Shivani Schmulen ’26 Humanitarian AI & Innovation Fellow at The International Rescue Committee

This summer I had the incredible opportunity to intern with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) , a global humanitarian organization that responds to the world’s worst crises by helping people survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. I worked within the Signpost AI and New Technology division, a team dedicated to leveraging artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to provide accessible, reliable information to communities affected by conflict, displacement, and natural disasters. 

During my internship, I co-authored comprehensive reports detailing the progress and impact of AI-driven humanitarian projects. I also helped develop evaluation standards designed to measure the effectiveness and ethical implementation of these technologies. These efforts supported Signpost’s broader mission of inclusive technology and Responsible AI use in humanitarian contexts.

One of the biggest things I learned about myself is how deeply I value the intersection of technology and social good. I discovered that I’m most motivated when my work contributes to something larger than myself, especially when it supports vulnerable communities. This experience confirmed that I want to pursue a career at the crossroads of AI, ethics, and global development. It also helped me build new skills in technical writing, strategic evaluation, and responsible tech design, all of which I’m excited to carry forward.

Internship funded by CXD Internship Fund