Aerospace Engineering and AI Ethics -written by Poonam Chanchlani (BCA, Data Science)

In an exclusive interview, University of Cincinnati's aerospace engineering doctoral student, Lynn Pickering, sheds light on her groundbreaking work in the realm of explainable artificial intelligence (AI). A recipient of the Fulbright Ghent University Award and hailed as Graduate Student Engineer of the Month by UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science, Pickering's journey into the world of AI was driven by a desire to live abroad and embrace diversity.

 

Pickering's fascination with aviation, stemming from her father's small airplane piloting, sparked her pursuit of aerospace engineering. Under the guidance of Professor Kelly Cohen, her undergraduate years introduced her to artificial intelligence research, altering her trajectory. Drawn by the promise of fuzzy logic, Pickering continued her graduate education at UC.
 

Her research, centering on using fuzzy logic to develop genetic fuzzy systems, aims to create explainable artificial intelligence solutions. By providing transparent reasoning behind AI decisions, she seeks to address trust and bias concerns. Pickering points out the pitfalls of unexplained AI, highlighting cases like AI job screening, where hidden biases can creep in, as seen with Amazon's AI recruitment tool.

 

Reflecting on her impactful experiences at UC, Pickering emphasizes her co-op stints with BMW in Munich and Gulfstream in Savannah, Georgia, as well as her presentation on the Bell XV3 Aircraft for the Science Channel. Beyond her research, she's a co-founder of the Explainable Fuzzy AI student competition, fostering awareness of fuzzy logic and explainable AI among students worldwide.

 

A standout achievement is her selection for a Fulbright Research grant at Ghent University in Belgium, where she'll delve into AI's ethical dimensions. The Flanders region's focus on trust, explainability, and ethical AI closely aligns with Pickering's views, offering her an incredible platform to contribute and learn.

 

Lynn Pickering's journey encapsulates the drive to make AI work for humanity responsibly and ethically, ensuring that AI's potential is harnessed for the betterment of society.

 

Please note: The above information is derived from an interview with Lynn Pickering.