Yejin Choi, known for her work in natural language processing, has been named a 2022 MacArthur Fellow and one of Time’s Most Influential People in AI. She is leaving the University of Washington and the Allen Institute for AI in Seattle to move to California and continue working in the field. Her departure was announced internally at Ai2 and the UW Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, reflecting the high demand for AI researchers in the industry. Ai2 has also announced two new researchers joining the team, including Sewon Min, who is joining as a research scientist, and Tim Dettmers, who specializes in efficient deep learning and will also be starting a position at Carnegie Mellon University.
Choi led a separate team at Ai2 focused on common-sense reasoning. Ai2 released a statement thanking Choi for her contributions and wishing her the best in her future endeavors. Choi described her time at the University of Washington and Ai2 as a “literal paradise” and expressed gratitude for the learning and growth opportunities she had during her tenure. Magdalena Balazinska, UW computer science professor and director of the UW Allen School, praised Choi for her transformative impact on the school and noted her significant role in building out the AI faculty group. Balazinska expressed sadness to see Choi leave but wished her the best in her next adventure.
Yejin Choi also delivered a TED talk last year exploring the challenges of common-sense reasoning for AI models. In a note to her Allen School colleagues, Choi expressed her gratitude for the support and learning opportunities she received during her time at the university. She mentioned that she is naturally adventure-seeking and feels the need to experience a different world to be authentic to herself. Balazinska commended Choi for her impactful work on common-sense reasoning and inspiring presence for students, reflecting on the strong position Choi is leaving the AI faculty in at UW.
In other Tech Moves, Margi Tooth has taken on the role of CEO at Seattle pet insurance company Trupanion, succeeding founder Darryl Rawlings. Lauren Wilson has joined Seattle healthcare startup Kevala as a vice president and general manager, bringing experience from previous roles in sales. The Washington State Academy of Sciences announced 36 new members and four additions to its board of directors, including Nathan Baker, Brian French, Kristi Morgansen, and Susmita Bose. These changes within the tech industry reflect the dynamic nature of the field and the continued growth and evolution of AI research and development.
