Meet Susan Vetter Ricker, an SIS Senior, majoring in Bachelor of Individualized Study with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Technology.
As a senior in George Mason University’s BIS program and the Director of Operations for a national water industry trade association, Susan Vetter Ricker bridges the worlds of advanced technology and critical infrastructure. Her academic journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding artificial intelligence—not just as a tool for innovation, but as a catalyst for ethical problem-solving and collaborative progress.
“I’m passionate about AI and why we need to rely on it—not blindly, but ethically,” Susan explains. “If we use it wisely, AI can help us work better together and solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”
Susan's recent research underscores that vision. She published a paper in a respected industry journal exploring how AI can be ethically applied to one of the world’s most essential needs: access to clean drinking water (which you can read here). Her work offers practical insights into how machine learning and data-driven decision-making can support sustainable water management—without compromising fairness, transparency, or equity.
In her role as Director of Operations, Susan provides strategic operational leadership for the association, which helps members navigate government policies, unites them into a stronger, more cohesive industry voice, and continues to drive the association forward. She also champions the understanding of ethical integration of smart technologies to enhance utility performance and public health.
Susan actively contributes to initiatives that promote responsibility, solidarity, partnership, collegiality, and participation—fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders, advocating for smart technology adoption, and ensuring that ethical considerations remain at the forefront of technological advancements in water management, aligning with the association’s strategic plan.
As graduation approaches, Susan remains committed to working at the intersection of technology, ethics, and public service—leveraging AI not just to optimize systems, but to empower communities.
October 29, 2025