Biography:
Meredith Broussard is a prominent figure in the field of data journalism and a respected professor at the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute at New York University. With a focus on the role of artificial intelligence in journalism, Broussard’s contributions have greatly impacted the understanding and practice of data-driven reporting.
Prior to her career in academia, Broussard held esteemed positions at The Philadelphia Inquirer as a features editor, as well as at the prestigious AT&T Bell Labs and MIT Media Lab as a software developer. Her diverse background in both journalism and technology has allowed her to develop a unique perspective on the intersection of these fields.
Broussard’s work has been featured in numerous influential outlets such as The Atlantic, Harper’s Magazine, and Slate Magazine, where she has published insightful features and essays. She is also the author of the critically acclaimed nonfiction book, Artificial Unintelligence: How Computers Misunderstand the World. Published in 2018 by MIT Press, the book delves into the limitations of technology in solving complex social problems.
During her time as a fellow at the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia University, Broussard developed Bailiwick, a groundbreaking tool designed to uncover data-driven campaign finance stories. This innovative tool was specifically created for the 2016 United States presidential election, illustrating Broussard’s commitment to utilizing technology for impactful storytelling.
Currently, Broussard holds the position of associate professor at the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute of New York University. She also serves as the research director of the NYU Alliance for Public Interest Technology and is an advisory board member of the Center for Critical Race and Digital Studies. Her involvement in these esteemed institutions demonstrates her dedication to advancing the field of journalism and technology.
In 2020, Broussard made an appearance as herself in the Netflix documentary Coded Bias. This thought-provoking film follows researchers and advocates as they explore the biases encoded within algorithms, shedding light on the important societal implications of artificial intelligence.
Throughout her career, Broussard has been interviewed on various topics, including algorithmic bias, by numerous media outlets including The Verge, Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, and Harvard Magazine. Her expertise and insights have contributed to public understanding and consciousness of the issues surrounding technology’s impact on society.
With a wide range of impactful publications, Broussard has become a leading voice in the examination of technology’s intersection with social practice. Her forthcoming book, More than a Glitch: Confronting Race, Gender, and Ability Bias in Tech, set to be published in March 2023, promises to further contribute to the critical discourse surrounding these important issues.
Meredith Broussard’s research, teaching, and public engagement exemplify her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between technology, journalism, and society. Through her work, she has undoubtedly exerted a profound influence on the field of data journalism and continues to shape the discourse in her role as a pioneering scholar.