Fostering Equity: Using AI to Reduce Barriers

Holliday Sims’ fascination with computer science began in a high school digital media class. “One day Photoshop had an update,” Sims says, “and I asked my teacher, ‘Why did they make an update?’  ‘How were they able to change everything?’ ‘What’s happening behind the scenes?’”

Her teacher suggested she learn the answer by taking a computer science course that summer. And she did. “I fell in love with computer science. I couldn’t believe I could type something and then see the product in real life. That turned the lightbulb on for me.”

At UB, the senior computer science major is applying her knowledge to research how artificial intelligence can reduce inequities in computer science education, especially barriers that Black women face.

Her commitment to using AI for social good is what led New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to invite Sims to her 2024 State of the State address in Albany, where the governor championed the creation of Empire AI, a $400 million state-of-the-art AI computing center at UB.

“Let me tell you what Holliday is doing,” Hochul said at the State Capitol. “She’s conducted research on how AI can improve the child welfare system, and she’s passionate about increasing Black women’s participation in computer science.”

Sims grew up in the Albany area and chose UB not only so she could pursue a degree in computer science, but also because the university’s culture suited her. “I chose UB because of its amazing computer science department, and because it’s large and diverse,” she says. “I get a chance to experience other people’s cultures and find connections and network with people who push me to be the best I can be.”

With her drive and the opportunities UB affords, no one would doubt Sims is becoming the best she can be.

As a freshman, Sims participated in CSTEP, the Collegiate Sciences Technology Entry Program, which empowers talented undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue an advanced degree in the STEM fields, licensed professions or health-related fields. During the summer research program she researched “whether the allocation of academic support services for African American foster youth had a positive or negative outcome.” She delivered a poster presentation at the Annual Research Symposium, which “made a big impression on me, allowing me to see what I could be. Being in that environment really does push you up and make you strive for success.”

Sims is also a McNair Scholar, a program for low-income, first-generation and traditionally underrepresented undergraduate students from any area of study who are on a path to earn a doctorate. Last summer she worked with Professor Christopher Proctor in the Graduate School of Education on UB’s pilot program to help prepare teachers to teach computer science in New York State.

Kemper Lewis, dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, says, “We are immensely proud of Holliday and all of her academic success and remarkable impact. Her ambition to utilize the expansive capabilities of AI and machine learning to improve the lives of children by addressing inequalities in computing education is both inspiring and an embodiment of our school’s mission to prepare our graduates to develop equitable solutions to societal challenges.”

Despite such a heavy academic load and her research work, Sims has immersed herself into campus life as well. Among the many activities she has been involved with are the National Society of Black Engineers, where “our mission is to improve the number of culturally responsive and culturally aware engineers,” she says, and Mystique, an African American dance team, which “allows me to explore more my culture and do something that is away from academics.” She is also a member of WiSE, Women in Science and Engineering. “I try to tell everyone, especially younger students, about it, not only for the workshops but because it’s another great way to network with other students and alumni.”

Next fall Sims begins her PhD program in computer science at UB, working with Adrienne Decker, PhD ’07, MS ’01, BS ’01, in the Department of Engineering Education. “I think one of our first projects will be to examine equitable grading practices,” she says.

Sims sees the applications of AI quite clearly and is hopeful about its prospects. “I believe in an exciting possibility for a future where AI plays a pivotal role in fostering positive societal change and creating more equitable opportunities, within education and beyond,” she says.