Meet the January 2024 Fellows: Dean Alderucci

Join us in congratulating Senior Congressional fellow Dean Alderucci on his placement with the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Dean has an extensive background in developing artificial intelligence systems and shaping technology policy, and will be carrying these skills into his new position. During his time with the committee, Dean will assist in matters pertaining to AI innovation, safety, and utilization in government systems.

Hear from Dean directly about his insights on AI and the government in his blog here:

With my background in developing AI systems, performing AI research, and working in technology policy, I've been extremely interested in the AI issues that have emerged as a result of recent technological developments.

Large language models have grown substantially more proficient in recent years, and, with this advancement, now exhibit surprisingly advanced capabilities. Not only can contemporary AI generate realistic text, video, and audio, state of the art AI systems are capable of performing basic reasoning, understanding natural language, and automating tasks that were previously the province of human cognition. 

The legislature has many challenges in addressing AI in the short term as well as long-term. Among the most pressing policy areas, Congress must determine how to best promote AI innovation. This will enable the US economy to get the most benefit from AI and to ensure that the United States remains at the forefront of this indispensable technology. Congress must also protect citizens from the dangers of AI. Concerted action is required to reduce the harms that can result from various uses of AI technology. Finally, government must be prepared to utilize AI itself. Ensuring the US government is prepared to equip AI would allow it to better serve the American people.

Throughout the year I will serve on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee. I work with a bipartisan task force of 24 members of Congress as they develop strategies for national AI policy. It's a privilege to witness this work amidst what could potentially be the most profound technological developments in a century.