About

At the Penn State PLAINTEXT Lab (PSU Lab for AI that’s iNTerpretable, EXplainable, and Testable), we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of AI technology, focusing on creating systems that are not only powerful but also understandable, ethical, and accountable. Our commitment lies in fostering a human-centered approach to AI, ensuring our advancements are as beneficial and accessible as they are innovative.

Mission Statement

“Empowering ethical AI innovation, dedicated to creating human-centered interpretable, explainable, and testable systems.”

Vision Statement

“Setting a global benchmark in AI, where technology progresses hand in hand with ethical responsibility, clarity, and practicality.”

Our Journey

Founded in 2023 within the College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) at Penn State University, the PLAINTEXT Lab is a testament to Penn State’s commitment to ethical and responsible AI research. Under the guidance of Dr. Jonathan Dodge, alongside a diverse group of founding members, we are at the forefront of creating AI technologies that are transparent, ethical, and reliable. Our current members include:

Our graduated members include:

Our Goals:

  • To lead groundbreaking AI research in ethics, fairness, and user engagement.
  • To educate the next generation of AI professionals with a strong emphasis on responsible development.
  • To collaborate with industry and government leaders to ensure real-world applicability of our research.
  • To promote an inclusive and diverse environment within the AI research community.

Our Community

The PLAINTEXT Lab is a melting pot of ideas and innovation, uniting researchers, students, and industry professionals. We welcome anyone interested in contributing to the ethical advancement of AI to join our vibrant community. You can email us at plaintext@psu.edu.

Team Photo 2024