Cheng Ren is a Lecturer in the School of Social Welfare at the University at Albany, SUNY. Cheng's work involves acquiring open-access data and utilizing data science tools to determine how these data can be leveraged to benefit the welfare system and the general public. Currently, his focus is on using advanced AI techniques like Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision to promote housing justice, conducting eviction research, and improving service accessibility for vulnerable populations. Cheng's research interests include computational methods for social welfare, community engagement and assessment, nonprofit development, and migrants’ well-being. He will also serve the university's new AI institute.