By Alexandra Resto, Communications Associate, School of Computer and Data Sciences
The School of Computer and Data Sciences (SCDS) has a seat at the table in the Alliance for Data Science and AI (ADSA).
Executive Director of SCDS Beth Plale was recently appointed to the ADSA board, representing the University of Oregon alongside eight other academic institutions across the country. Driven by a mission to support academic institutions in developing inclusive data science and AI initiatives, ADSA provides peer expertise and strategic guidance.
“ADSA represents a lever to move the field — in computer science, data science and artificial intelligence,” says Plale. “This is an exceptional opportunity for the School of Computer and Data Sciences and the University of Oregon to join our peers in directing the future of AI in academia.”
ADSA advocates for human-centered AI practices, and for open and accessible data as a keystone for collaboration in the field. ADSA further emphasizes the importance of collaboration and integration in data science and AI, stating “data science and emerging data-driven technologies such as AI can only reach full potential when they are built by and for all disciplines.” Plale’s appointment to ADSA opens new opportunities for SCDS and the University of Oregon to shape the future of AI guidance in academic institutions.
Plale will serve a three-year appointment with ADSA, until the fall of 2029.
“Beth has spent her career building the infrastructure that makes data-intensive research possible, at Indiana, at NSF, and now at Oregon,” said Micaela Parker, ADSA executive director. “We’re lucky to have her.”
SCDS, part of the College of Arts and Sciences, offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees across multiple majors including computer science, data science and cybersecurity in a liberal arts environment.