Maria Y. Rodriguez

Maria Y. Rodriguez is a Principal Research Scientist in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University at Buffalo's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, with affiliate appointments at the Gender Institute and Digital Scholarship Studio and Network. Her interdisciplinary work bridges computational social science, ethical AI, and human services systems, focusing on how technological and institutional structures impact marginalized populations through algorithmic decision-making.

Her educational foundation includes:

• PhD in Social Welfare from the University of Washington (2016)
• MSW in Macro Social Work Practice from the University of Pennsylvania (2010)
• BA in Clinical Counseling and Child Psychology from Alfred University (2005)

Dr. Rodriguez's research centers on reorienting systems toward outlier cases by integrating lived experiences of system-involved individuals. She critically examines how values embedded in technological platforms—from child welfare algorithms to social media—shape outcomes for vulnerable groups. Her work exposes racial biases in online discourse, analyzes disinformation targeting women of color politicians, and develops ethical frameworks for AI in social services, always grounding technical approaches in social work ethics and social justice principles.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on algorithmic accountability in human systems, with 60% addressing social media dynamics, 40% examining housing/gentrification issues, and 100% incorporating mixed-methods approaches. Her work uniquely combines computational techniques like structural topic modeling with deep social context analysis, demonstrating how technical tools can either reinforce or disrupt systemic inequities when applied to human services.

Her notable recognitions include:

• 3rd annual Anthem Award for Human and Civil Rights (2024) for "An Unrepresentative Democracy" report
• Best Reviewer at EAAMO conference (2021)
• SUNY ProdiG Fellowship supporting interdisciplinary research (2020-2022)
• UW Graduate School Presidential Dissertation Fellowship (2016)

Dr. Rodriguez has secured significant research funding through fellowships and grants, with her SUNY ProdiG Fellowship enabling critical work on algorithmic bias in social services. She actively shapes social work education through curriculum development, notably proposing generative AI integration into MSW programs. Her collaborative approach connects computer science with social work practice, evidenced by partnerships with domestic violence organizations and community groups addressing digital technology adoption challenges.

Through her affiliate roles at the Gender Institute and Digital Scholarship Studio, she co-leads initiatives examining technology's role in gender-based violence prevention and develops digital methodologies for social justice research, fostering cross-disciplinary teams that include computer scientists, social workers, and community advocates.