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Civic Science Fellow Kumba Sennaar Guides Philanthropic Investment in Discovery Science

Onstage at her TEDx talk last year, Kumba Sennaar made a persuasive case for addressing algorithmic bias in AI—an argument rooted in her mission to ensure cutting-edge science benefits everyone. 

“Researchers identified bias in an algorithm where greater patient medical expenditures were used to predict greater healthcare need,” Sennaar told the audience. “Turns out the algorithm was actually predicting cost instead of illness.” Even though Black patients had lower medical spending, they were actually in poorer health than White patients. So the algorithm could result in fewer Black patients receiving the care they need, she said. 

“Studies like this fueled my interest in contributing to research that reduces health inequities by disrupting algorithmic bias.”

Now a Civic Science Fellow at the Science Philanthropy Alliance, Sennaar is applying her experience to guide donors who want to fund exploratory research across a host of fields.

Just one week into her Fellowship, Sennaar reviewed a proposal that seemed tailor-made for her expertise: a maternal health project involving new technologies. “It was too perfect a fit not to smile about,” she says. “That synergy of health research and technology is exactly where I can make a real difference.”

This moment exemplifies Sennaar’s role as a bridge-builder between scientific discovery, community need, and strategic philanthropy—core facets of civic science. From tackling health disparities to ensuring AI treats all groups fairly, civic science asks how to make sure research benefits all communities, not just a privileged few. 

Worlds of Possibility

Sennaar’s journey into this field began before she even knew the term. “I didn’t know I’d been engaged in civic science for a long time.”

Her path began with deliberate educational choices that prepared her to connect multiple worlds. At Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, she earned a B.S. in science, technology, and society—a foundation that blended technical knowledge with social context. Building on this interdisciplinary base, she pursued a master’s in biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University to deepen her scientific expertise, followed by a master’s in social policy from Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts.

This academic background propelled her into science writing, where she took on an unexpected challenge in 2016 with a series of reports on artificial intelligence in healthcare. “I didn’t even know what artificial intelligence was, but I said, ‘Why not?’” The work gained recognition from the National Academy of Medicine, McKinsey Global Institute, and the World Economic Forum. And her willingness to embrace new territory would prove transformative for her career.

Sennaar’s expertise in healthcare technology naturally led to deeper research on maternal health disparities—the focus of her graduate work at Brandeis—and responsible AI. These interconnected interests now inform her role at the Science Philanthropy Alliance, where she advises donors on strategic investments in discovery science.

Saying “no” to the writing opportunity would have changed her entire career trajectory, she says. “Saying yes to something new—especially when you don’t know where it will lead—can open entire worlds of possibility.”

Today, as a member of the Brookings Institution’s Health and AI Working Group (see their latest report, on maternal healthcare), and through her AI research and communication consulting firm, William Kelly Consulting, Sennaar continues to grow connections between technological innovation and social impact.

Guiding Philanthropic Investment in Discovery Science

At the Science Philanthropy Alliance, Sennaar’s Fellowship work focuses on advising philanthropists who want to fund basic science initiatives, or discovery science. Her day-to-day work includes reviewing funding proposals, developing educational resources, and helping both established and emerging philanthropists navigate the complex landscape of scientific innovation.

“We support philanthropists who are trying to understand what opportunities exist and what might be coming down the pike,” Sennaar says. “We’re advising them from the standpoint that discovery science can change the world, but only if it supports real needs.”

This advisory approach directly applies civic science principles. “What I appreciate most about civic science is the interdisciplinary approach to problem solving,” she says. “Really looking at the issues of today, both from a basic science standpoint and also from a social science standpoint.”

The value of civic science is its ability to foster truly interdisciplinary and inclusive solutions to complex problems, Sennaar says. “Especially with emerging technologies like AI, we don’t want to widen inequities; we want all perspectives at the table.” 

She believes philanthropic support should focus on funding research that bridges disciplines and engages diverse communities from the start. “Civic science is science that drives impact and reaches the people it intends to serve,” she says. “It’s accessible. It’s not exclusionary. And it’s open to anyone who wants to learn more about how to really make science exciting and accessible in a civic society.”

The Power of Diverse Perspectives

One aspect of the Civic Science Fellows program that amazes and delights Sennaar is the sheer range of expertise and experiences among her fellow cohort members.

“It’s quite a wonderful bouquet of flowers that’s growing in the garden here,” she says. “Each one of us brings something different to the table: different expertise, lived experience, and ideas.” Sennaar believes this vibrant mix of disciplines and perspectives is exactly what civic science needs to thrive.

“This is one of the most unique communities I’ve ever been a part of,” she says. “The richness of perspectives and expertise within one program—it’s hard to imagine you can have that much differing perspectives and expertise. That’s why I believe civic science will eventually become a household term.”

This diversity creates powerful ripple effects that extend far beyond any single research project or Fellowship term. Sennaar sees this as a compelling reason for funders to invest in civic science initiatives.

“I would say to any funder who decided to engage in this work, you should know that your work is going to continue to draw value for many, many years to come,” she says. By supporting programs that connect scientific discovery with community engagement, funders can help create a more responsive, equitable scientific enterprise—one where breakthroughs translate into real-world benefits for diverse communities, especially when tackling complex challenges like health disparities or ethical AI implementation.

“If you’re interested or curious, I would say, get in while you’re still ahead of the curve,” she advises potential funders. “This thing is going to grow.”

Looking Ahead

As Sennaar approaches the end of her Fellowship in late 2025, she sees civic science continuing to shape her career path, whether in health research, AI ethics, philanthropic advising, or some entirely new combination.

“I think civic science will stay with me always, as it’s been with me all this time,” she says. “Looking back now, it makes a lot of sense where I’ve landed.”

For those considering their own path in civic science, Sennaar offers encouragement based on her journey across disciplines. “Anyone who has a passion for helping people—where you really are interested in service and doing something positive, and you want that positive impact to trickle down to improving people’s lives—would love civic science,” she says. “There are so many different ways that you can walk this path.”

As for her own next steps, Sennaar is characteristically thoughtful. “It’s still being written,” she says with a smile. “That’s the cool part of the life journey.”

In a world grappling with complex challenges at the intersection of technology, health, and society, Sennaar’s work demonstrates the vital importance of connecting scientific discovery with community impact. Through her efforts at the Science Philanthropy Alliance and beyond, she is helping to ensure that tomorrow’s breakthroughs truly serve today’s needs.

“If you are inspired by the potential of bridging scientific discovery with real-world impact, now is the time to act.”

Kumba’s Civic Science Fellowship at the Science Philanthropy Alliance is supported by the Rita Allen Foundation and Burroughs Wellcome Fund.