Meet Hannah Maruci Aflalo, 2026 Advancing Research Grants for Early Career Scholars Recipient

Meet Hannah Maruci Aflalo, Brazilian Center for Analysis and Planning

Project Title: How Do Algorithms Think? Generative Artificial Intelligence and the Construction of ‘Woman’ as a Political Concept

Hannah Maruci Aflalo is a postdoctoral researcher in the International Program at CEBRAP (Brazilian Center for Analysis and Planning) and a political scientist whose career bridges the gap between academic research and political action within gender and politics. She holds a PhD from the University of São Paulo (USP) and she was a visiting scholar at Humboldt University through the Center for Transdisciplinary Gender Studies (2022 and 2025). Her current research, titled “How Do Algorithms Think? Generative Artificial Intelligence and the Construction of ‘Woman’ as a Political Concept” approaches algorithmic bias by exploring how generative AI actively constructs and shapes political and gender concepts. Her perspective as an LGBTQ+ scholar from the Global South deeply informs her research into who controls political definitions and how generative technologies replicate historical biases against marginalized women. Translating research into tangible social impact, Hannah co-founded and served as Executive Director of the NGO A Tenda das Candidatas for over four years, training over 1,000 women for political office and contributing to 350,000 votes cast. She brings extensive experience in applied qualitative research, political consulting and advocacy. Her work has led to publications in international journals and the drafting of a national bill to combat gender and race-based political violence.

About the APSA Advancing Research Grants for Early Career Scholars

The APSA Diversity and Inclusion Advancing Research Grants provide support for research that examines political science phenomena affecting historically underserved communities and underrepresented groups and communities. In July 2026, APSA awarded 15 projects for the APSA Diversity and Inclusion Advancing Research Grant for Early Career Scholars for a combined total award amount of 30,000.

Read about Advancing Research Grants for Early Career Scholars