TTU Alumna Lynne Parker Recipient Of Distinguished Service Award For Work In AI Research, Policy-Making, And Education

A Tennessee Tech alumna has been named the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award by the Computing Research Association.

Lynne Parker graduated from Tennessee Tech in 1983 and currently serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor at UT-Knoxville’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. She said the award recognizes her efforts to advance research, policy-making, and education over the last six years when it comes to Artificial Intelligence.

“And a lot of different kinds of actions that really are the first of their kind for the AI community and the nation,” Parker said. “And it kind of set the stage for a lot of the ongoing actions that are continuing in the AI space.”

Parker said her mindset is one of service, and that she tries to contribute to efforts that will have impacts on a larger scale. She said she hopes her work both in education and in the federal government will inspire others to consider going into some service activities.

Parker said AI touches almost every aspect of life these days, which comes with both positive and negative opportunities for change. Parker said she is of a pro-AI mindset, and thinks it can be used for the better as research advances.

“It makes it a very exciting field for me to be in,” Parker said, “And to be able to contribute to all these interesting areas.”