Jin Ai, MPA, PhD

Jin Ai is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the School of Social Policy and Practice, specializing in the nexus of nonprofit leadership and data science. Using computational methods such as network analysis, natural language processing, large language models, and machine learning, Jin’s research explores topics of novelty and innovation, social cooperation, and the design of responsible algorithms. Jin earned her PhD in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Her dissertation provides a comprehensive mapping of the intellectual structure and dynamic evaluation of novelty within the field of philanthropy and nonprofit studies. Building on this foundation, Jin aims to offer tailored guidance to nonprofit and philanthropic leaders, helping them navigate the complexities of emerging technologies in an increasingly algorithmic society. Her research has been published in leading peer-reviewed journals including Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, Administration & Society, and Computation.