Howard University Students Win Microsoft AI Policython

Big congratulations are in order for five bright students from Howard University! They’ve clinched first place in the very first Microsoft AI Policython, held during the prestigious Congressional Black Caucus Week in Washington, D.C. This event brought together bright minds from HBCUs to tackle the complex world of artificial intelligence through policy.

Innovation Meets Policy

Hosted by the Black at Microsoft DMV Chapter, the AI Policython challenged students from Howard University, the University of the District of Columbia, and Coppin State University. Their mission? To develop and present policy solutions for real-world AI issues. The Howard team, aptly named ‘Truth and Service Solutions Inc.,’ truly embodied their university’s spirit.

The winning team included Janeen Louis (Psychology), Fatumata Dia (Political Science & Economics), Kyla Hockett (Computer Science), Soluchi Fidel-Ideabuchi (Computer Science), and Sydney Helstone (Mathematics). Guided by Dr. Talitha Washington, executive director of Howard’s Center for Applied Data Science and Analytics, they dove deep into the intersection of policy and innovation.

Tackling Real-World AI Challenges

The students were tasked with a challenging case: an AI budgeting app developed by a bank and a university that gave faulty advice, leading to user overdrafts. They had to decide if the app should be paused, revised, or replaced, and crucially, who should bear responsibility for the financial losses. Their proposal focused on ethical, safety, and financial considerations.

• The app should be labeled for advisory use only.
• Overdraft protections should be added for student users.
• A neutral auditor should be involved in oversight.
• Short, interactive training videos should be created to explain app features and risks.

Fatumata Dia highlighted the importance of these training videos, noting that most users skip lengthy terms and conditions. “We incorporated little fun trainings that included tool tips, small videos to ensure that the user or the students know exactly what the app is doing throughout the entirety of its use,” she explained.

The Importance of Responsible AI

While the judges praised the team’s innovative ideas, they also encouraged them to consider implementation costs. This experience provided invaluable hands-on learning, emphasizing the need for responsible AI development. Kyla Hockett shared her personal experience with the rapid increase of AI tools in her internship, noting mixed feelings about relying heavily on AI.

Janeen Louis added that her interest in AI policy was sparked by a freshman class on AI ethics and bias. She stressed the importance of human oversight, especially in sensitive areas like mental health. Events like the Microsoft AI Policython are crucial for fostering dialogue and ensuring AI technologies benefit society ethically and equitably.