“AI Will Tell You to Walk Across the English Channel”: Dr. Ticora Jones on Science, Power & Public Trust Artwork

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Scientista

“AI Will Tell You to Walk Across the English Channel”: Dr. Ticora Jones on Science, Power & Public Trust

November 14, 2025 • Scientista

“AI will tell you to walk across the English Channel… it’s not intelligent. It is pattern recognition.”

NRDC Chief Science Officer Dr. Ticora Jones joins the Scientista Podcast for one of our most candid conversations yet.

Dr. Jones talks about what AI really is (and isn’t), the collapse of USAID under Trump’s second term, why global development work depends on genuine collaboration—not American saviorism—and how she helps her own organization slow down and learn together instead of getting swept up in hype.

She also shares why she wants her seven-year-old daughter to grow up grounded in a sense of “I can,” how community sustains women and women of color in science, and why finding your people is essential when the world feels chaotic.

If you care about science, public trust, or how we rebuild institutions that matter, this conversation is for you.

Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world