Fernanda Viegas

Fernanda Viégas is a Brazilian computer scientist and graphic designer who has made outstanding contributions in the fields of data visualization, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interaction. She earned her Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab and is currently a professor of computer science at Harvard University as well as a chief scientist at Google. At Google, she co-founded the PAIR (People+AI Research) initiative, which focuses on creating human-centered designs for AI systems. Her research concentrates on AI interpretability and fairness, creating widely-used tools and systems, and showcasing emotional data through artistic visualizations, some of which are permanently housed in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Her work aims to help the public better understand and take control of AI technologies.

• 2010–Present·Google·Chief Scientist
  • Co-founded the PAIR initiative, specializing in research on AI fairness and transparency; led the development of multiple data visualization tools.
• 2010·Flowing Media, Inc.·Co-Founder
  • Focused on providing visualization solutions for consumers and the public.
• 2005–2010·IBM Research·Research Scientist
  • Developed the experimental Many Eyes data visualization platform, promoting the popularization of data visualization technologies.

• 1997–2005·Massachusetts Institute of Technology·Ph.D.
  • Specialized in Media Arts and Sciences, focusing on graphical interfaces for online communication.
• 1993–1997·University of Kansas·B.A.
  • Majored in Graphic Design and Art History.