Synergies Ahead: AI and Higher Ed

Hello all,

Two news items this week have alerted me to some interesting new synergies for higher education women in tech.

One is a SUNY job posting for a Director of AI from the Stony Brook Libraries, and another is a funding initiative from Melinda French Gates.

I'm sure there are other jobs across SUNY that will focus on AI use and development.

The Director of AI position has listed the following, "Preferred Qualifications: Teaching and mentoring experience in the use of AI tools. Experience with interdisciplinary collaboration. Contributions to open-source repositories. Strong understanding of ethical standards and data privacy laws. Proven track track record of managing technology-driven projects in a library or academic setting. and Brief Description of Duties: The Director of Artificial Intelligence for Libraries will spearhead our AI transformation, bringing deep technical expertise in several AI domains such as machine learning, natural language processing, and data analytics to lead strategic initiatives integrating AI technologies across all library operations. This position demands hands-on experience developing and implementing AI solutions, combining technical innovation with academic leadership."

The French Gates funding initiative is described here, "Melinda French Gates will donate $150 million to nonprofits that aim to increase professional opportunities for women. About a third of the money—$45 million, according to Axios—will be designated for women’s initiatives in the tech industry, and specifically artificial intelligence." and further..."Quantitative fields like tech and engineering have a reputation for especially poor track records of female representation, according to the U.S. National Science Foundation. French Gates’ donation aims to rectify that fact at a time when most DEI initiatives, including those focused on gender equity, are facing scrutiny."

Is the time right for SUNY libraries and tech areas to really start working together in upskilling current employees, collaborating on project implementation, and in helping computer science and tech related academic departments make sure women in their programs are well supported and ready to engage with us for their future careers?

Let me know what's happening in your institution or what see as potential collaborations!

All the best,

Holly