Michele Elam, William Robertson Coe Professor in the Humanities; Senior Fellow, Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence; Bass University Fellow in Undergraduate Education

This interview podcast features Kevin Scott interviewing Michele Elam, a Stanford professor whose work focuses on the intersection of race, technology, and social justice. The conversation begins with Elam's unconventional career path, contrasting her humanities background with her father's engineering career and her own unexpected involvement in AI research. Key themes explored include the cultural status of engineering versus the humanities, the ethical implications of AI development (particularly concerning bias and the commercialization of images), and the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives in technological innovation. Elam highlights the need for a more holistic approach to education, encouraging students to develop deep expertise while maintaining broad curiosity. The discussion concludes with reflections on the role of storytelling in shaping our understanding of technology and the importance of human agency in navigating the evolving landscape of AI.