South SFV Today

Diyi Yang, an assistant professor of computer science at Stanford University, is focused on the intersection of language and technology. Her work in natural language processing aims to make human-computer communication more socially responsible by addressing biases and including low-resource languages.

Yang's research centers on large language models (LLMs), which have transformed interactions with AI systems. However, she notes concerns about biases and risks associated with these technologies. "My research aims to build socially aware language technologies by developing innovative machine learning algorithms," said Yang.

Her lab has contributed to inclusive language technologies for various English dialects and developed techniques to adapt AI models for underrepresented communities. Another aspect of her research involves creating applications with societal impact, such as improving patient communication in online cancer support groups.

Yang's career path took her from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China to Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania. She highlights the challenges faced when transitioning between cultures and languages, emphasizing that "language is more than just words and grammar; it is intrinsically linked to both society and culture."

Passionate about her work, Yang finds excitement in the possibilities offered by LLMs and the potential for collaboration between humans and AI. "I am passionate about developing a future where humans and AIs can collaborate to achieve greater collective intelligence," she stated.

Yang also values teaching and mentoring students, finding reward in their success. She enjoys collaborating with experts from different fields to explore questions at the intersection of computation and society.