2025 Research Speaker Series
Cecilia Aragon
Professor, HCDE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20
4:30 – 5:20 p.m.
Sieg Building, room 134
Human-Centered AI and Data Science: Why People Must Come First
AI systems now make critical decisions about employment, healthcare, and criminal justice—yet technically sophisticated algorithms routinely cause real harm. Drawing on 30 years working in AI and data science across industry, government, and academia, I argue three key theses: (1) thinking about human issues in AI is necessary, (2) human-centered approaches make the technical work stronger, and (3) AI is human-centered whether we acknowledge it or not. The job market increasingly demands human expertise in AI. Companies succeeding with AI aren't just buying better models—they're investing in customer-facing technical roles that bridge algorithms and human needs. I'll offer concrete practices for building systems that genuinely serve humanity, not just optimize metrics.
About the presenter
Cecilia Aragon is a professor in the department of Human Centered Design & Engineering (HCDE) and a member of the eScience Institute at the University of Washington, where she directs the Human-Centered Data Science Lab. Her research focuses on human-centered data science, which concerns itself with both the algorithms and the highly interwoven and multifaceted interactions among individuals, society, and technology that are catalyzed by the enormous growth in data that characterizes the current age. Aragon's research group develops software to facilitate insight into vast and complex data sets, incorporating techniques such as visual analytics (visualization and machine learning), data science, ethnography, and the study of sociotechnical systems including informal text communication and social media. Other projects include the use of computer gaming for collaborative science learning, and topics related to usability and sustainability.
The HCDE Research Speaker Series is hosted Thursdays in Autumn Quarter by the Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering at the University of Washington. Presentations are open to the public.