Dr. Anu Gokhale

Dr.  Anu Gokhale, a professor and chair of the Computer Information Systems Department at Saint Augustine’s University (SAU), is helping to expand the world’s knowledge of potential bias in Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based predictive and automated decision-making systems. She has authored a peer-reviewed article on the subject that was published recently in the highly regarded journal AI & Society.

The goal of Dr. Gokhale’s research was to investigate the adage that, while humans are fallible, computers are impartial with no implicit bias. Toward this purpose, the author used the Delphi research technique to achieve three objectives: (1) identify and categorize the sources of flaws in algorithm design; (2) validate a framework for auditing AI-powered systems; and (3) propose strategies for resolving the sources and mitigating the flaws in algorithm design.

The findings include scientific and technical strategies to build Machine Learning (ML) models that resolve the sources and mitigate the flaws in algorithm design. The article emphasizes that the overarching goal of STEM professionals should be to design sociotechnical systems that broaden participation in the economy and lead to best outcomes for all subgroups of people.

“We collectively bear the responsibility to build a more inclusive AI community that would be better equipped to address implicit bias in algorithm design and ML model outcomes,” the article found. The study cautions that AI, if unchecked and not properly governed, could have significant, tangible and long-lasting adverse effects for specific segments of the population.

For Dr. Gokhale, it was her first solo-authored article in a peer-reviewed journal since arriving at SAU in 2022. “I am deeply humbled and honored to uphold the visibility and reputation of Saint Augustine’s University,” she said.

Dr. Janelle Jennings-Alexander, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs called the publication of the article “truly impressive.” She added: “Maintaining a rigorous schedule of academic engagement and publishing a single-authored paper in a reputable journal, especially during these challenging times, is no small feat and a significant achievement.”