Jay Little Cunningham is a class of 2017 Blackburn Fellow. He is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at DePaul University.
What have you been up to since graduating from UA?
Since graduating from UA in 2019, I earned my M.S. and Ph.D. in Human Centered Design and Engineering from the University of Washington, becoming the first Black man to receive a doctorate in this field at UW. I’ve conducted research at Google, Apple, and Microsoft, focusing on AI ethics and algorithmic fairness. Currently, I serve as Assistant Professor of Computer Science at DePaul University, where I direct the RAISE Lab examining responsible AI systems and their societal impacts. I’ve been honored to receive prestigious fellowships including the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship and Social Science Research Council Just Tech Fellowship, and I recently served as Student Regent on the University of Washington Board of Regents, appointed by Governor Jay Inslee.
What is your favorite Blackburn memory?
My favorite Blackburn memory is the intensive weekend retreats where we engaged in deep dialogue about civic leadership, social justice, and our responsibilities to our communities. I vividly remember late-night conversations with fellow Fellows debating how we could each contribute to positive social change in our respective fields. These discussions challenged me to think beyond traditional career paths and consider how my work in technology could serve the public good. The mentorship from senior Fellows and the Blackburn leadership team showed me that effective civic engagement requires both moral courage and strategic thinking—lessons that continue to guide my work in AI policy and ethics today.
How do you think Blackburn has impacted your life’s path?
Blackburn fundamentally shaped how I understand the relationship between professional excellence and civic responsibility. The Institute taught me that technical expertise must be paired with ethical leadership and commitment to the common good. This philosophy directly influenced my decision to focus on AI ethics and equitable technology design rather than purely technical pursuits—I wanted my computer science career to address systemic inequities rather than simply build innovative products. Blackburn’s emphasis on sustained dialogue and understanding diverse perspectives prepared me for community-centered research approaches that prioritize voices of historically marginalized communities. The network of Fellows continues to inspire and challenge me, and returning as the 2023 Annual Symposium speaker on “Civic Engagement in the Age of AI” allowed me to contribute back to the community that shaped my leadership journey.
What are you passionate about?
I’m deeply passionate about ensuring artificial intelligence serves all communities equitably, particularly those historically underserved by technology. My work examines how AI systems can perpetuate or disrupt systemic inequities, and I’m committed to developing frameworks for building justice-oriented technology. I’m also passionate about mentoring the next generation of diverse leaders in STEM and public interest technology. Yes, I would absolutely welcome Fellows reaching out—whether they’re working on technology policy, interested in graduate programs in human-centered computing, exploring careers in responsible AI, or seeking to collaborate on civic technology initiatives. I’m particularly interested in connecting with Fellows working at the intersection of technology, policy, and social justice.
Final Thoughts:
I’m currently developing research and policy initiatives around AI governance and am exploring opportunities to expand my civic engagement into formal political leadership roles focused on technology policy at local, state, and national levels. I remain deeply grateful to the Blackburn Institute for instilling in me the conviction that leadership is about service and that our professional accomplishments should advance the common good. For Fellows interested in AI ethics, technology policy, or academic careers in computing, I’m always happy to share insights about navigating these paths. Roll Tide, and thank you to the Blackburn community for continuing to shape leaders committed to positive change!