Sarath Sreedharan, an assistant professor of computer science at Colorado State University, just scored a major win- he's been named one of "AI's 10 to Watch" by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for his groundbreaking work in human-aware artificial intelligence.

This honor is a big deal, highlighting his efforts to tackle two of the most talked-about challenges in AI today: making AI decisions understandable (explainability) and ensuring AI behaves in line with human values (value alignment).

Sreedharan's research isn't just about making smarter machines; it's about making machines that get us. His goal is to teach AI to understand human beliefs, behaviors, and ethics, so that AI systems can seamlessly work alongside people in ways that are meaningful and helpful. 

"AI systems aren't just floating around in space-they're created to help people," Sreedharan says. "That has to be a core part of their design."

Since joining CSU in 2022, Sreedharan has been leading the Human-Aware Planning and Interaction (HAPI) lab, where his team works on cutting-edge AI projects that range from simple day-to-day task assistants to AI tools aimed at solving real-world problems.

But for Sreedharan, this award is about more than just personal achievement. It's about building AI that can positively impact everyone's daily life. His lab's robot, Shakey Jr., symbolizes his dream of creating AI systems that aren't just smart- they're useful, ethical, and designed for a better future.

As the AI world continues to evolve, Sreedharan's human-centered approach is shaping a future where machines don't just follow orders, but actually understand what we need and why it matters. Exciting stuff, right?