Introduction to Matthew Kearney
Matthew Kearney, a senior at MIT, was drawn to the university by its unique cross-country team culture. Growing up in Austin, Texas, Kearney loved spending time outdoors and playing soccer, but by high school, running had become his primary sport. He wanted to find a college with strong academics and a strong team community, and after an official visit with the cross-country team, he knew MIT was the place for him.
The MIT Experience
Kearney’s experience at MIT has been defining, and he loves the quirky and fun atmosphere of the cross-country team. "It’s been truly a defining part of my MIT experience," says Kearney. "I love how quirky and fun and weird in the best way everyone is, and that atmosphere of doing things a little bit differently. That’s what sold me beyond the obvious academic and research reasons." As a team captain, Kearney has made the most of his athletic and academic experiences, majoring in electrical engineering and computer science, philosophy, and completing a master’s degree in computer science and engineering.
Interests and Passions
Kearney’s interests intersect in the field of artificial intelligence ethics, where he hopes to leverage his interdisciplinary education to thoughtfully examine and design artificial intelligence systems. He’s particularly interested in thinking about how we want to live our lives as people, what matters to us, and how we can do it in a way that respects the values that matter to other people. Following graduation, he will pursue a DPhil in computer science at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar.
Research and Projects
Kearney is currently working on two research efforts. The first is a project with the Human Systems Lab, where he is designing downscaling methods to apply to climate data. He’s also working on his master’s thesis, helping to develop a deeper understanding of large language models, which are used to build tools such as ChatGPT. Kearney is always thinking about the ethical ramifications of these tools and recognizes the need to wield technology thoughtfully.
Human-Centered AI Design
Kearney is interested in picking apart these models to understand them from all angles. He recognizes the immense potential artificial intelligence has to impact many different fields, but he also recognizes the need to use technology thoughtfully. This insight was sparked by a class on ethical machine learning, which helped him exit the headspace that any problem can be solved if we throw enough engineering and technology at it.
The Future of AI
Kearney sees an opportunity for his work to make an impact in a range of areas, from health care to bank loans. He believes that these models are going to continue to be used and made, and it’s essential that they’re made in a way that guarantees fairer outcomes. Kearney finds computer science and philosophy to be in constant dialogue with each other and is inspired by the pioneers in the field of AI ethics to continue building deliberate systems that make a positive impact on the world.
Conclusion
As Kearney wraps up his time at MIT, he’s looking forward to closing out his final track seasons strong, following the success of the cross-country team. With his unique blend of academic and athletic talents, Kearney is poised to make a significant impact in the field of artificial intelligence ethics. His commitment to using technology thoughtfully and his passion for human-centered AI design make him a pioneer in his field, and his future is bright.
