Jay L. Cunningham is an assistant professor of computer science (Human‑Computer Interaction) at DePaul University’s College of Computing and Digital Media (CDM), where he directs the Responsible AI Systems & Societal Experiences (RAISE) Lab. His interdisciplinary scholarship spans a decade, focusing on human-centered AI, technology equity, and responsible data governance. Cunningham critically examines how algorithmic harms and structural inequities emerge through data practices—especially affecting underserved communities. His work combines empirical research with equity-centered and participatory approaches and has appeared in premier venues, such as ACL, ACM CHI, AIES, and FAccT. He has convened cross-sector collaborations with stakeholders from academia, government, and industry (including Apple, Google, and Microsoft). His work has been recognized through the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, Gates Millennium Scholars award, GEM PhD Engineering Fellowship, Google Award for Inclusion Research, and SSRC Just Tech Fellowship (2023–2025). Cunningham holds a PhD and MS in human-centered design and engineering from the University of Washington and a BS in computer science and engineering from the University of Alabama.

Project Description

Through the Just Tech Fellowship, Jay Cunningham is founding With TrUSt, a nonprofit research organization aiming to collaboratively research, design, and build artifacts that support communities organizing and managing justice-oriented futures of AI. With TrUSt will be a Black community-led research coalition that equips people with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to challenge racist assumptions in AI systems and the flawed data sets behind them. Guided by community-based participatory research methods and principles of algorithmic equity, With TrUSt is built on the idea that the potential harms of novel technology can be mitigated through meaningful involvement with the communities most at risk.