Scientists, engineers & ethicists talk about the future
Any book project involves research. Lots of research. For my new book, WELCOME TO THE FUTURE, I wanted to know how technology would transform our world in the future. So I talked to scientists and engineers who create world-changing technology. I talked to ethicists and activists, who help make sure we use technology in ways that are just and safe and helpful. I visited the robotics lab at WPI and the Media Lab at MIT.
I conducted over fifty interviews!
Often, only one or two quotes from an hour-long conversation made it into my book. I don’t want these illuminating conversations to languish in the virtual dusty filing cabinets of my laptop. I want to share them with the world.
I’ll post new interviews regularly until my book is released in November 2021.
Interview 1 – Ayanna Howard, roboticist
Robotics, AI, and ethics
Interview 2 – Kiran Musunuru, gene editing expert
Genetic engineering and “designer babies”
Interview 3 – Tammy Ma, fusion scientist
Fusion energy
Interview 4 – Nicho Hatsopoulos, neuroscientist
Brain-machine interfaces
Interview 5 – Molly Hardesty-Moore, ecologist
The ethics of de-extinction (should we bring back mammoths or dinosaurs?)
Interview 6 – Daniel Weiss, doctor
Regenerative medicine
Interview 7 – Toshi Anders Hoo, media expert
Virtual, augmented, and mixed reality
Interview 8 – Melanie Mitchell, AI expert
Artificial intelligence and common sense understanding
Interview 9 – Lawrence Prograis, bioethicist
Bioethics of human enhancement
Interview 10 – Arturo Dominguez, fusion scientist
Fusion energy
Interview 11 – Danielle Wood, aerospace engineer and ethicist
The ethics of space exploration
The transcripts have been lightly edited and the subjects have given permission for their words and images to be shared.
Why share my interviews?
I have two goals in sharing this research. One is to illuminate the diversity of scientists working on cutting edge technology. I want all readers to see themselves reflected in the role of inventor, leader, thinker, creator, scientist, engineer.
My second goal is to expand this project beyond the confines of a physical book and start a conversation that readers can take part in, too. Please, comment on the interviews with your thoughts and ideas. All of our voices matter as we figure out how to create a better future for ourselves!
Kathryn,
This is so exciting! I can’t wait to read all these interviews. This interview series is a fantastic way to show all of the research that goes into a book and to share more information about your work.