UMSI assistant professor Julie Hui interviewed by Boston University’s Center for Antiracist Research

University of Michigan School of Information assistant professor Julie Hui’s research seeks to examine how technology affects access to work, education and employment. 

To expand inclusivity within tech we need to make opportunities generally more accessible to students and show them that there are different ways to get help and resources.

In an interview with Boston University’s Center for Antiracist Research, Hui talks about her Lettersmith project, a tool that guides students through the process of learning structured professional writing. 

The project has been pivotal in helping first generation students, English language learners and marginalized communities network and access employment opportunities. 

“Lettersmith makes expectations of communication more transparent,” Hui says. “This concept of transparency has been shown to support equity in education when expectations can be siloed within certain networks. If we clarify what is expected within assignments or professional communication, students find it a lot easier to meet those goals.” 

Hui also discusses the emergence of artificial intelligence technologies such as ChatGPT, and how access to those technologies — and education about how to use them — can benefit students. 

“To expand inclusivity within tech we need to make opportunities generally more accessible to students and show them that there are different ways to get help and resources.”

Related

Read Julie Hui’s interview with Boston University’s Center for Antiracist Research. 

Learn more about Julie Hui’s research by visiting her UMSI faculty profile.