Katie Yurechko, AccessComputing Team Member, is a distinguished scholar at Washington and Lee University, where she is pursuing a BS in computer Science and philosophy alongside a minor in poverty and human capability studies. Known for her groundbreaking research, Yurechko delved into the phenomenon of "algospeak" during her internship at Carnegie Mellon University’s Media, Interaction and Technology Lab, examining its implications for content moderation and marginalized communities on TikTok. Her work led to a co-authored publication in Sage Journals’ Social Media + Society Journal and garnered attention from outlets like Vox and MSN. Engaging in initiatives beyond the academic realm, Yurechko has participated in Google’s Computer Science Research Mentorship Program and contributed to the People + AI Research group, while also serving as a computer science teaching assistant at Washington and Lee.
Katie was recently chosen as Washington and Lee's inaugural Marshall Scholar. This Scholarship is a fellowship given to American undergraduates for graduate study in the United Kingdom. It is considered to be one of the most prestigious fellowships and considered to be on par with Fulbright fellowships for foreign study. Only about 50 are awarded annually across the US.
As a Marshall Scholar, Yurechko is poised to further her academic pursuits at the University of Oxford and University College London, focusing on a master of science in social science of the internet and computer science. Her passion for addressing algorithmic injustice and promoting equitable technological solutions underscores her commitment to fostering a more inclusive and just society. “I am eager to continue pursuing socially impactful research to combat algorithmic injustice alongside a community of diverse and compassionate individuals” said Yurechko.