Project summary

I am seeking funding for a seven-month independent study to technically upskill while researching and writing reflections on the ethical challenges of advanced technologies. This project includes completing five Coursera programs—covering topics like programming, data science, and mathematics for machine learning—and a rigorous reading list on the societal impacts of advanced technologies, ethical dilemmas in digital innovation, and governance reforms to mitigate long-term risks. The syllabus I created for myself is the first link above. I will document my learning through regular reflections on the TechnoEthos.blog. The website will suggest methods for bridging technical expertise and ethics philosophy through my documentation of attempting to do so myself.

The secondary aim of this project is to democratize knowledge and contribute to and foster public discussions on these critical topics. The TechnoEthos audience is intended to range from curious high school students to those embedded in the digital innovation ecosystem.

Ideally, this project will serve as a scalable pilot/model for interdisciplinary learning and public engagement, offering a framework for others to bridge technical and ethical perspectives for mitigating global catastrophic risks.

What are this project's goals? How will you achieve them?

Develop a Methodology for Interdisciplinary Training: This project will serve as a test case for how to do structured learning to bridge the gap between technical expertise and ethical philosophy and address the academic/field-specific silos currently present in AI/digital technology governance conversations. My reasoning for taking this approach can be found here.

Lay the Groundwork for a Scalable Public Engagement Model in Technology Ethics: TechnoEthos is designed to be a long-term, scalable platform that I will continue to update throughout my PhD. Following the seven months of independent study and framework development, I hope to cultivate a community on TechnoEthos where individuals from diverse disciplines can share their insights gained by exploring "opposite" perspectives—such as policymakers learning technical concepts and developers engaging with ethics. This public learning can foster transparency and build trust with the wider public. Additionally, it can help demystify digital technology development and inspire high school and college students to approach these increasingly urgent issues with an interdisciplinary lens. If successful, the TechnoEthos model can also be replicated for other topics covering global catastrophic risks.

Lay the Groundwork for a PhD in Information Studies to research Ethical Tech Development in an Interdisciplinary Way: This project will prepare me for my PhD, which will focus on methodologies for integrating ethics into the digital innovation ecosystem from a knowledge management approach. The technical base I develop here will enable me to take more intensive computer science courses during my PhD, starting in the fall of 2025 or 2026. I intend to integrate technical knowledge and ethical perspectives learned during this project into my final thesis and peer-reviewed papers published during the program.

Provide Simple Ethical Guidance for Developers/Tech Entrepreneurs through the Tech Ethos Code: This project will lay the foundation for the Tech Ethos Code, a resource offering practical ethical guidelines to help developers and digital entrepreneurs integrate ethics into their work.

Contribute My Perspective: My website will provide my perspective, as an economic historian and a member of an underrepresented racial and gender group in these conversations, on the existential risks of advanced technologies. Its success will also help me break into the AI/digital technology governance field and provide this perspective in the long term. This project could also inspire new granting models to support others from underrepresented backgrounds in breaking into the industry through similar independent study proposals and grants.

How I Will Achieve These Goals

Dedicated Full-Time Support: With this grant, I will be able to spend my 40 work hours per week fully committed to this project, following my syllabus and updating my website.

Structured Curriculum and Clear Deliverables: I will complete Coursera’s technical training and earn certificates to demonstrate my progress. Additionally, I will post at least two reflections weekly: one on a book I’ve read and another on my coursework for that week.

How will this funding be used?

This funding will be used for:

1. Purchasing a computer system (I only have an old laptop with little storage left)

2. Purchasing the books from my syllabus (There are around 55)

3. Website Hosting (A yearly WordPress subscription)

4. Living Expenses/Labor Costs (to support my full-time focus)

Who is on your team? What's your track record on similar projects?

This project is a solo endeavor led by me. I will be transparent and say that I lack an official track record in AI governance; thus, this project is "high risk" for investors. Breaking into this space to develop a track record is particularly challenging for individuals from financial backgrounds like mine, where dedicating free time to side projects or making risky moves is not always feasible. Below, I outline a handful of indicators of my reliability and capability:

1. Master’s Thesis on Technology Ethics and Innovation History:
   My thesis combined quantitative discourse analysis, economic history, and qualitative analysis of AI alignment conversations. I taught myself R to conduct this mixed-method analysis, showcasing my ability to learn technical skills independently and apply them effectively.

2. Earning a Fully-Funded Scholarship for a Three-Master, Three-Country Program and Graduating with Distinction While Working Part-Time:
   Over two years, I earned three master’s degrees from universities in the UK (University of Glasgow, IntM Global Markets, Local Creativities), Sweden (Uppsala University, M.S.S Economic History), and the Netherlands (Erasmus University Rotterdam, M.A. History), funded by a full scholarship. I graduated with distinction while working part-time, demonstrating my strong organizational and time-management skills. I can provide proof of these diplomas as needed.

3. Brave Spaces Podcast:
   I conceived, launched, and managed Brave Spaces, a podcast fostering interdisciplinary conversations on complex issues for the company I previously worked for. This showcases my ability to democratize knowledge, manage interdisciplinary conversations, and engage diverse political perspectives.

4. TechnoEthos Syllabus and Website:
   During the holiday period, I designed my syllabus and website completely independently (with no website-building experience). This reflects my drive to complete the goals I set for myself and my dedication to making this project a reality.

You can see more of my achievements and work experience on my CV.

What are the most likely causes and outcomes if this project fails?

Most Likely Causes of Failure:

1. Unexpected Time Management Challenges:
   Significant unexpected personal events (e.g., illness, family emergencies) could impact my ability to adhere to the project timeline.

2. Gaps in Technical Upskilling:
   The Coursera courses and self-directed learning may not provide the depth of technical skills needed to engage meaningfully with technical AI and digital technology ethics/alignment conversations.

3. Limited Engagement with Target Audience:
   My blog and reflections may not attract sufficient readership or foster the level of dialogue necessary for broad public engagement and community building

Most Likely Outcome if the Project Fails:

1. I will still pursue a career pivot, albeit with less knowledge and credibility:

   Even if the project results in partial failures—such as incomplete coursework or limited audience reach—the skills and knowledge gained will still offer long-term value. At a minimum, it will provide a strong foundation for starting a PhD program or enhancing a future PhD application. Additionally, the project will strengthen my writing, deepen my knowledge, and clarify the skills and resources needed to develop my technical expertise further—key steps for this career pivot and for offering an underrepresented perspective in these critical conversations. If this project fails, I will still use what I have learned to (re)apply to PhD programs and AI governance early-career positions/internships or re-apply for other independent study grants to continue this project through a different and improved iteration.

How much money have you raised in the last 12 months, and from where?

I have not raised any money so far because, often, raising funds requires an existing track record. Building that track record is especially challenging when you’re outside established circles and lack access to highly competitive initial opportunities (being based in Canada adds to this challenge, and I do not have the financial resources to relocate). This project, with the support of this community, is my first step toward securing funding and building that track record.