Julianna Fernandez

Julianna Fernandez, Ph.D., a distinguished professor of Cognitive Science at the University of Sydney, is internationally recognized for her pioneering work in artificial intelligence and its integration with human behavior. She co-authored several influential books, including "AI and Everyday Life" and "Machines That Understand Us," and most recently, "Consciousness in Silicon," which explores the philosophical and practical implications of AI through dialogues with leading thinkers.

Fernandez's academic journey started at Stanford University, where she developed an early fascination with the intersection of technology and psychology. She completed her doctoral studies in Cognitive Science at MIT in 2005 after conducting groundbreaking research during her internship at Google’s AI Lab. After serving as a visiting scholar at CERN in Switzerland for two years, Julianna returned to Australia, joining the University of Sydney, where she has been instrumental in advancing AI research from 2007 to present.

Her research into machine learning algorithms began in 2001 and formed the core of her doctoral dissertation. Initially influenced by cybernetics and computational theory, her focus gradually shifted towards understanding how AI can be taught to interpret human emotions and social cues. This shift led to a series of studies that demonstrated the potential for AI to recognize and respond to seven fundamental human emotional states: joy, sorrow, surprise, anger, fear, love, and frustration. For over two decades, Dr. Fernandez has dedicated herself to exploring the relationship between artificial and human intelligences, especially in terms of empathy and ethical interactions.

Upon stepping down from her full-time professorship at the University of Sydney in June 2023, after nearly two decades of enriching academic contributions, Julianna embarked on a new mission. She aimed to bridge the gap between advanced AI technologies and everyday applications, developing user-friendly tools, online courses, and seminars accessible to everyone. Her book "LIVING WITH SMART MACHINES: A Guide to Harnessing AI for Personal Growth" was released to widespread acclaim. Alongside this, The Julianna Fernandez Institute (JFI) was established, offering interactive training platforms and workshops designed to help people better understand and integrate AI into their lives. Discover more about her ongoing initiatives at juliannafdz.com.