Please share your professional journey and what led you to the University of Pittsburgh and specifically RDS@Pitt.
My professional journey, characterized by a cross-disciplinary approach combining pharmacology, educational technology, user experience design, art, and more, has led me to the role of managing director for the Responsible Data Science initiative at the University of Pittsburgh (RDS@Pitt). This role allows me to leverage my diverse background to influence the ethical application of data science across various fields.
Before starting this position, I was an associate professor and director of design for the School of Medicine Basic Sciences at Vanderbilt University. There, I worked across campus to connect seemingly disparate disciplines to engage in creative and communicative practices about art and science. Now, I continue some of those partnerships through a new company that I founded, ArtLab Studio LLC.
One of the most exciting things about the managing director position is understanding the way technology has and will impact our future. Through the RDS@Pitt initiative, we are uniquely positioned to help guide, educate, and impact the direction of data science and technology integration that is rapidly changing our lived experiences.
Could you explain your understanding of responsible data science?
The Responsible Data Science initiative at Pitt focuses on ensuring that data science is practiced responsibly. It emphasizes ethical standards, inclusivity, and the impact of data science on society. The core objectives are to embed these principles within all University data science education and research activities.
When I first learned about this initiative, it resonated with me because of my experience connecting art and science. There is a mutual benefit when diverse backgrounds and experiences merge. In my experience, I saw how the wonders of the natural world inspired artists, but I also saw how scientists were inspired by the new interpretations and ways of thinking that artists brought to them through communication and collaboration.
For most of my previous work, it was my job to design programs, websites, workshops, or any other type of product to facilitate these interactions. In the same way, I see my role within RDS@Pitt as designing opportunities and resources to add context and applied perspective to the application, direction, integration, and education of data science at the University of Pittsburgh.
What are your primary goals for RDS@Pitt?
In this role, my primary goals are to foster an environment of collaboration, to integrate efforts around human-centered data science both within and beyond curriculums, and to ensure that our research projects communicate the impact of leading with responsible data science principles. I look forward to achieving this by working closely with and supporting faculty as they develop new interdisciplinary courses and by providing resources and communities that support ongoing research to prioritize ethical considerations.
As we all have likely experienced, the rapid expansion of data science poses significant ethical challenges, such as privacy concerns and the potential for bias in algorithmic decision-making. At RDS@Pitt we address these challenges through comprehensive education on ethical data science practices and by fostering a University-wide dialogue on these critical issues.
Collaboration is integral to the success of RDS@Pitt. We seek partnerships across academic departments and external organizations to enrich our curriculum and research initiatives. These partnerships are crucial for keeping our approaches relevant and impactful.
The initiative will significantly enhance students' educational experiences and faculty's teaching frameworks by integrating ethical data science into our programs. This will prepare our students to be thoughtful leaders in the field, capable of addressing complex ethical issues in their future careers
Where do you see the initiative in the next three years?
I envision RDS@Pitt becoming an institute and a model for others in both industry and academia. The University of Pittsburgh is uniquely positioned to integrate humanist methods with technology based on academic excellence. Yet, ultimately, success will be measured by our ability to produce graduates who are not only skilled in data science but are also champions of responsible practices in the field.
I would like to see RDS@Pitt have a profoundly impact on the local community and broader society by promoting responsible data practices. Plans for outreach and community engagement programs are in place to extend our initiatives beyond the University.