Responsible Tech University Ambassadors profile:

All Tech Is Human recently started a Responsible Tech University Ambassadors program, which is setting up points of contact with university students (undergraduate and graduate) throughout the United States and across the globe. The premise is to provide a greater number of university students a pathway into the nascent Responsible Tech space by being able to connect with an ambassador at their university. Are you interested in becoming a Responsible Tech University Ambassador? Please reach out through our interest form.

What has been your educational journey so far?

I am a third-year undergraduate student at Tufts University in Medford, MA studying Applied Mathematics and Science, Technology, and Society. I’ve taken various courses, ranging from Computer Science to Political Science, but some of my favorites include a class on mathematical models in society and a class about ethics in AI.

What inspired you to get involved in the space?

Last year, I took a course in the Science, Technology, and Society (STS) department at Tufts University for the first time and loved the class! We talked about how mathematical models reinforce the existing inequity in society, the ethical implications of Artificial Intelligence, and elitism in the technology industry. This was one of my favorite classes, and it introduced me to an entire community of people working to mitigate the harms of technology and promote inclusivity. Professors and upperclassmen in the department were so helpful in helping me learn more about the responsible tech space and explore career opportunities in the area. Since then, I’ve had an amazing experience taking more STS classes and volunteering/interning in the civic tech space.

What have been the hurdles you faced when aiming to build your career in Responsible Tech?

One of the biggest hurdles I faced when I was first trying to get involved in Responsible Tech was the lack of opportunities for students. Most of the opportunities I found at the time were geared toward mid- and late- career tech professionals, and there was no clear pipeline for students trying to launch a career in Responsible Technology. However, this has been changing a lot, with organizations such as All Tech Is Human and resources such as the Responsible Tech Job Board, the Responsible Tech Guide, and the University Ambassador’s Program.

What advice would you give to other college and grad students looking to build their career in Responsible Tech?

Reach out! Start at your own college or university and find professors or other students who are working on projects related to Responsible Tech. Some great departments to start are Computer Science, Sociology, Philosophy, Data Science, Political Science, and Mathematics. Also, look into nonprofits and organizations you can volunteer at, many of which can be found in the Responsible Tech Guide. Finally, something that has helped me is reading! Subscribing to newsletters of Responsible Tech organizations and reading books and articles have helped me learn about the newest research in Responsible Tech and the career opportunities that are out there for when I graduate.