João Sedoc
New York University Stern School of Business
“While making strides in his own research in machine learning and natural language processing, Professor Sedoc has had a significant impact on helping NYU Stern Undergraduate College students pursue their research interests through the Stern Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) and the Stern Honors Program. Additionally, Professor Sedoc teaches undergraduate courses in programming, a high-interest area among undergrads, and finds creative ways of incorporating his research into his teaching.” – NYU Stern School of Business
João Sedoc, 48, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Technology, Operations, and Statistics at NYU Stern School of Business. He is also affiliated with the Center for Data Science at NYU.
His research interests span artificial intelligence, deep learning, natural language processing, and conversational agents.
Sedoc has received numerous accolades, including the Professor Marti Subrahmanyam Honors Program Faculty Service Award in 2024 and the Best Paper Award at the AOM 2022 for his work on “Gendered Information in Resumes and its Role in Algorithmic and Human Hiring Bias.” He also received a Microsoft Research Dissertation Grant for his research.
BACKGROUND
At current institution since what year? 2020
Education:
- PhD in Computer Science, University of Pennsylvania, 2019
- BA in Mathematics, University of Pennsylvania, 1999
- BSE in Computer Science, University of Pennsylvania, 1999
List of Undergraduate courses you teach: Projects in Programming and Data Science; Stern Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR)
TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR
I knew I wanted to be a business professor when … I realized how it suits my research interests perfectly as it is at the intersection between understanding fundamental machine learning and AI, applying this knowledge to business, and sharing it with my students.
What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it?
My current research centers around the evaluation of conversational AI systems. Evaluation is now much more nuanced and intricate than even several years ago. The effects of proper evaluation will have dramatic implications for business.
If I weren’t a business school professor, I’d be …
Research and mentoring in another capacity.
What do you think makes you stand out as a professor?
I enjoy the hands-on nature of my class and value student feedback via polls and quizzes, which I take every effort to react to.
One word that describes my first time teaching:
Excited.
Here’s what I wish someone would’ve told me about being a business school professor:
Start with the business or practical rationale and then move to theory.
Professor I most admire and why:
Professor Foster Provost, because of his ability to reach students through his books as well as lectures. I’m a huge fan of Data Science for Business.
TEACHING BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS
What do you enjoy most about teaching business students?
Their creativity in projects. Every semester there are many new ideas and innovative novel projects.
What is most challenging?
Keeping the attention of students. They are splitting their time between the many obligations that Stern students have.
In one word, describe your favorite type of student:
Inquisitive.
In one word, describe your least favorite type of student:
Bored.
When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as …
Fair.
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
What are your hobbies?
Reading, kayaking, music and theater, long walks, biking, cooking.
How will you spend your summer?
Research during the quiet days on campus or traveling for conferences.
Favorite place(s) to vacation:
Finger Lakes and Suriname.
Favorite book(s):
Waiting for Godot
I, Robot
What is currently your favorite movie and/or show and what is it about the film or program that you enjoy so much?
Her – largely because it depicts one of the most realistic directions where chatbots may go.
Blade Runner (original, director’s cut)
What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why?
Jazz and classical piano – mostly because both inspire and relax me.
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this …
Focus on clear independent thinking and expression of thought.
In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job at …
Incentive alignment.
I’m grateful for …
My opportunities, my health, my colleagues and students, and most importantly my family.
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