavor, Maya remains steadfast in her commitment to harnessing the power of science for the betterment of humanity, inspiring others to embrace change and chart their own paths towards resilience and impact.
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