Nel Escher

Nel Escher is a Bellwether Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of California, Berkeley's School of Information, supervised by Professor Deirdre Mulligan. Previously, he completed his PhD in Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Michigan under Dr. Nikola Banovic and Dr. Ben Green.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Computer Science & Engineering, University of Michigan

Escher's research critically examines the intersection of law and computing through two primary lenses: computational law (developing algorithmic approaches to legal reasoning) and critical computing (analyzing power structures embedded in technological systems). His work bridges technical implementation with social theory, focusing on how automated decision-making impacts marginalized communities and exploring design interventions for equitable technology governance. Current projects investigate regulatory sandboxes for AI oversight and participatory methods for community-led algorithmic auditing.

His recognition includes:

• Bellwether Postdoctoral Fellowship at UC Berkeley

As a postdoctoral researcher, Escher actively collaborates with Berkeley's Center for Technology, Society & Policy and participates in cross-campus initiatives on AI ethics. His work receives support through the Bellwether Fellowship's research infrastructure, enabling engagement with policymakers and community organizations. While not yet supervising graduate students, he mentors undergraduate researchers in critical technology studies.

His laboratory affiliations center on Berkeley's interdisciplinary technology policy ecosystem, collaborating with the Algorithmic Justice League and participating in the CITRIS Policy Lab's working groups on AI regulation.