Yejin Choi, a renowned AI researcher specializing in natural language processing, has been named a 2022 MacArthur Fellow and one of Time’s Most Influential People in AI. She has recently announced her departure from the University of Washington and the Allen Institute for AI in Seattle, with plans to move to California to continue her work in the field. While her new position has not been finalized, the move comes amidst the high demand for AI researchers and increased movement among top companies and institutes within the industry. This departure was announced internally at Ai2 and the UW Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, reflecting the shifting landscape of AI research.
As Choi departs from Ai2, the institute has welcomed two new researchers to its team, both highly regarded AI researchers who are 2024 PhD graduates from the UW Allen School. Sewon Min is joining Ai2 as a research scientist and is also an assistant professor at UC Berkeley, specializing in areas such as Berkeley AI Research and the Berkeley NLP Group. Tim Dettmers is joining Ai2 as an AI researcher with a focus on efficient deep learning at the intersection of machine learning, NLP, and computer systems. He has also accepted a position as a professor with Carnegie Mellon University, beginning next year.
Under the leadership of CEO Ali Farhadi, Ai2 has become a leading advocate in the field of AI for open-source large language models, exemplified by the release of its Open Language Model (OLMo). Choi led a team at Ai2 focused on common-sense reasoning called MOSAIC, but it remains unclear what her departure means for the team moving forward. In a statement about Choi’s departure, Ai2 expressed gratitude for her contributions and wished her well in her future endeavors. Choi’s TED talk from last year delved into the challenges of common-sense reasoning for AI models, showcasing her expertise in the field.
In a personal note to her colleagues at the Allen School, Choi reflected on her time at the university and Ai2, describing it as a transformative experience both intellectually and spiritually. Despite the wonderful environment, she expressed a desire for adventure and exploration, leading to her decision to seek new opportunities in California. Magdalena Balazinska, UW computer science professor and director of the UW Allen School, praised Choi’s impact on the school and recognized her work in common-sense reasoning as both impactful and inspiring to students.
In other industry news, Margi Tooth has assumed the role of CEO at Trupanion, a Seattle-based pet insurance company, taking over from founder Darryl Rawlings. Lauren Wilson has joined Seattle healthcare startup Kevala as a vice president and general manager, bringing experience from previous roles. Additionally, the Washington State Academy of Sciences announced new members and additions to its board of directors, further showcasing the growth and diversity within the tech community. This latest movement within the AI and tech industry reflects a dynamic landscape where researchers and professionals continue to push boundaries and seek new opportunities for growth and innovation.
