Anthony Shaw, MPM, EdM

Anthony Shaw, EdM, MPM, is a doctoral student in Social Welfare at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice. Shaw’s research sits at the intersection of Policy, Technology, and Race, exploring the relationships between structural racism, the under-representation of Black developers in AI design, and the portrayal of Blackness in the digital world. His work examines how representations and user experiences reinforce anti-Blackness and perpetuate the oppression of Black communities. His academic trajectory and research agenda have been shaped by his lived experiences growing up in North Philadelphia, where he witnessed firsthand the impact of disinvestment, poverty, and violence on marginalized communities.

Specifically, Shaw’s work critically examines how Black males engage with AI and social media, how these engagements shape their behaviors, self-perceptions, and mental wellness, and the broader implications for social behavioral theory. By following this population, Shaw seeks to analyze the consequences of past policy decisions and their impact on the lived experiences of marginalized communities. One core question that anchors his scholarship is, “How do AI and social media shape and perpetuate narratives of violence, construct racialized identities, and reinforce systemic exclusion?” His broader research interests include algorithmic governance, digital ethics, and the evolving relationship between AI, policy-making, and structural inequality. Through his work, he seeks to uncover the systemic barriers that perpetuate racial and economic inequities while highlighting the potential for AI to be leveraged in service of social justice.

His work highlights how the underrepresentation of Black developers in AI design results in algorithmic biases that reinforce racial stereotypes and contribute to the marginalization of Black communities. By examining the intersection of AI, racial bias, and technological exclusion, Shaw aims to bridge the gap between online interactions and real-world violence, ultimately contributing to AI-driven policy interventions that foster community resilience and equitable technology development.

Shaw holds a BA in Political Science from Temple University, a Master’s in School Leadership & Development from Harvard University’s Graduate School in Education, and a Master’s in Policy Management from Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy.