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Indian-American professor joins Arkansas AI task force

Agrawal completed his undergraduate studies at the Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, receiving a Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology in 2003. 

Nitin Agarwal / Image- Ben Krain

Indian American professor, Nitin Agarwal has been appointed to a statewide working group established by Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders to develop policies for the ethical and effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) in state government. 

This initiative reflects the state’s commitment to leveraging AI to improve public services while safeguarding against misuse. The working group, part of the AI & Analytics Center of Excellence (AI CoE) is chaired by Arkansas chief data officer Robert McGough.

Over the next year, the group will explore ways to integrate AI into state operations responsibly. It will also evaluate pilot projects, including efforts to combat unemployment insurance fraud and reduce recidivism, to assess their potential for improving efficiency and reducing costs.

“AI is already transforming the face of business in America, and Arkansas’ state government can’t get caught flat-footed,” said Governor Sanders in a statement. “This task force will ensure AI is implemented safely and effectively, enhancing services for Arkansans while protecting them from misuse.”

Agarwal, who holds the Maulden-Entergy chair and serves as Donaghey distinguished professor of information science at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, brings decades of experience in AI, data mining, and social computing. 

He is also a fellow of the Arkansas Research Alliance (ARA) and the founding director of the Collaboratorium for Social Media and Online Behavioral Studies (COSMOS). His work has been instrumental in addressing cybersecurity challenges and combating misinformation.

“Nitin works in a global theater of operations through agencies like the U.S. Department of Defense and NATO,” said Bryan J. Barnhouse, president and CEO of ARA. “His expertise in protecting our digital space makes him a perfect fit for the Governor’s AI Task Force.”

Under his leadership, COSMOS has developed tools to track disinformation and analyze online behavior, assisting agencies like the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office. Agarwal’s research focuses on mitigating risks associated with AI, such as algorithmic bias, while promoting its benefits for public safety, education, and economic development.

Agarwal emphasized the importance of ethical considerations in AI governance, particularly in protecting privacy and ensuring fairness. “AI systems often rely on vast amounts of personal data, raising significant concerns about security, consent, and misuse,” he said. “Without clear ethical guidelines, these technologies risk perpetuating biases and eroding public trust.”

The task force aims to establish Arkansas as a leader in responsible AI adoption by crafting policies that balance innovation with accountability. “By embedding principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability into AI governance, we can build systems that serve society responsibly and equitably,” Agarwal added.

Agarwal holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Arizona State University, which he earned in 2009. He completed his undergraduate studies at the Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, receiving a Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology in 2003. 
 

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