Letter from the Dean
In this issue of RISE, one feature article takes up an issue that could represent a point of reckoning for today’s tech world: algorithmic fairness. If technology is meant to serve all people equally—and we at UIC believe that should be the case—then we need to carefully question the assumptions built into our computer programs, which may lead to imbalanced outcomes for one group of people over another. Read the story to learn how UIC faculty and students are on the forefront of the effort to free cutting-edge tech from historic bias.
At the College of Engineering, we likewise must work intentionally to mute the biases that are inherent in the higher education system, especially when it comes to college admissions, student support, and entry into careers and graduate school.
Therefore, we are enhancing our diversity and inclusion efforts in several significant ways. Advisory board members and staff are collaborating on approaches to encourage more women to choose UIC for engineering and computer science. Faculty member Jeremiah Abiade recently assumed leadership of UIC’s Bridge to the Doctorate, which supports undergraduates from underrepresented groups in academia—especially Black and Hispanic students—to go on for a PhD and one day diversify the ranks of professors in their fields. In addition, the College is a committed partner of the UIC Bridge to the Faculty program, which hires promising scholars of color for postdoctoral research positions and prepares them to begin assistant professorships at the end of two years.
Creating fairness in technology, in education, and in our society takes work, but I am proud that UIC faculty, staff, and alumni are helping to lead these efforts. I hope you enjoy the stories in this edition of our magazine, and I thank you for your continued readership.