Daniel Susser is an associate professor of information science in the Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science.
Before arriving to Cornell, Susser was the Haile Family Early Career Assistant Professor of Information Sciences and Technology and a research associate in the Rock Ethics Institute at Penn State University. He received his Ph.D. in philosophy from Stony Brook University. Susser currently serves as a non-resident fellow at the Center for Democracy and Technology.
What is your academic focus?
Technology ethics and policy, philosophy of technology, and science and technology studies.
Could you describe your research?
I work on ethical, political, and policy issues in computing – primarily critical questions about data, privacy, and the ethics of automation. At a high level, my research brings philosophical tools to bear on problems in technology governance, exploring normative issues raised by new and emerging data-driven technologies, and clarifying conceptual issues that stand in the way of addressing them.
What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
I studied computer science and philosophy as an undergrad, not – initially – because I saw deep connections between the two. I just really loved both subjects. But over time, it became more obvious to me that each posed really fascinating and urgent questions for the other, some of which have recently moved to the center of public discussion and debate.
Why Cornell?
To my mind, there is no place better than Cornell for research at the intersection of technology and society. It's home to some of the world's top experts on both the engineering side of computing and its social implications, and there is an incredible culture of openness to and curiosity about the insights and perspectives others bring to the table.
What are you most looking forward to as a Cornell faculty member?
I'm most looking forward to learning from and collaborating with colleagues in and beyond Bowers CIS, and to working with Cornell's truly amazing students.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I mostly hang out with my partner, Tim, and our dog, Middles. I like to take outrageously long walks (now, with waterfalls!), even in the deepest depths of winter. And I'm an unskilled but very enthusiastic amateur potter.
What course are you most looking forward to teaching?
I'm really enjoying co-teaching Information Ethics, Law, and Policy with Gili Vidan this semester, and I'm looking forward to leading a graduate seminar on Ethics and Politics in Computing in the spring.