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Anne L Washington

Rothermere/Harmsworth Duke Associate Professor of Technology Policy
Sanford School of Public Policy
201 Science Drive, 235 Sanford Building, Durham, NC 27708

Overview


Anne L. Washington, PhD is a scholar of public interest technology. She interrogates organizational dynamics that impact the legitimacy, creation, analysis, and public release of digital sources. Her writing asks questions about the balance of power between human lives and organizations that control digital record-keeping systems. 

She earned a master's degree  in Library and Information Science (MLIS) at Rutgers University, and a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at Brown University.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Rothermere/Harmsworth Duke Associate Professor of Technology Policy · 2025 - Present Sanford School of Public Policy
Associate Professor in the Sanford School of Public Policy · 2025 - Present Sanford School of Public Policy

Recent Publications


Towards defining the public interest in technology: lessons from history

Journal Article Journal of Integrated Global STEM · November 1, 2024 The public interest suggests a singular approach to a social good, but lessons from history illustrate the nuances of sharing open space, transportation networks, and policy mandates. Serving the public exists across a spectrum of possibilities. In this es ... Full text Link to item Cite

Ethical Data Science: Prediction in the Public Interest

Book · January 1, 2023 Predictive data science is often viewed as a public good, yet too often human needs are pitted against the financial interests of large digital infrastructures. Can data science truly serve the public interest? The question of our time is whether the promi ... Full text Cite

Public interest technology must be for everyone

Other The Hill Newspaper. Editorial · April 28, 2022 Would we trust the lawyer who advocated a case for just one day? Then why do we trust technologists who build demos and disappear? Imagine a defense lawyer who slips into court only once and, before leaving, gives all the evidence to the prosecution and ... Link to item Cite
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Education, Training & Certifications


The George Washington University · 2012 Ph.D.