What does it mean to be ethical in a world of technology?

Founded in 2019 with an initial gift from the Henry L. Hillman Foundation, Duquesne University's interdisciplinary Grefenstette Center takes an unflinching look at the ethical intersections between science and technology in the modern world from the perspective of the Catholic faith tradition. The center offers a variety of programs, courses and partnerships for students and researchers at Duquesne and throughout the Pittsburgh area. 

Engagement Opportunities

There are many ways to connect with the Grefenstette Center throughout the year, whether you're a student, faculty, or member of the public!

Online hate is on the rise, leading to real-world devastating effects on individuals and communities around the world. Join Carnegie Mellon, Duquesne, and Pitt students at a multidisciplinary hackathon to develop new tech and policy solutions that mitigate online hate and create safer communities. 

Compete as an individual or with a team. Virtual opening on March 18, in-person competition on March 24. Cash prizes, networking opportunities, and much, much more! Register today!

Find Out More & Register Today!
The Grefenstette Center seeks scholars from all academic areas and backgrounds to contribute to the conversation around the responsible use of digital technology, broadly construed.

Scholars participate in monthly conversations, both virtual and in-person, engage their students, and develop/present their own research.

Applications open in March of 2023.
Apply to be a Grefenstette Center Undergraduate Tech Ethics Fellow for the 2023-2024 school year. Awardees receive a $2,000 tuition scholarship!

You will work on individual research projects, participate in workshops, contribute to the life of the Grefenstette Center, and more!

Applicants limited to Duquesne University undergrads for the 2023-2024 academic year. Applications will open in March of 2023.
On October 28, 2022 we completed our annual one-day symposium on science, technology, ethics, policy, business and religion in light of technology ethics.

This year the topic was "How Can Algorithms Be Ethical? Finding Solutions Through Dialogue," and featured amazing speakers such as Dr. Alondra Nelson, Deputy Assistant to the President, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Bishop Paul Tighe, Vatican Dicastery for Culture and Education.
Watch this video from the Symposium!

Who We Are

Staff, Fellows, and Affiliated Faculty of the Grefenstette Center

John P. Slattery

John P. Slattery

Director

Florence M. Chee

Florence M. Chee

2022-2023 External Fellow

Nathan Colaner

Nathan Colaner

2022-2023 External Fellow

Matthew J. Gaudet

Matthew J. Gaudet

2022-2023 External Fellow

Paul Scherz

Paul Scherz

2022-2023 External Fellow

Patrick Juola

Patrick Juola

Research Fellow

Gerard Magill

Gerard Magill

Senior Research Fellow

Ercan Avci

Ercan Avci

Post-Doctoral Fellow

Elizabeth Agnew Cochran

Elizabeth Agnew Cochran

2022-2023 Faculty Scholar

Ted Corcovilos

Ted Corcovilos

2022-2023 Faculty Scholar

Georgiana Craciun

Georgiana Craciun

2022-2023 Faculty Scholar

Min Geiger

Min Geiger

2022-2023 Faculty Scholar

Katherine L.W. Norton

Katherine L.W. Norton

2022-2023 Faculty Scholar

Akwasi Opoku-Dakwa

Akwasi Opoku-Dakwa

2022-2023 Faculty Scholar

Dina Nasri Siniora

Dina Nasri Siniora

2022-2023 Faculty Scholar

Eric Vogelstein

Eric Vogelstein

2022-2023 Faculty Scholar

Dina Al Raffie

Dina Al Raffie

Affiliated Faculty

Cathleen J. Appelt

Cathleen J. Appelt

Affiliated Faculty

Lyndsie Ferrara

Lyndsie Ferrara

Affiliated Faculty

Mark Geiger

Mark Geiger

Affiliated Faculty

Anna Floerke Scheid

Anna Floerke Scheid

Affiliated Faculty

Daniel P. Scheid

Daniel P. Scheid

Affiliated Faculty

Elisabeth T. Vasko

Elisabeth T. Vasko

Affiliated Faculty

Wenqi Zhou

Wenqi Zhou

Affiliated Faculty

About Us

The Grefenstette Center takes an unflinching look at the ethical intersections of science and technology by working with partners at Duquesne, in Pittsburgh, and across the world.

Grefenstette Center for Ethics in Science, Technology, and Law