Kendra H. Oliver, PhD, is a scientist, designer, educator, and leader whose work focuses on helping people and organizations navigate the opportunities and responsibilities of data and artificial intelligence. She serves as Managing Director of the Hub for AI and Data Science Leadership (HAIL) in the Office of the Provost at the University of Pittsburgh, where she helps lead interdisciplinary efforts to advance responsible data science and AI.
Oliver’s work sits at the intersection of science, design, technology, education, and communication. At HAIL, she develops programs, partnerships, and educational initiatives that connect researchers, students, university leaders, industry partners, and communities. A central focus of her work is translating principles of responsible AI and data science into practical approaches for decision-making and leadership.
Her current work explores AI leadership, literacy, and fluency, with particular attention to building the capacity of individuals and organizations to make informed decisions about when, why, and how AI should be developed and used. She is interested in how leaders can balance technological performance with institutional values, human needs, and societal consequences.
Oliver leads and contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives spanning graduate and undergraduate education, university-wide convenings, executive and professional education, AI policy and governance, and collaborations connecting data and AI with health, science, the humanities, and the arts. Her work emphasizes creating opportunities for people across disciplines and sectors to learn from one another and collectively shape responsible approaches to emerging technologies.
Her approach is informed by a multidisciplinary background in pharmacology, biomedical research, science education, user experience design, and visual communication. Oliver earned her PhD in Pharmacology from Vanderbilt University and completed postdoctoral training in discovery science education at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She later served in a faculty role at Vanderbilt and earned a Master of Science in User Experience Design from the Maryland Institute College of Art, expanding her work in human-centered design and communication.
Oliver is also a visual artist and science communicator and the founder of ArtLab Studio LLC, where she explores the intersection of art, science, storytelling, and public engagement. Across her work, she uses design, communication, and creative practice to make complex ideas more understandable and actionable and to foster meaningful participation in science and technology.
Education & Training
PhD, Pharmacology
Vanderbilt University
MS, User Experience Design
Maryland Institute College of Art
Postdoctoral Training, Discovery Science Education
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Areas of Focus
- Responsible AI and Data Science Leadership
- AI Literacy and AI Fluency
- AI Governance and Organizational Decision-Making
- Human-Centered Design and Responsible Technology
- Interdisciplinary Research and Education
- Science and Visual Communication
- Art, Design, and Public Engagement
Current Role
Managing Director
Hub for AI and Data Science Leadership (HAIL)
Office of the Provost
University of Pittsburgh
Oliver works across disciplines and sectors to build programs, partnerships, and institutional capacity for responsible data science and AI, grounded in the idea that effective AI leadership requires connecting principles, people, and performance.