Hi, my name is Ian Thompson, and welcome to my page! I am an Eminence fellow in my Senior year with a major in Computer Science and Engineering and a minor in Philosophy.

During my time at Ohio State, I have focused my studies on the relationship technology has with ethics. During my freshman year, I did an independent study examining our understanding of the definition of information and how that has been impacted by technology. Now, in my senior year, I am researching the relationship between bias and fairness as it relates to machine learning, and hope to find a way to identify potential sources of unfairness in a machine learning algorithm from the data it takes in in order to suggest changes.

I also helped start the Applied Ethics and Technology club at OSU, which fosters discussion among students about ethical concerns around technology. This has been an incredible outlet for pursuing my passion of tech ethics, sharing that passion with students, and learning more about how I can strive to be a more ethical person through my work. I firmly believe that computer scientists have a duty to sincerely believe and uphold ethical norms because the systems they create have become increasingly omnipresent. I hope to become the best ethicist I can be so that when I go into the field of computer science I can promote humanity through my work rather than exploit it.

I also believe that technology has the potential to connect us all and help those that need it most in a profound way. To that end, I helped found Vocalize Columbus, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting free clinics in need with interpreters ready to help. Limited English Proficiency (LEP) individuals are on average more financially vulnerable than the average American, and often rely on free clinics to be able to receive healthcare. This language barrier makes it harder for these patients to get the healthcare they need, and so these free clinics rely on costly interpretation services to serve them. Vocalize Columbus helps connect volunteer interpreters with these free clinics through video conferencing. Our online volunteer portal gives clinics access to volunteer interpreters from around the country, so that they can focus their time and resources on serving those who need their services most. Being able to use what I have learned through my education and work experience to create such an impact has been a profound and incredible experience.