Working in the Best Interests of All

SCS remains committed to diversifying and building inroads to our college and community of scholarship and research. We do this not only because it is the right thing to do, but because when we make use of diverse ways of thinking we create better research, better science and better technologies. We consider how to build technologies that work for as many different people as possible. At every level of the process of innovation, we look to collaborate with those who think differently than we do. It is the SCS way.

However, it is also important to recognize that SCS remains committed to addressing the gap in access to technology known as the “Digital Divide.” This line of division between people must be narrowed, for those without access to careers in tech will be left out of the opportunity and prosperity they offer.

While we have put forth considerable effort into the SCS initiatives centered on making access to computer science, our curricula and SCS itself attainable to more people from varying backgrounds, it is important to remember that more work remains to be done. We invite you to be a part of this effort as it gains momentum across our school and campus. The Ph.D. students who created the JEDI course (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) are an excellent example. The course, taught to other Ph.D. students, helps make our campus more welcoming and inclusive.

Among the articles in this issue, you’ll find a common thread of diverse and accessible education and outreach as pillars of our mission in SCS. Papers submitted to the recent ACMCHI Conference on computer and human interaction lead the field in making smartphone screens and online interactions more accessible than ever before. We continue to grow our outreach programs like CSPathways, CS Academy and the Robotics Academy which place access to computer science curriculum and opportunities in tech within the grasp of more communities, as well as degrees and careers in computer science. A profile of SCS faculty member Hoda Heidari’s work to make AI more socially responsible has far-reaching applications in these areas. And I hope you enjoy the wonderful article that tracks the Girls of Steel team and their competing in the FIRST World Robotics Championship. Good work, all.

These efforts beyond our own immediate use represent two sides of the same coin: the building of diverse, collaborative and accessible teams equipped to create technologies that work better and are more accessible to more people, who then go on to make greater contributions from which we all benefit. It is a journey worth our effort and leadership, and one that we must continue to keep at the top of our minds.

The fact is, we need all of our young people to consider careers in tech and feel capable to attend institutions that teach computer science, even if they do not attend CMU. As an institution we firmly believe that our efforts will mutually benefit SCS, the Pittsburgh region and our nation, as we do our part to build a better future for all.