ProPublica has announced the selection of Dana Chiueh and Aaron Brezel as its inaugural AI engineering fellows, reflecting the organization’s commitment to harnessing the power of artificial intelligence in the realm of investigative journalism. This initiative is part of the Lenfest Institute’s AI Collaborative and Fellowship program, a nationwide endeavor supported by tech giants Microsoft and OpenAI, aimed at integrating AI technologies into mission-driven newsrooms responsibly.
The prestigious Lenfest AI program chose ProPublica from a competitive pool of ten regional and national news organizations to participate in these two-year fellowships, which are made possible through generous funding from the Lenfest Institute and the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Dana and Aaron as our first AI engineering fellows,” expressed Ben Werdmuller, ProPublica’s senior director of technology. “Their unique combination of technical expertise and journalism experience positions them perfectly to help us explore how AI can safely enhance investigative reporting while maintaining the rigorous standards, ethical principles, and human expertise that define ProPublica’s work.”
Dana Chiueh brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having most recently served as a news innovation engineer at the Minnesota Star Tribune, where she participated in the Lenfest program on behalf of the newsroom. She has previously been recognized with a Brown Institute Magic Grant for her development of Tipbot, an innovative tool designed to automate the collection of crucial information from submitted tips. Chiueh’s journalism career includes reporting roles with esteemed publications such as The Dallas Morning News and the Los Angeles Times, where she honed her skills in storytelling and investigative reporting.
Aaron Brezel, the second fellow, joins ProPublica from the Brown Institute for Media Innovation, where he served as the lead software engineer. His prior experience includes a pivotal role at The Washington Post, where he was a founding member of the reporting tools team, creating software solutions aimed at empowering journalists throughout the newsroom. Brezel’s technical acumen, combined with his passion for media innovation, positions him as an ideal candidate to drive forward ProPublica’s mission of impactful journalism through AI.
ProPublica stands as an independent, nonprofit newsroom dedicated to producing investigative journalism in the public interest. With a robust team of over 150 journalists, the organization tackles a diverse range of topics, striving to uncover stories that have the potential to effect real change. Its relentless pursuit of accountability has led to the enactment of new laws, the reversal of harmful policies, and greater transparency from leaders at various levels of government. Since its inception in 2008, ProPublica’s exemplary reporting has earned it numerous accolades, including eight Pulitzer Prizes, five Peabody Awards, eight Emmy Awards, and 16 George Polk Awards.
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism, which plays a crucial role in supporting initiatives like the AI Collaborative, is focused on creating sustainable business models for local news. The Institute’s mission is to foster the responsible use of technology in journalism while serving communities in Philadelphia and beyond.
Additionally, the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation contributes to this endeavor by investing in artificial intelligence and data science solutions aimed at building a more equitable and sustainable future. The foundation collaborates with various sectors to address pressing challenges, including digital health, climate change, and broad digital access.
As Dana Chiueh and Aaron Brezel embark on their fellowship journey, ProPublica is poised to explore new frontiers in investigative journalism, utilizing the transformative potential of AI to enhance its storytelling while upholding the highest ethical standards. Their contributions are expected to not only advance ProPublica’s mission but also set a precedent for the responsible integration of technology within the field of journalism.
