September 8, 2025

UW + Amazon Science Hub announces new director

September 8, 2025
Karen Leung, University of Washington (UW) Aeronautics & Astronautics assistant professor and director of the Control and Trustworthy Robotics Laboratory, has been appointed Director of the UW+ Amazon Science Hub. She succeeds founding Director Josh Smith, Electrical & Computer Engineering and the Allen School of Computer Science professor, who launched the Hub to accelerate advances in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and engineering in the Seattle area.

Leung’s research focuses on developing safe, intelligent, and trustworthy robotic systems, particularly those operating in safety-critical, human-interactive environments. Before joining UW, she was a research scientist at NVIDIA in the autonomous vehicle research group. She earned her Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University.

“I’m excited for this unique opportunity to lead a university-industry partnership translating cutting-edge research into real-world impact—from automation and logistics to health,” said Leung. “I look forward to developing community-building events that promote interdisciplinary collaboration and enhance student experiences.”

Nancy Albritton, Dean of the College of Engineering, said, “Karen brings an impressive combination of academic excellence and industry experience to this role. Her experience, along with her expertise in developing robotics systems and her commitment to advancing safe, human-centered technologies, make her very well-suited to lead the Hub into its next chapter of innovation and impact.”

Leung officially began her role on July 1. She credited Smith with establishing a strong foundation for the Hub’s success, including seed-funding initiatives and fellowship programs.

“I hope to see those opportunities continue and grow,” said Leung. “And as AI’s impact expands, I look forward to including more researchers and business units beyond the core areas of AI and robotics.”