Debugged S4 E14: Tech Meets Policy with CAC Alumni

Hello! Welcome back to Debugged, the Congressional App Challenge’s alumni-led podcast that connects the country’s youth with technology by debugging the intricate world of computer science.

In this special episode, guest host Suhaani Sodhi chats with Jeremy Bernick and Angie Orejuela. Jeremy is currently in law school studying the intersections of technology, labor studies, and policy in Tucson, Arizona. Angie works in digital policy and global affairs, and is currently working as a research analyst Swaps Monitor Publications out of New Jersey, where she researches and tracks financial instruments.

Jeremy and Angie both work at the intersection of technology and policy, a field that they believe is too often siloed. In describing the biggest ways that policy and technology can work together, Jeremy emphasizes the importance of people with technical skills working across boundary lines by thinking about the ethics and consequences of technology. Angie also emphasizes the importance of professionals interested in political science garnering a similar passion towards technology as well.

For instance, Angie provides the example of biometrics used in airport security as a topic of ethical debate. She explains how biometrics can include fingerprints, facial structure, hand geometry, and other identifying characteristics—behavioral or physical. Jeremy adds on from a legal perspective the concerns this can raise for a company hosting this data, especially across multiple countries. Angie also adds that biometrics, being a scientific and quantitative topic, are an example of a field where political scientists being involved and interested proves important.

Another ethical dilemma, mentioned by Jeremy, is where the data comes from to training large language models (LLMs) and other AI systems. They mention how artists may be reasonably upset that their work was used to train AI without permission, and that workers may be reasonably upset about how their jobs might be changing due to AI. Both Angie and Jeremy believe that people with sociology and political science backgrounds can help policymakers, executives, and technologists navigate ethical problems like that of LLM training data sources.

Finally, Angie and Jeremy share their unconventional paths into the intersection of political science and technology, as well as their advice for others who wish to pursue similar careers. Jeremy shares how they chose to pursue a law degree, but they were very passionate about technology growing up. Their advice is that there is no script in political science, and that you should just be yourself and keep pushing forward, without fear of what comes next. Angie originally wanted to be a teacher, but after being exposed to technology as an Account Manager a hardware and software company, she was captivated and wanted to pursue a career in the intersection of political science and technology as a result. Her advice is to channel your passions into all the things that you do: if you like to write, explore political science through writing. If you like to network, consider public speaking events.

Tune in to this week’s episode of Debugged to hear more of Angie and Jeremy’s insights into the intersection of political science and technology, and their fascinating career paths and advice!

More about Debugged

Founded in 2021 by the Congressional App Challenge’s Alumni Advisory Board, Debugged is a unique podcast experience that seeks to redefine STEM education, shine a light on diverse voices, and further the narrative around a myriad of computer science topics. By highlighting trends in the industry, breaking down complicated concepts, and interviewing high profile guests, listeners are given the opportunity to delve into the world of technology in an analytical yet engaging way.

Debugged is free to stream on your favorite platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more via Anchor.fm! To be the first to know about new episodes, and to learn more about the team of eleven alumni behind every one, follow @cacdebugged on Instagram and X. Thank you so much for your viewership; we hope you enjoy the episode!