projects & publications
Friend.com: NYC, God, and Unwanted Friends
Final Project โ Religion in the City
This project examines the controversial startup friend.com and its unconventional advertising campaigns across New York City. Waheed evaluates public sentiment toward artificial intelligence, focussing on the commodification of human connection. Themes include the ethics and methods of urban discussions of in contemporary tech culture.
The project argues that friend.com contributes to broader debates on technological intimacy, surveillance, ethical responsibility, religious thought, urban space, and the societal benefits and harms behind emerging AI-driven business models.
Student Representative โ AI Responsible Use Policy Committee
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice ยท May 2024
Waheed was selected by John Jay College of Criminal Justice's Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Allison Pease and senior academic leadership to serve as a student representative on a policy committee tasked with developing institutional guidelines for the ethical and effective use of artificial intelligence. Working alongside faculty and industry professionals, she contributed to policy discussions that shaped college-wide academic standards adopted by the institution.
Writer & Editor โ Columbia Undergraduate Law Review
Columbia University
As a writer and editor for the Columbia Undergraduate Law Review, Waheed focuses on technology case law, data privacy, the rights of applicants, and regulatory gaps in digital systems sorrounding higher education.
Selected Article:
"New York University's Data Breach Exposes the SHIELD Act and FERPA's Illusion of Protection"
Substack
Independent Writing ยท Work in Progress
Waheed maintains an independent writing practice exploring law, religion, technology, and ethics.