David Piorkowski

David Piorkowski is a senior research scientist currently working at Alinia, focusing on applying Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) expertise to the fields of AI safety, transparency, and compliance. Prior to joining Alinia, he worked for nine years at IBM’s Thomas J. Watson Research Center as a researcher on the Human-AI Collaboration team. His research centered on AI trust, transparency, and governance, significantly influencing IBM’s approach to AI risk management and tool development. He led the development of IBM’s AI Risk Map and FactSheets projects. He earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Oregon State University, where his research developed software debugging behavior models based on Information Foraging Theory.

• 2026–Present·Alinia·Senior Research Scientist
  • Research focuses include Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), AI safety, and AI compliance.
• 2016–2025·IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center·Research Scientist
  • Specialized in AI trust, transparency, and governance, developing tools and methodologies for AI risk assessment and governance.
  • Led the AI Risk Map project at IBM, laying the foundation for identifying, assessing, and managing AI risks.
  • Developed the FactSheets project, transforming AI documentation from static tools into customizable and dynamic documents.
• 2015·IBM·Ph.D. Research Intern
  • Awarded the IBM Ph.D. Fellowship, focusing on research in software engineering and debugging tools.

• 2010–2016·Oregon State University·Ph.D.
  • Research focused on applying Information Foraging Theory to program debugging, under the supervision of Professor Margaret Burnett.
• 2005–2010·Undergraduate Institution Unknown·Bachelor’s Degree
  • Specific details not disclosed, but subsequent graduate research built a strong foundation in software engineering and Information Foraging Theory.