Stewards of Responsible Tech

New York Tech recently hosted Responsible Tech Careers on its New York City campus, bringing together like-minded students from New York Tech as well as from Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania, and City University of New York (CUNY). Sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences, and the Office of Career Success and Experiential Education, students had the opportunity to engage in inclusive networking and learning experiences on responsible technology careers.

^{Students heard from Microsoft, Google, and Amazon professionals, among others, who provided a glimpse into the industry at New York Tech’s Responsible Tech Careers event.}

Professionals from the field, including speakers from Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, provided a glimpse into the industry as they offered actionable advice about securing job opportunities. Students were also able to connect with All Tech Is Human (ATIH), a Manhattan-based nonprofit working to unite innovators and leaders from across civil society, government, and industry to solve complex tech and societal issues. The organization offers student-facing services as well, including internships, job boards, and mentorships.

As digital technologies continue to impact communities, New York Tech’s central values and strengths around promoting an inclusive, ethical tech future remain strong, says Jennifer Griffiths, Ph.D., professor and department chair of humanities (to become associate dean for the College of Arts and Sciences in January). ATIH shares these same values, creating a unique collaboration—like the Responsible Tech Careers event—with the university to promote a more careful, holistic way of thinking about the development, deployment, and unintended consequences of tech creations, both on and off campus.

Further supporting this commitment to building a conscientious tech environment are 12 New York Tech students who have been named Responsible Tech Ambassadors (RTA)—a new student role that Griffiths created. Employed through the Federal College Work-Study Program, these ambassadors provided support for the Responsible Tech Careers event and are working on student engagement initiatives for responsible, civic, and inclusive technologies, ultimately creating a hub for responsible tech at the university. Upcoming projects include a presentation during Faculty Development Day, focus groups, a springtime event, and a Responsible Tech Alumni Network.

“Our RTAs are encouraged to explore and develop partnerships with organizations like ATIH in their work toward cultivating a responsible tech ecosystem at New York Tech,” says Griffiths, who notes that the university looks at ATIH’s annually revised Responsible Tech Guide to gauge which student engagement efforts seem possible to scale to New York Tech. “We want our students who share a commitment to a responsible tech future to have access and knowledge about these opportunities.”

Computer science student Rafael Cohetero-Meza applied to become an RTA as soon as he discovered the job listing. Inspired by how the role’s tasks closely align with his interests, Cohetero-Meza says he is excited to support future events and research initiatives that may positively impact the New York Tech community.

“As a student, I saw an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on how artificial intelligence safety is perceived,” he says of his decision to become an ambassador. “At the Responsible Tech Careers event, I was able to make meaningful connections with industry professionals, and I feel better prepared to enter the current job market.”

Students interested in becoming a Responsible Tech Ambassador may reach out to Jennifer Griffiths.