Judy Goldsmith

Judy Goldsmith serves as a Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Computer Science within the College of Engineering at the University of Kentucky. Her academic profile bridges theoretical computer science with critical ethical considerations in artificial intelligence, emphasizing innovative pedagogical approaches for integrating ethics into technical curricula.

Her educational foundation includes:

• Ph.D. in Mathematics, University of Wisconsin, 1988

Goldsmith's research program centers on Computer Ethics and Computational Social Choice, with significant contributions to Artificial Intelligence subfields including planning under uncertainty, preference handling, and computational learning theory. She pioneered the use of science fiction as a pedagogical tool for teaching ethics in computer science, developing frameworks for analyzing ethical dilemmas through narrative. Her work on coalition formation games explores stability concepts in both theoretical contexts and real-world applications ranging from competitive gaming ecosystems to military resource allocation.

Analysis of her recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a dual trajectory: advancing theoretical foundations in game theory and social choice while simultaneously addressing urgent societal challenges in AI ethics and education. Her scholarship consistently demonstrates how computational social choice principles apply to Pokémon tiering systems, AI certification frameworks, and inclusive classroom practices, with a strong emphasis on social consciousness and fairness in algorithmic design.

Goldsmith actively contributes to computer science education through SIGCSE initiatives, developing resources for teaching ethics using fiction and leading discussions on mentoring, diversity, and the societal impacts of AI. Her outreach extends to community engagement within the College of Engineering, focusing on making technical concepts accessible and ethically grounded through interdisciplinary approaches.