| Leonardo/ISASTwith Arizona State University

Fritz Smith

Graduate Student Assistnant
Tyrone,
United States
Focus area: AI (Machine Learning, Neural Networks, Deep Fakes), Augmented Reality, Astronomy, Space, Writing, Literature, Poetry

Hello, I am Fritz Antony Smith. I come from the South-Metro Atlanta part of Georgia. I graduated high school when I was 18 years old and joined the Army Reserves that same year to fund my future college education. I was accepted to Lee University, a private Christian Liberal Arts School in Cleveland, TN, where I studied Theology and Philosophy for four years. Towards the end of my time as a theologian I became less convinced in the metaphysical truths claimed within the Biblical tradition. I was still passionate about making a positive difference in the story of humanity. So, there I was, sitting on my futon as a senior theologian and I decided to explore science and technology studies for a master’s program. I know that this century of the history of humanity will be important, and I want to be involved in the decisions that determine our future.

Who is Fritz though? Although I study science and technology studies coupled with policy, I would consider myself a philosopher. I was uninterested in becoming a professional academic, teaching Plato’s Allegory of the Cave twice a year. I wanted to embody the philosophies that I believe in, I want to do philosophy. I think that being involved with policy is the best way for me to do that work, especially policy that is related to science and technology. 

I enjoy music. I particularly enjoy metal because it is a genre that is not afraid to explore the darker side of the human experience with talent and passion. My love for music has inspired me to practice the electric guitar. I enjoy gaming. I grew up playing table-top-role-playing-games with my best friends in high school. I am currently a Dungeon Master for a bi-weekly Dungeons and Dragons campaign here in Tempe, AZ. I enjoy exercising. I played lacrosse, practiced mixed martial arts, and boxing in highschool and in undergrad. When I exercise it makes me feel good physically and emotionally, also it gives me time to listen to all the music I love (sometimes I’ll be in the mood for Fall Out Boy or Lady Gaga, it’s not all metal all the time, ha!). 

I plan on graduating from Arizona State University this December with a Master’s of Science and Technology Policy. From there I may stay around ASU and pursue a professional certificate in Ethics and Artificial Intelligence. Or I may find a job somewhere beyond Tempe, if I do I will follow it. Perhaps I will be offered a public policy position back home in Atlanta, GA. Wherever my path leads I will walk it with virtue and passion.