Stanford HAI Welcomes Six Distinguished Scholars as Senior Fellows to Advance Human-Centered AI Research and Policy

STANFORD, Calif.–The Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI) today announced the addition of six esteemed scholars as senior fellows. These accomplished academics bring unparalleled expertise and groundbreaking research that will contribute to HAI’s mission of advancing AI research, education, and policy to improve the human condition.

“The addition of these distinguished scholars represents a significant milestone for Stanford HAI and a moment of real growth for this institute”

The new senior fellows are:

• Susan Athey, Economics of Technology Professor, Stanford Graduate School of Business, is a world-renowned economist specializing in the economics of digitization, marketplace design, and the integration of machine learning in econometrics. A recipient of the prestigious John Bates Clark Medal and an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences, she has also served as Chief Economist at the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division. As one of HAI’s founding associate directors, Athey’s continued contributions will bolster the institute’s research on the societal impact of AI and the economy.
• Michael Bernstein, Associate Professor of Computer Science, researches social, societal, and interactive technologies. He is widely recognized for his contributions to human-centered AI and has received honors including the Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship and the Computer History Museum’s Patrick J. McGovern Tech for Humanity Prize. As an associate professor of Computer Science and interim director of the Symbolic Systems program, Bernstein’s expertise bridges computer science and human behavior, offering invaluable insights into the design and implementation of AI systems that serve humanity.
• Angèle Christin, Associate Professor of Communication, conducts ethnographic research at the intersection of AI technologies and professional cultures, examining how digital tools transform fields such as journalism, criminal justice, and social media. Her work provides critical insights into the societal impact of AI, helping to ensure that technology aligns with human values. As a Richard E. Guggenhime Faculty Scholar, Christin’s interdisciplinary perspective will further HAI’s mission to guide AI innovation responsibly.
• Mykel Kochenderfer, Associate Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics, leads the Stanford Intelligent Systems Laboratory (SISL), where his research focuses on developing advanced algorithms for decision-making in complex, uncertain environments, such as air traffic control and automated driving. He played a pivotal role in creating the ACAS X international standard for aircraft collision avoidance and serves as co-director of the Center for AI Safety. A prolific author and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Artificial Intelligence Research, Professor Kochenderfer’s expertise in safety-critical systems will greatly enhance HAI’s efforts in fostering trustworthy AI development.
• Dorsa Sadigh, Associate Professor of Computer Science, researches the intersection of robot learning and human-robot interaction. Specifically, she is interested in developing algorithms for adaptive learning agents that can learn from humans and interact with them. Sadigh has been awarded the Sloan Fellowship, the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the National Science Foundation’s Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) award, among other prestigious honors.
• Melissa Valentine, Associate Professor, Department of Management Science and Engineering, explores how emerging technologies, including AI and algorithms, are transforming work and organizations, focusing on topics such as flash teams, algorithmic management, and AI-powered organizational design. As the inaugural Sabbatical Scholar at HAI, she advanced interdisciplinary research at the intersection of AI and organizational design. A recipient of the NSF CAREER Award and multiple best paper accolades, her scholarship continues to shape the future of work and technology.

“The addition of these distinguished scholars represents a significant milestone for Stanford HAI and a moment of real growth for this institute,” said James Landay, Stanford HAI Co-Director, Professor of Computer Science and the Anand Rajaraman and Venky Harinarayan Professor in the School of Engineering at Stanford University. “HAI now has 22 senior fellows leading the conversation in technical AI, AI safety, economics, human-centered design, societal impact, and more. Our new fellows will play a vital role in advancing our mission to ensure that AI serves humanity.”

These senior fellows will collaborate with HAI’s interdisciplinary community of researchers, contributing to groundbreaking initiatives aimed at addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change and healthcare to misinformation and global inequality.

About the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI)

The Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI) is an interdisciplinary institute established in 2019 to advance AI research, education, policy, and practice. Stanford HAI brings together thought leaders from academia, industry, government, and civil society to shape the development and responsible deployment of AI. Stanford HAI’s mission is to advance AI research, education, policy, and practice to improve the human condition. We believe AI should be guided by its human impact, inspired by human intelligence, and designed to augment, not replace, people. Our interdisciplinary faculty conducts research focused on guiding the development of AI technologies intended to enhance human capabilities while ensuring its ethical, fair, and transparent use.