I'm Marisa Vasconcelos, a researcher at the intersection of technology and society. My current work focuses on how people perceive and engage with Artificial Intelligence, including its use in therapy, the emergence of personas in large language models, and how LLMs respond to social questions. I also explore social media as a context where technology shapes human behavior and collective perception.
Key Achievements
- Academic Background: Ph.D. and Master's in Computer Science, with the Master's degree completed at Boston University.
- Professional Experience: 25 years of research experience, including 7 years at IBM Research with expertise in Responsible AI. Author of 40 publications and 14 granted patents.
- International Experience: Extensive international experience, including participation, presentations, and publications at international conferences, as well as working with global teams at IBM.
- Commitment to Responsible AI: Conducts innovative research to assess and mitigate AI risks, staying updated with advancements and sharing findings in prominent publications, while ensuring the consistent application of Responsible AI policies across technological frameworks.
- STEM Advocate: Co-created the WINDS (Women in Data Science) workshop to promote diversity in tech.
My Research Focus
Technology & Society
At the heart of my work is the intersection of technology and society. I study how technologies, including social media and AI, shape human behavior, discourse, and cultural representation.
Artificial Intelligence
I focus on understanding how people perceive and interact with AI, including its use in therapy, the emergence of personas in large language models, and how LLMs respond to social questions.
AI Governance & Ethics
I study ethical AI governance, combining audits, teaching, and course development. My work aims to ensure that AI technologies are applied responsibly and ethically.
Industry Experience
During my time as a Research Scientist at IBM Research Brazil, I had the opportunity to bridge theory and practice. I conducted advanced analyses of conversational agents (chatbots), improving user interactions, and exploring the impact of language and context on user experience.
Additionally, I participated in Tech for Justice projects, analyzing the presence of underrepresented communities on social media. I also developed patents, including a method for auditing bias in AI systems. This experience deepened my understanding of systems and improved my skills in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).
What Drives Me
I believe in the power of AI to solve complex problems and make a positive impact on society. With a strong foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of AI, I'm committed to developing solutions that are not only cutting-edge but also align with the highest ethical standards. I am passionate about understanding how people perceive and engage with AI, and how these technologies shape society. My work aims to explore the human side of AI, from its use in therapy to the emergence of personas in large language models, always considering its broader social and cultural impact.
Let's Collaborate
If you're interested in exploring how people interact with AI or the societal impact of digital technologies, I'd love to connect! Let's work together to create innovative, human-centered AI solutions.