On November 18, the University Libraries and Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer Wanda Heading-Grant hosted "Heading to the Point: AI for All." The event featured a discussion with two experts leading the push to ensure the responsible development of artificial intelligence: Renée Cummings, Assistant Professor of the Practice in Data Science at the University of Virginia, and Associate Dean for Digital Infrastructure Sayeed Choudhury. A recording of the event is now available.
Cummings is a leading expert in AI ethics, data justice, and public policy. As a 2023 VentureBeat AI Innovator Award winner, she has dedicated her career to examining the ethical implications of AI on society. Her research focuses on algorithmic policing, surveillance technology, and AI for criminal justice reform, and she’s committed to promoting inclusive innovation and ethical AI, advocating for AI we can trust.
As the director of the inaugural Open Source Programs Office at Carnegie Mellon University, Choudhury leads efforts to build open source capacity within CMU and beyond, leveraging the institution's research, teaching, and policy expertise to maximize its social impact on a global scale. He is also the executive director of Open Forum for AI (OFAI), an initiative to provide holistic, objective expert advice regarding AI — particularly as it relates to research, technical prototypes, policy recommendations, community engagement, and inclusion — with the aim of driving human-centered development.
As a space where people across disciplines come together to solve multifaceted problems, the Libraries facilitated the conversation about the future of the field — speakers discussed how it is essential to ensure that AI technologies are developed and implemented in ways that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion and do not harm historically marginalized communities.
Support the critical work happening in AI at the Libraries with a gift to the Friends of the Library fund, which supports digital infrastructure on campus and the Libraries’ work to empower CMU’s faculty and student scholars with the resources they need to succeed in today’s information-driven society.
by Sarah Bender