Sam Goree

Sam Goree is an assistant professor of computer science at Stonehill College, specializing in the intersection of computer vision, human-computer interaction, and digital humanities. His work critically examines how AI systems evaluate aesthetic quality and human-centered aspects of AI, with particular focus on subjectivity in machine learning models and evaluation methodologies.

• PhD in Informatics from Indiana University's Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering

Goree's research explores aesthetic phenomenon problems in computer vision, particularly image aesthetic quality assessment. He investigates how subjective human perceptions of beauty and aesthetics can be modeled and evaluated in AI systems, challenging traditional approaches that assume a universal standard of beauty. His work draws from feminist theory, philosophy of science, and media archaeology to develop more human-centered evaluation methods for AI systems. Goree is particularly interested in how subjectivity manifests in both data and models, and how this affects algorithmic bias.

His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward human-centered evaluation of AI systems, with increasing focus on subjectivity, personalization, and philosophical foundations of aesthetics in computer vision. Goree's work bridges technical computer vision research with critical humanities perspectives, examining how historical contexts shape current AI practices. He has developed novel evaluation frameworks that incorporate qualitative human feedback, moving beyond traditional quantitative metrics to better understand how AI systems interact with human perception and values.

Goree actively engages with teaching challenges in the era of generative AI, developing pedagogical approaches that help students develop critical thinking skills while navigating new AI tools. His teaching philosophy emphasizes maintaining human-centered learning experiences even as AI transforms educational landscapes. He advocates for assignments that require contextual understanding and creativity, which are difficult for AI to replicate.

His research is organized around understanding the "aesthetic gap" - the difference between information extractable from image pixels and the feelings images evoke in humans. Goree's lab explores how to build more transparent and accountable AI systems that acknowledge their subjective nature rather than claiming false objectivity.