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Professor Joshua Blumenstock will receive the Faculty Award for Research in the Public Interest.
 
He was nominated for the award by Vice Chancellor for Research Randy H. Katz, who wrote: “Dr. Blumenstock develops machine learning algorithms and other analytical tools that leverage large digital data streams — especially mobile phone records — to generate precise, timely, and cost-effective insights for policymakers. His work is directly and immediately useful to governments, NGOs, and social enterprises in their decision-making and is already generating significant, long-term welfare benefits for millions of impoverished individuals around the world.”

The awards ceremony will take place on Monday, April 29, 2019, at 3:00 pm in Sibley Auditorium.

Alumna Emily Paul is a member of the 2019 cohort of TechCongress fellows. The fellowship program gives technologists first-hand experience in federal policymaking and helps shape the future of tech policy and the field of public interest technology. At the I School, Emily focused on user research; as TechCongress fellow, Emily brings her technology expertise to the policymaking process.

“I feel strongly that we need to make more collective decisions as a society about how technology is designed, built, and used,” Emily said. “These decisions must involve not only the users of digital products and services but also the people who are affected indirectly.”