Jason Lucas, MPH ’20, BSc ’10, a graduate of St. George’s University School of Graduate Studies, and School of Arts and Sciences, is a fifth-year PhD candidate in informatics at Penn State University. He conducts cutting-edge research in multilingual natural language processing and AI safety, and as a National Science Foundation LinDiv Fellow, he develops inclusive technologies that protect vulnerable communities from harmful content and disinformation.
Lucas’ work bridges the gap between computational innovation and social impact, with a focus on underserved language communities and ethical AI development. His journey, from La Borie, Grenada, to one of the world’s top information science programs, has been shaped by a commitment to interdisciplinary learning and mentorship.
“My goal is to build AI systems that serve everyone, especially those historically left behind,” he explained.
He hopes to not only advance the science of multilingual AI but also create opportunities for Caribbean youth to engage in world-class research without leaving home.
“Technology isn’t neutral,” he added. “It reflects the values of those who build it. I want to ensure our values include equity, inclusion, and global representation.”
Today, his work continues that mission: bridging technology and humanity, and using AI not just to innovate—but to uplift.
SGU: What excites you most about your work? What is your favorite part of what you do?
Lucas: What excites me most is the impact potential of my work. I’m developing AI systems that protect vulnerable communities, especially my own Caribbean community, from harmful content and disinformation. Too often, today’s AI overlooks Afro-Caribbean perspectives, languages, and experiences. Most systems don’t recognize or understand languages like Grenadian or Haitian Creole, or Jamaican Patois. My research is changing that by working across more than 70 languages to make AI safer, fairer, and more inclusive for everyone.
SGU: What challenges have shaped your path?
Lucas: I have ADHD and dyslexia, which made academia feel impossible at times. It also made me rethink how I learn and work. Instead of seeing those challenges as setbacks, I turned them into strengths. Tools like Speechify and AI writing assistants helped me study, write, and stay focused on ways that work best for me. Technology helped me not just cope but thrive; and that’s why I’m passionate about creating AI systems that are inclusive and beneficial for everyone, no matter their background or abilities.
SGU: Why did you choose to apply to SGU?
Lucas: For me, the choice was easy. SGU had a strong reputation for producing IT graduates who weren’t just skilled professionals but real leaders making an impact both in Grenada and abroad. Growing up, I saw SGU alumni coming back home to transform the local tech landscape, and I wanted to be part of that movement.
Beyond the academics, SGU represented something bigger, it showed me that I didn’t have to leave Grenada to access an international education. For a young man from La Borie with big ambitions, that meant everything. SGU proved that excellence isn’t somewhere else, it can be built right here at home.
SGU: What is one of your greatest accomplishments or biggest milestones in your career so far?
Lucas: I’m proud to have published 11 research papers with over 200 citations, contributing to AI systems that are safer and more inclusive for underrepresented communities. Being selected for the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s Data Science Institute, a world leader in research, was a major milestone that validated my work on multilingual AI. I’m also especially proud of leading the team at SGU that created its first fully online clinical evaluation system during COVID-19, which allowed medical students to continue their education when the world came to a standstill.
SGU: What is something you enjoy outside of the classroom and lab?
Lucas: Dance has been a huge part of who I am. I co-founded the Street Masters Evolution Dance Team in Grenada, using dance to mentor and empower disadvantaged youth. It wasn’t just about choreography, it was about building confidence, discipline, and leadership. Dance became my outlet and my anchor, helping me manage stress and stay grounded through the ups and downs of my PhD journey. In many ways, it mirrors my research, both require creativity, discipline, and resilience, and both are about expressing something meaningful to the world.
SGU: Why would you recommend SGU?
Lucas: I’d recommend SGU because it truly prepares you to succeed anywhere in the world—academically, professionally, and personally. When I first encountered machine learning during my PhD studies, it was intimidating, but the problem-solving skills and resilience I developed at SGU gave me the confidence to push through and excel. What I love most about SGU is that it’s not just a place to study, it’s a community that challenges you to grow, connect with mentors, and provides opportunities to make a real impact beyond the classroom.
SGU: What do you hope to achieve next?
Lucas: I want to continue building a career that blends research, education, and service; using AI to create meaningful impact in the Caribbean and beyond. My goal is to lead innovative research that makes technology safer, more inclusive, and more ethical, while creating opportunities for young people in Grenada to pursue cutting-edge work without leaving home. I also hope to launch a nonprofit in honor of my sister to support students with learning differences, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or abilities, has the resources and encouragement to thrive.
SGU: What advice would you give to other students interested in pursuing a similar career path?
Lucas: My biggest advice is to dream boldly and never let anyone else define your limits. The path won’t always be easy, you’ll face setbacks, self-doubt, and moments when things feel impossible, but those challenges are part of the journey. Stay curious, build skills across different fields, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, because that’s where real growth happens. Find mentors who believe in you, and just as importantly, mentor others along the way. Believe deeply in your own potential, especially if you come from an underrepresented background, and remember: every “no” is just redirecting you toward the right opportunity. Keep going—you belong in every room you walk into.
