Featured in the San José State University Research Foundation 2025 Annual Report

At the heart of Silicon Valley, San José State University is uniquely positioned to lead vital conversations around the ethical use of emerging technologies. Assistant Professor Darra Hofman, from the College of Information, Data and Society (IDS), is doing just that—working to ensure that artificial intelligence and computing technologies serve the public good.

Alongside Associate Professor Michele A. L. Villagran and Assistant Professor Souvick Ghosh from the College of IDS, and Assistant Professor Nada Attar from the College of Science, Hofman is spearheading The CIRCLE Project (Computing, Information, Responsibility, Community, Learning, Ethics)—a university-wide initiative designed to foster responsible computing practices with real-world impact.

Thanks to a $150,000 grant from the Mozilla Foundation, the team expanded its efforts through interdisciplinary collaboration involving students, faculty, and staff. From launching the student-led Responsible Computing Club to hosting expert guest speakers on topics such as ethical AI and indigenous data sovereignty, the project is fostering a vibrant campus-wide dialogue.

In addition, the team integrated specially developed course modules into the SJSU curriculum, covering topics ranging from responsible computing principles to cybersecurity. This ensures that the next generation of tech professionals is equipped not only with skills but also with a strong ethical foundation.

Hofman sums it up best:

“We want to promote responsible computing and AI in ways that result in positive social impacts.”

View the whole story featured in the  SJSU Research Foundation 2025 Annual Report.