Cecilia Aragon

Cecilia R. Aragon is a renowned AI keynote speaker, professor, and award-winning author whose work has significantly impacted the fields of human-centred AI, machine learning, and data science. As the Director of the Human-Centered Data Science Lab at the University of Washington, she leads groundbreaking research focused on making AI more accessible to humans, with a particular emphasis on developing visual analytics tools that allow people to better understand and interpret vast amounts of data. Her career has seamlessly blended technology and humanity, bringing AI-driven solutions to real-world challenges while advocating for more inclusive and ethical technology​.

Cecilia’s technical contributions are widely celebrated, most notably as the co-inventor of the treap data structure, a significant innovation in AI and data science that improves data organisation and retrieval processes. Early in her career, she contributed to the development of AI-based systems to enhance aviation safety and led the creation of Sunfall, a collaborative visual analytics system for astrophysics research. Her expertise in data-intensive science and visual analytics earned her the prestigious Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) in 2009, presented by President Obama​.

In addition to her technical achievements, Cecilia has been a fierce advocate for diversity in computing. She co-founded Latinas in Computing, an initiative that supports and empowers women from underrepresented groups in the technology sector. Throughout her career, Cecilia has actively worked to create opportunities for women and minorities in STEM, serving on various diversity-focused committees and championing the inclusion of different perspectives within the tech community​.

Cecilia is an in-demand speaker, known for her engaging and inspirational presentations on ethical AI, leadership in STEM, and the importance of diversity in technology. Her talks combine her deep technical expertise with personal stories of overcoming barriers in both science and aviation, providing audiences with a unique and motivating perspective on the future of AI and human-centred technology. Through her work, Cecilia continues to inspire innovation and inclusivity in the rapidly advancing world of artificial intelligence​.