Kate Devlin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kate Devlin
Devlin in 2020
Born	Adela Katharine Devlin Northern Ireland
Alma mater	Queen's University Belfast University of Bristol
Known for	Computer science, artificial intelligence, archaeology
Scientific career
Institutions	King's College London

Kate Devlin, born Adela Katharine Devlin, is a computer scientist from Northern Ireland. She specializes in Artificial intelligence (AI) and Human–computer interaction (HCI). This means she studies how people and computers work together. She is well-known for her research on how humans connect with robots. In 2016, she helped lead a big meeting called the Love and Robots convention in London. She also started the UK's first ever technology event focused on relationships, held at Goldsmiths, University of London in 2016.

Today, Kate Devlin is a Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Society at King's College London. She has written a book called ...: Science, ... and Robots and many other academic papers.

Education and Early Career

Kate Devlin started her university studies in the humanities. In 1997, she earned a degree in archaeology from Queen's University Belfast. After realizing that archaeology might not offer many job opportunities, she went back to Queen's University to study computer science. She received her Master's degree in computer science in 1999.

Later, she moved to The University of Bristol. There, she earned her PhD in computer science in 2004. After her studies, Devlin became a Senior Lecturer at Goldsmiths, University of London. On September 1, 2018, she joined King's College London as a Senior Lecturer in Social & Cultural AI.

Exploring AI and Human Connection

Early Research in Computer Graphics

In 2003, Devlin began researching computer graphics at Bristol University. She created 3D computer models of old places like Pompeii. She focused on making the lighting look very real, just like it would have been in ancient times. This involved experimental archaeology, where she recreated old light sources like candles and lamps to study their light.

Focus on Human-Computer Interaction

From 2007, Devlin worked on human-computer interaction and artificial intelligence at Goldsmiths. Her work included programming, graphics, and animation. In 2018, she became a Senior Lecturer in Social and Cultural Artificial Intelligence at King's College London.

Encouraging Women in STEM

In 2015, Kate Devlin spoke out about unfair treatment towards women in science. She wants to encourage more women to choose careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). She often speaks publicly and writes to support this goal.

Conferences and Debates

In 2016, Devlin helped organize the International Congress on Love and Robots in London. This is an annual meeting where people discuss relationships with robots. Also in 2016, she started the UK's first ever technology event focused on relationships. At this event, scientists, students, and others meet to share ideas and create projects about human connection and artificial partners.

Devlin has often discussed the ethical questions about robots that interact with humans. She believes that more women need to be involved in developing this technology. This is important to make sure the field is not only shaped by men. She also points out that this technology could be used to help people, for example, by using AI to help with anxiety.

Key Areas of Interest

Kate Devlin often speaks at conferences. Her main scientific interests include:

• The social and ethical issues of using artificial intelligence in human interactions with computer systems and robots.
• The human and social effects as AI becomes more advanced.
• Improving human relationships by looking at different ways people connect, using technology like robots and computer programs.

She has also raised important questions as this technology grows. For example, if robots become self-aware, should they be able to make their own choices? And should they be provided to older people in care facilities for companionship?

In 2017, Devlin was named one of London's most influential people by the Progress 1000, London Evening Standard.

Her Book: ...: Science, ... and Robots

In 2018, Devlin released her book, ...: Science, ... and Robots. The book explores how technology and human connection are related. Engineering & Technology (E&T) magazine called it "a creative, optimistic, open-minded exploration of robots." The Times described it as "illuminating, witty and written with a wide open mind."

Personal Life

Kate Devlin has openly talked about living with bipolar disorder and epilepsy. She shares how stress can affect her work and personal life. She believes it is important to talk about mental health to reduce any negative feelings or judgments about it.

She is also interested in the life story of Adela Breton, a Victorian archaeologist and explorer. Devlin contributed to an exhibition called Raising Horizons, which featured pioneering women in archaeology and geology.

Kate Devlin is divorced and has a daughter.

See also

In Spanish: Kate Devlin para niños

• Time to Change (mental health campaign)
• Virtual archaeology