Rediet Abebe

Rediet Abebe is assistant professor of computer science at the University of California, Berkeley.

Abebe’s research is broadly in the fields of algorithms and artificial intelligence, with a focus on inequality and distributive justice concerns. She cofounded and co-organized the MD4SG research initiative as well as the nonprofit organization Black in AI, where she sits on the board of directors and coleads the Academic Program.

Abebe holds a PhD in computer science from Cornell University and graduate degrees in mathematics from Harvard University and the University of Cambridge.

Her project, “Algorithms on Trial: Interrogating Evidentiary Statistical Software,” will shed light on the ubiquitous and improper use of software tools as evidence in the U.S. criminal legal system. The project will use a mix of algorithmic and qualitative techniques to analyze large legal databases, with a focus on admissibility hearings. The results will coalesce in the form of a public platform containing thousands of tools, alongside known issues and resources like ready-to-file affidavits to empower public defenders.

Twitter:
@red_abebe