Sina-Marie Mayer works at the intersection of data science, AI, and public policy. In a directed research project, she analyzes large-scale Reddit data using natural language processing and topic modeling to examine how fear and stress appear in public discourse around artificial intelligence.
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Samuel, Thakuriah Lead Discussions at RAD Collaboratory
Professors Samuel and Thakuriah participated in the inaugural 𝐑𝐮𝐭𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 (𝐑𝐀𝐃) 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 symposium on 3/24/26 – an amazing event that has sparked much interest in collaborative research with AI as a matchmaking catalyst.
Ayse Sert Oti: AI Governance, Health Equity, and Public Policy
Ayse aims to work at the intersection of AI governance, health equity, and public policy. Her current project, CASN (Cognitive Autonomy & Safety Negotiation), explores a privacy-aware AI decision-support system designed to help dementia caregivers navigate high-risk situations.
Leveraging AI to enhance patient care and better healthcare systems
“The MPI Program didn’t just teach the “how” of data, but the “why” of using it to improve people’s lives”
Grad Students Study AI’s Role in UNDP Work Processes
Rutgers graduate students presented their findings on “Effectiveness of AI-assisted report assessments: A case study of the United Nations Development Program,” at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Annual Meeting’s poster competition in Phoenix, AZ in mid-February.
Guest Speaker Lerrel Pinto: Robot Data is Not Enough Data
“There are a lot of people who are more than happy to use AI for entertainment,” Samuel said. “But when it comes to decision making, a lot of people go back to fundamental information based, fact-based decision making.”
Samuel Quoted in AI Lawsuit Against Student
It’s essential to avoid false accusations, said Jim Samuel, executive director of the Informatics Program at Rutgers University, where he does research on AI.
AI in Your Municipality: Implementation and Govenance
ICMA’s February 2026 Public Management magazine ran an AI-themed issue featuring Bloustein School senior policy fellow Marc Pfeiffer on the cover. Marc’s article, “AI in Your Municipality: Implementation and Governance”, was written with acknowledged assistance from an AI Chatbot.
NJSPL: Electricity Bills and AI Data Centers
Considering the impact of AI on electricity bills, data centers in the Northeast could be part of the problem.
“Work Trends RU” Podcast with Beth Simone Noveck, Ph.D.
Listen to the latest episode of the Heldrich Center’s Work Trends RU podcast, featuring featuring Aaron Fichtner, Ph.D., President of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges. Dr. Fichtner discusses the role New Jersey’s 18 community colleges play in expanding access to higher education, developing a skilled workforce, and meeting the evolving needs of students, employers, and local communities.