Brandeis Marshall
Brandeis Marshall, Professor of Computer Science at Spelman College, will present as a part of Columbia University Data Science Institute’s Race + Data Science Lecture Series. Marshall’s presentation, “Waking up to Marginalization in Data Education” will address racial marginalization as a result of computing practices and possible ways to combat bias. The presentation will be held Wednesday December 1, 2021 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET. You can register for the event here.
Brandeis Marshall Bio: Brandeis teaches, speaks and writes about the impact of data practices on technology and society. Her work contributes to the data engineering, data science, and data/computer science education fields. Through Dr. Marshall’s data education firm, she guides current tech workers building data equity skills. Her first book, Data Conscience: Algorithmic Siege on our Humanity, is expected to be released in mid-2022. It unearths the interlocking computational and civic implications of data on digital processes, structures and institutions.
Dr. Marshall holds a Ph.D. and Master of Science in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Rochester. She is on sabbatical leave from Spelman College, where she is a Full Professor of Computer Science.
Abstract: Data education is increasingly becoming an integral part of many instructional structures, both informal and formal. Much of the attention has been on the application of AI principles and techniques. While AI is only one phase in the data ecosystem, we must embrace a fuller range of job roles that help manage AI algorithms and systems. Also, it’s important that we better understand the current state of the low participation and representation of minoritized groups that further stifles accessibility and inclusion efforts. In this talk, I’ll discuss the demographic disparities, bias creep and policy recommendations to curb and reduce this marginalization.
The lecture series, funded by the MacArthur Foundation and New America, aims to celebrate and advance research in areas of race and data, engineering, and computational science. This initiative addresses prominent issues plaguing society today relating to bias data sets unintentionally amplifying racism. You can view recordings of past presentations and view upcoming presentations in the lecture series here.
The Computing Community Consortium has a new task force that aims to discuss and address similar issues related to equity in computer science. The Computing Challenges to Humanity Equity Team focuses on identifying and mitigating bias and socio technical interventions for health and wellness.
