Bias in AI

In the current trajectory of private sector AI, what biases and risks exist and are being perpetuated by the structures in place? What risks arise in implementing current AI systems into developing countries and key US-China competition sites? This project will focus on private sector interviews and case study analysis. We will visit tech sites, travel to AI conferences, and learn using innovative systems. Technical skills and familiarity with AI are encouraged, but not necessary. Professional foreign language skills are optional but encouraged.

Biotechnology

What limitations exist within the current risk assessment process of biotech? How can we shape existing biotech governance to improve the responsible and rapid innovation of biotech? This project will interview scientific researchers and government regulators to develop a detailed understanding of the biotech landscape, as well as empirically reviewing existing regulations to develop suggest criteria for future examination of biotechnology policy. Some familiarity in biology encouraged, but not necessary.

Clean Energy Supply Chains

How can the US and its partners in the Indo-Pacific work to develop clean energy at scale across the Indo-Pacific? What steps are necessary to substantially reduce the current level of reliance on China in green tech supply chains? Areas of focus will include critical minerals/rare earth metals, energy storage technologies, solar photovoltaics, wind power systems, and electric grids. This project will conduct qualitative research and interview government practitioners and tech leaders across the Indo-Pacific to create tangible policy recommendations.

Our philosophy

GeoTech's goal is to instill in students a degree of empowerment, confidence, and comfortability in approaching questions of technology policy. We want students to learn to trust in their own judgements. While we are a student-run lab that is also learning on the spot, our focus is squarely on this philosophy. That's why, within our current means, we aim to do whatever we can to pay our students, give them opportunities to lead research, encourage all ideas, and provide personal advice on careers and futures.

If all goes well, GeoTech will be a cross-campus community of tech policy thinkers.

FAQ

What are we looking for?

As fellows are paid through stipend, we are looking for fellows who will be committed to working through the finish of the project, when the final report is published. Fellows will be given ownership of the final product, so we look for those, regardless of major or year, who will take ownership of the project!

Can I apply as a non-policy or non-CS person?

The goal of the fellowship is to create cross-major collaboration and thinking. For example, a social science major with no experience in AI should absolutely apply for the Bias in AI field, especially because sociological methodologies in thinking about AI are just as fundamental to the project as a data science foundation. We encourage all majors, not just to be inclusive, but because the creativity in diversity is a necessary part of our goals.

What is the commitment like?

Considering we are a student-run group with such a special opportunity to be funded by grant, it is expected that all GeoTech fellows work at least 5-8 hours a week with an intention of working from the start of the project to the finished final report.

Flexibility in hours worked based on personal situations is garunteed. The only requirement is that you are able to contribute meaningfully to the report and claim ownership of the final result.

Do I need to also apply to the Essay Contest?

No. They are not simultaneously required nor are they mutually exclusive. The Essay Contest guarantees a spot in future GeoTech projects, but it is encouraged that everyone who applies to the GeoTech fellowship this year also apply to the Essay Contest!

Deadline

Application Deadline: CLOSED. Come back next year for more opportunities!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email Andy Shufer, the W&M Director for the GeoTech Initiative, and Pranav Pattatathunaduvil, the Yale Director for the Geotech Initiative, at axshufer@wm.edu and pranav.pattatathunaduvil@yale.edu, respectively. We hope to hear from you!