Featured AI2er: Nicole DeCario. Nicole DeCario is the Director of AI &… | by Caitlin Wittlif | Oct, 2023

Title: Meet Nicole DeCario: The Brilliant Mind Behind AI at AI2

Description: Get inspired as we introduce you to Nicole DeCario, the exceptional Director of AI &…

Introduction:

Nicole DeCario, the Director of AI & Society at AI2, shares her journey to her current role, highlighting the importance of taking risks and having supportive mentors. Her career path has been non-linear, starting from singing on Broadway to working as an assistant and eventually finding her passion in non-profit work. Nicole recently started a program called AI & Society at AI2, focusing on AI ethics, literacy, and policy, which has exceeded her expectations. She emphasizes the collaborative nature of her work and the exciting policy discussions that will shape AI regulation in the coming months. Nicole also discusses an ongoing project she’s leading to embed ethical considerations into AI system design and deployment. At AI2, she values the entrepreneurial and inclusive culture that allows ideas to come from anyone within the organization. Aside from work, Nicole enjoys spending time at Agua Verde and Fritz Hedges Waterway Park in Seattle.

Full News:

Nicole DeCario, the Director of AI & Society at AI2, has had a winding journey that brought her to her current role. Previously, she was a Broadway singer but realized that lifestyle was not for her. She then worked as an assistant and had the opportunity to learn from amazing female bosses who taught her valuable skills in leadership and business management. Twelve years ago, she made the decision to leave New York City and moved to Seattle, where she joined a family foundation and discovered her passion for non-profit work.

Joining AI2 was a perfect combination of Nicole’s interests and skills. AI2 is a unique non-profit organization that operates more like a startup, allowing for more flexibility and creativity. As the Director of AI & Society, Nicole started a new program focused on AI ethics, AI literacy, and AI policy. This program has exceeded her expectations, and she finds the work to be incredibly interesting and fulfilling. Building relationships and partnerships are key to her success in this role.

In the coming months, Nicole is excited about policy discussions that will shape AI regulation. She believes we are moving from what we “should” be doing to what we “must” be doing in terms of AI ethics and policy. Her team is working on creating an Ethics Playbook, a tool for researchers to embed ethical considerations into the development of AI systems. This project presents tough challenges, but she enjoys working on tough problems. She is enthusiastic about making a real impact in the field of AI regulation.

One of the things Nicole appreciates most about working at AI2 is the entrepreneurial spirit and the freedom to be creative. Ideas can come from anyone in the organization, regardless of their background or position. This inclusivity allows for a diverse set of perspectives and drives innovation within the organization.

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family, including her two children and her five-year-old daughter. Despite being in the “least hip phase” of her life, she enjoys visiting Agua Verde and Fritz Hedges Waterway Park in Seattle. Agua Verde offers delicious salmon tacos and prickly pear margaritas, while the park provides a relaxing and peaceful rocky beach.

Nicole’s journey to her current role at AI2 has been filled with risks, lessons, and unexpected opportunities. Her passion for non-profit work, coupled with her love for learning and solving societal challenges, has driven her success in the field of AI ethics and policy. As she continues to make an impact in the coming months, her dedication to fostering collaborations and advancing AI literacy remains unwavering.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Nicole DeCario’s journey to becoming the Director of AI & Society at AI2 has been a non-linear one, starting from her time as a Broadway singer. Through taking risks, prioritizing her passions, and having exceptional mentors, she found her way to her current role. Working at AI2, a unique nonprofit, has provided her with the opportunity to pursue mission-driven work and collaborate with a diverse team. She is particularly excited about the upcoming policy discussions on AI regulation and the development of the Ethics Playbook. Overall, Nicole values the entrepreneurial and inclusive culture at AI2 and appreciates the support for non-traditional backgrounds like hers. As for her favorite underrated places in Seattle, she enjoys Agua Verde for its delicious food and the tranquil Fritz Hedges Waterway Park.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Who is Nicole DeCario?

Nicole DeCario is the Director of AI & Machine Learning at AI2, an organization focused on advancing artificial intelligence research and its impact on society.

2. What is AI2?

AI2, or the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence, is a research institute dedicated to exploring the fields of artificial intelligence and machine learning, as well as their societal implications.

3. What does Nicole DeCario do at AI2?

As the Director of AI & Machine Learning, Nicole DeCario oversees the development and implementation of AI projects at AI2. She leads a team of researchers and engineers in pushing the boundaries of AI technology.

4. What are Nicole DeCario’s areas of expertise?

Nicole DeCario specializes in various areas of AI, including natural language processing, deep learning, and computer vision. Her expertise helps drive AI research and innovation at AI2.

5. How has Nicole DeCario contributed to the field of AI?

Nicole DeCario has made significant contributions to the field of AI through her research, publications, and leadership roles. Her work has advanced the understanding and application of AI technology in various domains.

6. What projects has Nicole DeCario been involved in?

Nicole DeCario has been involved in a wide range of AI projects at AI2. Some notable projects include developing AI models for language understanding, creating computer vision algorithms, and exploring the use of AI in healthcare.

7. How does Nicole DeCario promote the responsible use of AI?

Nicole DeCario is an advocate for the responsible and ethical use of AI. She actively seeks to address the potential biases and ethical concerns associated with AI technology and works towards ensuring fairness and transparency in AI systems.

8. What is the significance of Nicole DeCario’s work?

Nicole DeCario’s work is significant in advancing AI research and technology. Her contributions help further our understanding of AI capabilities and applications, paving the way for future advancements in various fields.

9. What sets Nicole DeCario apart in the field of AI?

Nicole DeCario’s expertise, leadership, and commitment to responsible AI research distinguish her in the field. Her contributions have garnered recognition and respect from peers and have had a positive impact on the AI community.

10. How can I learn more about Nicole DeCario and her work?

You can learn more about Nicole DeCario and her work by visiting the AI2 website or following her on professional platforms such as LinkedIn. Additionally, she may have published research papers and articles that delve deeper into her specific contributions and areas of expertise.

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