Diana-Tolbert AI & Philosophy Lab
At the Diana-Tolbert AI & Philosophy Lab, we pioneer the exploration of artificial intelligence's ethical dimensions and philosophical implications. Our multidisciplinary team, comprised of experts in AI, philosophy, and societal impacts, is committed to understanding the profound questions at the intersection of machine learning, ethics, and human society. Our mission is to ensure that as AI technologies progress, they are grounded in principles that prioritize societal well-being, fairness, and justice. Through rigorous research, collaborations, and open discourse, we aim to shape a future where AI serves humanity responsibly and equitably.
Research Assistant Professor, Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago, (Fall 2024) Assistant Professor, Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper School of Business Operations Research
Dr. Emily Diana holds a Ph.D. in Statistics and Data Science from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, having had the opportunity to work under the guidance of Professors Michael Kearns and Aaron Roth. Emily's research primarily delves into the convergence of ethical algorithm design with socially responsible machine learning.
Postdoctoral Researcher, Emory University’s Department of Quantitative Theory and Methods, (Fall 2024) Assistant Professor, Emory University’s Department of Quantitative Theory and Methods
Dr. Tolbert's research intersects the philosophy of science, social & political philosophy, and theoretical AI, translating theory into actionable policy. He earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy and a Masters in Statistics at the University of Pennsylvania. Guided by prominent scholars like Michael Kearns, his co-advisor, and Aaron Roth on his dissertation committee, their expertise also influenced Dr. Emily Ruth Diana's research. Additionally, Anita Allen, Quayshawn Spencer, Samuel Freeman, and Scott Weinstein provided valuable insights during his doctoral journey. Before Penn, Dr. Tolbert acquired master’s degrees from Virginia Tech in Biochemistry and Philosophy and a B.S. in Biology from the University of Mobile.
Lab Culture at Diana-Tolbert AI & Philosophy Lab
Our lab stands as a beacon for individuals intrinsically motivated by curiosity and unwavering desire to absorb and implement knowledge expeditiously. Instead of adhering to a singular overarching project, we believe in the power of autonomy, allowing each member to take the lead on their distinct projects.
Given our lab's interdisciplinary nature, which spans both artificial intelligence and philosophy, traditional expansive lab meetings aren't the norm. We've implemented several best practices to ensure seamless communication and collaboration:
Weekly Insights: A member takes the helm each week, diving deep into a topic of their expertise. This ensures a constant flow of fresh knowledge and perspectives.
One-on-One Sessions: Every semester, it's imperative for each member to sit down individually with their peers. This promotes understanding, collaboration, and synergy among team members.
Ideas Over Tea: Nothing pairs better than a hot brew and stimulating conversation—a casual 10-minute slot where anything from ongoing work to the latest AI ethics debate can be discussed.
Project Overviews: Structured similarly to our one-on-ones, these sessions revolve around detailed discussions of ongoing projects or fresh proposals.
Monday Energizers: We kickstart our week with fresh pastries every Monday at 9:00 a.m., ensuring a sweet start!
Our ethos revolves around constant evolution. We regularly discuss, refine, and sometimes revamp our lab practices, ensuring we remain at the forefront of innovation and collaboration.