Spring 2026 Research Group

Merve Hickok, CAIDP President and Policy Director

Merve is the President and Policy Director at Center for AI & Digital Policy. Merve is a policy expert, with testimony to the US Congress, State of California, New York City and Detroit City councils. She holds policy expert positions at UNESCO Experts without Borders, the Council of Europe, and OECD AI. She is a Council on Foreign Relations – Hitachi Fellow, with research on US-Japan AI policy and governance. Her contributions and perspective have featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, Guardian, CNN, Forbes, Bloomberg, Wired, Scientific American, The Atlantic, Politico, Protocol,  The Economist and MIT Technology Review. Merve authored the book ‘From Trustworthy AI Principles to Public Procurement Practices’ - first book to provide an in-depth analysis of the public procurement of AI systems.

Merve Hickok is the founder of AIethicist. Her work focuses on impact of AI systems on individuals and society - particularly the impact on fundamental rights, democratic values, and social justice. At University of Michigan, she is the data ethics lecturer at School of Information, the Responsible Data and AI Advisor at Michigan Institute for Data, AI and Society, and an affiliated faculty at Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy (Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program).

Merve also works with several non-profit organizations globally to advance both the academic and professional research in this field for underrepresented groups. She has been recognized by a number of organizations - most recently with Lifetime Achievement Award - Women in AI of the Year - 2023, as Runner-up for Responsible AI Leader of the Year - 2022 (Women in AI) and as one of the 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics™ – 2021.

Marc Rotenberg, CAIDP

Executive Director and Founder

Marc Rotenberg is Executive Director and Founder of the Center for AI and Digital Policy. He is a leading global expert in data protection, open government, and AI policy. He has served on many international advisory panels, including the OECD AI Group of Experts. Marc helped draft the Universal Guidelines for AI, a widely endorsed human rights framework for the governance of Artificial Intelligence. Marc is the co-editor of The AI Policy Sourcebook (CAIDP 2025) and the AI and Democratic Values Index (CAIDP 2025). Marc is also the coauthor of several textbooks including Privacy and Society (West Academic 2016). He teaches privacy law and the GDPR at Georgetown Law and AI at Georgetown University. Marc has spoken frequently before the US Congress, the European Parliament, the OECD, UNESCO, judicial conferences, and international organizations. Marc has directed international comparative law studies on Privacy and Human Rights, Cryptography and Liberty, and Artificial Intelligence and Democratic Values. Marc publishes widely in academic journals. Marc is a graduate of Harvard College, Stanford Law School, and Georgetown Law. He is an elected member of the American Bar Foundation, the American Law Institute, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the European Law Institute. 

Email Marc Rotenberg

Linkedin profile

Georgetown Law bio

Recent publications

Christabel Randolph 

Christabel is Associate Director of CAIDP.  She holds an Advanced Certification in AI Policy from CAIDP. She has experience working across South-Asia and the Middle-East with multinational corporations, the WHO, IDLO and in private practice. She completed her LL.M in Technology Law & Policy as a merit scholar  from Georgetown University Law Center. She also completed a masters in law & economics as an Erasmus Mundus scholar. Christabel commits time as General Secretary of Vattara Hope Foundation, a non-profit that runs the School of Hope (founded in 1990) for slum children in Dhaka and Executive Member, Board of Trustees of World Concern Bangladesh operating micro-finance for ultra-poor in Bangladesh.  She is a member of the N.Y. Bar.

Karan Shah

Karan Shah is a Harvard undergraduate pursuing dual A.B. degrees in Applied Mathematics (Economics) and Philosophy, with interests spanning technology, policy, ethics, and go-to-market strategy. He is currently a Venture Fellow at Xfund and has experience in growth and business development at Sweetspot (YC S23), where he worked on AI tools for government contracting. At Harvard, Karan has held RA roles at the Business and Kennedy schools working on projects related to the economics of public social stances and democracy reform. He is passionate about the intersection of ethics and technology, especially how innovation can advance public good. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karan-shah15/

Lillian Smith

Lillian Smith is a graduate of Wofford College in May 2026. She is a Bonner Scholar alumna who spent her collegiate years in service to Lutheran Services Carolinas, a refugee resettlement non-profit. While at Wofford, she participated in academic and internship programs in Ecuador, Switzerland, and Albania to supplement her degree in International Affairs and Spanish. While abroad, she conducted research on rural education policies, multilevel development, and anti-corruption initiatives. As a summer research assistant for the Center for AI and Digital Policy, Lillian aims to further her understanding of AI governance and its intersection with human rights. 

Nienyin (Nasrin) Lin

Nienyin (Nasrin) Lin is a rising 3L at Fordham University School of Law where her research paper on data privacy and AI governance placed second in the 2026 ABA Antitrust Pitofsky & Saferstein Law Student Writing Competition. Prior to law school, she worked in IP litigation and fintech regulatory enforcement and government investigations. Nasrin holds a BA in English from Tufts University where her senior thesis was accepted to the Johns Hopkins University Richard Macksey National Undergraduate Humanities Research Symposium. Nasrin enjoys editorial cartooning and the occasional cardio.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nasrinl/

Rafael Gonzalez

Rafael Gonzalez is a Master in Public Policy candidate at the Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs specializing in AI policy. He is particularly interested in how AI will affect economic inequality globally.  Previously, Rafael worked for two United Nations improving business operations. Prior to his time at the United Nation, Rafael spent two years at Boston Consulting Group as a strategy consultant. Rafael holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Amherst College and is from Vancouver, Canada. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-gonzalez-yalempp/ 

Taja Nadeau 

Taja Nadeau is a rising 2L at UC Berkeley School of Law and an incoming summer associate at Latham & Watkins, where she plans to focus on data privacy and cybersecurity law. During her 1L year, she received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award® for earning the highest grade in Civil Procedure. Prior to law school, Taja worked at a public interest firm representing whistleblowers. She earned her B.A. in International Affairs and Economics from George Washington University and completed her final undergraduate year through the General Course at London School of Economics. Outside of her professional interests, Taja is an oil painter, multi-instrumentalist, and avid solo traveler.

Virthiha Selvamuthukumaran

Virthiha Selvamuthukumaran is a Stamps President's Scholar at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she studies Economics with a minor in Applications of AI and Machine Learning on a pre-law track. She is interested in the legal frameworks governing algorithmic decision-making, with a focus on AI transparency and accountability. She has worked as a Technology Policy Intern with the Georgia House of Representatives' Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Committee and at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/virthihaselvamuthukumaran/

Nazareen Ebrahim

Nazareen Ebrahim is a South African communications technology entrepreneur, AI ethicist, and international conference speaker. She is the founder of Naz Consulting International, which houses the research group Socially Acceptable and her personal brand. A former advisory board member of the South African AI Association, Nazareen is a regular media commentator on AI, digital transformation, and ethics across South Africa and the continent. She also serves as a board director at the Minara Chamber of Commerce, leading the Technology and PR portfolio. She has earned distinction as a team lead in the Centre for AI and Digital Policy’s global AI Policy Clinics, and has spoken at prominent events including the Global AI Summit, Oracle South Africa AI Summit, and Pakistan Travel Mart.

Patrycja Niemczyk

Legal and business professional specializing in emerging technologies and artificial intelligence. Holds EMBA from the Executive MBA Poznań-Atlanta PUEB-GSU program and LL.M from Kozminski University, with advanced certification in Business AI project management. Currently serves as Executive MBA lecturer and new technology law mentor while maintaining active practice as a licensed court mediator. Member of Poland's Ministry of Digital Affairs AI Working Group (GRAI) and the International Association for Artificial Intelligence and Law. Passionate educator focused on responsible and ethical AI implementation, expertly bridging complex legal frameworks with practical technology applications to ensure artificial intelligence serves society's best interests.

Pritika Magima

Pritika Magima is an AI policy and technology governance professional and a Policy Group Member with the Center for AI and Digital Policy (CAIDP). She contributes to research, policy analysis, and drafting CAIDP policy statements on OECD AI policy and agile governance. Her work focuses on translating complex AI laws and regulatory developments into actionable guidance, with attention to accountability, transparency, risk management, and implementation. She has experience across government, consulting, think tanks, and legal practice on AI and digital policy. She holds an LL.M. from Georgetown Law.

Ruoyi Lu

Ruoyi Lu is an associate at Linklaters whose practice focuses on guiding global technology leaders through China's intricate regulatory landscape, particularly concerning AI governance, data security, and national security issues. He has advised on compliance with pan-Asia data protection regulations and provided regulatory due diligence for transactions in sensitive sectors. Beyond his advisory role, Ruoyi regularly contributes to policy advocacy efforts on behalf of certain industry associations and business chambers on AI governance and data localization issues. Ruoyi holds an LL.B. from the China University of Political Science and Law. He is PRC Law Profession qualified, and CIPP/E certified.

Samantha Khoo

Samantha Khoo is a researcher in cyber and technology policy at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia. Her work focuses on cybersecurity, social media regulation, and artificial intelligence governance, with particular attention to the implications of digital safety and security sector governance in Southeast Asia. She has published a thematic brief on regional cybersecurity and several other analyses addressing emerging challenges in the governance of digital technologies. She holds a Master’s degree in Development Studies from the Institut de Hautes Études Internationales et du Développement (IHEID) in Geneva, where her research examined the relationship between artificial intelligence and human rights in the context of large language models (LLMs). She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Modern Languages (French and Spanish) from the University of Essex. Samantha was selected as a Fellow in the 2025 YSEALI Artificial Intelligence Governance Cohort, through which she contributes to advancing regional dialogue on the responsible development and regulation of AI. Her work is guided by a commitment to strengthening policy frameworks that safeguard security, ethics, and rights in the digital age.

Sathiyaseelan Janani

Sathiyaseelan Janani is a Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo, and a qualified Attorney-at-Law in Sri Lanka. She completed her LL.B. (Honours, Second Class Upper Division) and LL.M. (Merit) at the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo, and is currently pursuing an M.Phil. focusing on the regulation of Artificial Intelligence in Digital Labour Platforms. Her scholarly and professional pursuits are centered on the ethical and governance dimensions of Artificial Intelligence, with a particular emphasis on the regulation of digital labour. She advocates socio-technical and techno-legal approaches to AI regulation. She was a Research Group Member at the Centre for AI and Digital Policy (CAIDP) in Spring 2025 and served as a Team Leader in Fall 2025, completing both Basic and Advanced AI Policy Clinics with Distinction and contributing to the AI & Democratic Values Index.

Dr. Sedef Akinli Kocak

Dr. Sedef Akinli Kocak is the Director of AI Professional Development and Design Lead Applied AI Programs at the Vector Institute, Canada. She leads a suite of programs aimed at building workforce capacity in AI and integrating advanced technologies into current and future industry work streams. She also leads the Global Alliance for Climate Action at Vector. Recognized for her inspirational work and contributions to the Canadian tech and AI ecosystem, Sedef won a Global Leader North America 2025 award in the area of AI for Good. Sedef was appointed as an Adjunct Professor at Ontario Tech University, working within the Trustworthy AI Lab.

Snežana Nikčević

Program manager at NGO 35mm and the Ethical AI Alliance’s Ambassador for the Balkans. Actively engaged in national and regional digital policy processes, with a focus on digital rights, platform regulation, and AI governance. With a background in media studies, produced two feature films and one short film, and coordinated audiovisual projects for international clients including BBC’s Top Gear, Toyota, Samsung, and Endemol Shine. Works as a facilitator and educator with hundreds of civil society organisations, media outlets, and public institutions, and has educated thousands of young people on digital literacy, online safety, and technology for societal change.

Susan Morrissey

Susan Morrissey is an education innovation strategist and leadership coach specializing in program redesign, curriculum evaluation, and the responsible integration of AI and blended learning in schools. She has led at system and school levels as Instructional Leadership Coach at Boston College, has been head of school on both the East and West Coast, and Associate Superintendent of Catholic Schools for Curriculum and Instruction in the Diocese of Providence. Drawing on extensive experience in staff development, strategic planning, and organizational upskilling, she partners with educators to build capacity, improve learning environments, and advance equitable, future-ready education.

Tatiana Zasheva

Tatiana is a public policy and international development professional with experience in policy research, government relations, and regulation of emerging technologies. Prior to joining CAIDP, she represented the national telecommunications authority in key ICT and digital development fora, working groups and expert bodies, including at the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. She currently works with the Association of European Businesses in Russia. Her professional interests lie at the intersection of governance, technology, and risk management. Tatiana has been with CAIDP since 2023 and was named one of the 2024 CAIDP Fellows.

Tatjana Titareva

Tatjana Titareva, PhD, is a Staff Scientist at the AI Policy Lab, Umeå University, Sweden. She leads the United Nations Higher Education Sustainability Initiatives (HESI) Action Group (AG) on the Futures of Higher Education and AI, specifically the Implementation Group (IG) on “AI Ethics, Safety, and Inclusivity in Higher Education,” as well as collaborates with interdisciplinary research hub exploring AI in Education based at the Department of Education, University of Oxford, UK. Previously, she served as a guest editor for the Responsible AI issue of James Madison University (JMU) International Journal on Responsibility. Since 2022, Tatjana has collaborated with UNESCO IESALC, OECD, and the World Bank on research and awareness-raising activities on AI opportunities and risks and global policy frameworks. In 2022-2024, Tatjana received several awards for her research in ethical AI. She has been a fellow at CAIDP AI policy clinics and a member of policy groups since 2024, and has contributed to the AIDV Index 2025.

Tim Sowa

Tim is a public interest technologist with a decade of systems design experience. Tim is currently a Governor's Fellow at the State of Connecticut providing strategic leadership on implementing AI policies and systems across government operations. Tim has previously contributed to the OECD, EU, and US Legal groups at the Center for AI and Digital Policy (CAIDP). Tim holds a master's in Digital Sustainability and Business Ethics from Tampere University (US-Finland Fulbright recipient) and bachelor's in Economics from Bowdoin College.

Tomiris Amirova

Tomiris is a young professional with expertise in AI governance, technology policy, and transatlantic relations with previous experience working at the Florence School of Regulation, European University Institute, and the Centre for European Policy Studies. Tomiris holds a Master of Arts in Transnational Governance with a specialization in Digitalization, Technology and Media from the European University Institute’s School of Transnational Governance in Florence, Italy. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations from Nazarbayev University in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Vanessa Maidoh

Vanessa Maidoh is an IEEE Certified Lead Assessor (CertifAIEd) and QA/audit professional based in Toronto. At the Center for AI and Digital Policy, she has served as a Research Group member and Team Lead in the AI Policy Clinic, and currently contributes to the Policy Group. Her work bridges technical evaluation and governance, translating system audits into plain-language policy recommendations. She contributed to the AI & Democratic Values Index for Vietnam and France, plus policy analyses on Rwanda and Canada. Vanessa also advises small businesses on responsible AI adoption, turning audits into compliance-ready controls and practical checklists.

Warren Bowles

Warren Bowles is a South African AI ethicist, AI researcher, author, contributor and legal academic with more than 10 years’ experience in both South African public and private academia. He is also an admitted attorney in South Africa and an EDSAFE AI Alliance Catalyst Fellow. He has published works detailing the convergence and impact of AI on law, democracy, education, human rights and labour law. He has also presented on AI-related impacts in different areas at various conferences. He is also a member of the South African AI Association and of the International Association For Safe and Ethical AI.

Zoë Aikman

Zoë Aikman is a law student at McGill University with a focus on technology law and international human rights. She works on research related to the role of AI in governance and conflict resolution, contributing to projects on AI policy and democratic values. She has worked with Human Rights Watch on international justice initiatives, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism on emerging technologies, and the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab on tech policy and disinformation. Zoë holds a MPhil in Politics and International Studies from the University of Cambridge, where she examined surveillance and AI technologies in global politics, and a BA in Communication Studies and Law & Society from Concordia University

Asif Hussain, Georgetown Law

Asif Hussain is a lawyer with over 12 years of experience in technology and financial services across the MENA region and Pakistan. He is qualified to practice law in England & Wales and Pakistan. He is currently pursuing an LL.M. in Technology Law & Policy at Georgetown University Law Center. Prior to his LL.M., Asif served as Head of Legal at Pyypl Ltd., a UAE-based fintech licensed by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of the Abu Dhabi Global Market. In this role, he led legal strategy for high-stakes compliance matters involving safeguarding of customer data and funds and the deployment of AI tools in regulated processes and service delivery.

While he was Legal Counsel at Citibank, his work included routinely advising on AI, blockchain, and cloud outsourcing initiatives aimed at digitizing banking operations. He was a member of Citi's Cross-Border Data Transfer Committee. Asif represented Citi in stakeholder discussions with the Ministry of Information Technology on Pakistan's Personal Data Protection Bill. Earlier in his career at one of Pakistan's premier law firms, Asif developed deep expertise in technology adoption and regulation within financial services.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asif-hussain-47a675b9/  

Ariana Haider, Georgetown University

Ariana Haider is a research assistant focused on AI governance, responsible AI, and technology policy. Her background spans startup ecosystem operations, accelerator programs, and cross-functional project management, where she supported founders and emerging technology companies in high-growth environments. Through her work with startups, including many AI and ML companies, she developed a strong interest in how rapidly deployed technologies intersect with ethics, risk, and public accountability. Her current interests center on governance frameworks and oversight structures that help organizations deploy AI responsibly. Ariana is pursuing a Master’s in AI Management at Georgetown University and holds a bachelor’s degree from University of California, Berkeley.

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianahaider/ 

Emma Cameron, Georgetown University

Emma Cameron is a junior at Georgetown University, majoring in Computer Science, Ethics, and Society. Her research interests lie in the intersection of AI governance, ethical technology design, and cybersecurity policy. She is passionate about developing frameworks for emerging technologies that balance individual rights and innovation.

Kitty Zhou, George Washington Law

Kitty Zhou is a second-year student at The George Washington University Law School, studying data privacy, technology, and intellectual property. Having taken a course in AI Law and Policy, I became interested in the intersection between AI governance, data privacy, and technology law and policy. As a member of AIPLAQJ, I am writing my Note on the statutory damages regime in AI copyright infringement litigation. As a Research Assistant to GW Law Prof. Alicia Solow-Niederman, I am researching ongoing discovery disputes in AI litigation. Through my internship at CAIDP, I hope to gain valuable insight into current legal framework and policy surrounding AI and to simultaneously advocate for individuals’ fundamental rights.

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kittyzhou43/ 

Josiah Kam, Cornell University 

Josiah Kam a junior at Cornell University studying Information Science under the Law, Ethics, and Policy concentration. My main area of interest is exploring controversies arising from training generative AI on copyrighted content. I also enjoy studying how various technologies like cryptocurrency and social media influence society. In my free time I enjoy baking, blogging, and taekwondo

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-pedro-fermandois-santa-cruz-52576b182/ 

Gustavo De Uchoa, Duke Law

Gustavo De Toni Uchoa is a 2L at Duke Law. I'm originally from Brazil and speak 4 different languages. Prior to law school, I was working at AMD with their server business unit, and last summer I interned with Lenovo's legal department, getting to work on a wide-range of matters. During law school, I've immersed myself in classes like AI Law & Policy and Privacy Law. I'm looking forward to continue exploring the intersection between law, technology, and policy, as well as to help shape a human-centered path to AI integration in the country.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gustavo-dt-uchoa/

Candice Alder - Teaching Fellow

Candice is an AI ethics/policy specialist and psychotherapist focused on AI governance in high-risk human-impact domains, drawing on over 20 years of experience spanning mental health, education, and regulatory governance leadership. She is the Co-Founder and Principal Consultant at Synthetica, advising on responsible AI governance, risk management, and ethical integration. Candice  authored Canada’s first professional guidelines on ethical AI use in psychotherapy and contributes to international AI governance and standards initiatives. Candice attained the CAIDP AI Policy Certifications with Distinction and is a member of the CAIDP Policy Group. 

Cecilia Garcia Podoley-  Teaching Fellow

Cecilia Garcia Podoley is a lawyer and seasoned ethics, compliance, and AI-governance specialist with three decades of international experience. She has led compliance programs at several multinational enterprises, and currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Board and Co-Chair of the AI and Compliance Working Group at Ethics & Compliance Switzerland. Cecilia holds a JD in public international law, a specialization in high-tech law, and recent certifications in computational social science and AI governance. Fluent in four languages, she advises the Ethical AI Alliance, writes on AI ethics for Le Monde Économique, and advises companies on ethical AI and AI governance. She lives in Geneva, Switzerland.

Marcela Campos Jabôr - Teaching Fellow.

Marcela Campos Jabôr is a Senior Public Law Attorney and AI Governance Specialist with over 15 years of experience in government relations, public procurement, and complex concession and PPP contracts. Advisor to governments and technology-driven organizations on AI policy, regulatory compliance, and human oversight mechanisms, supporting responsible AI deployment and evidence-based governance frameworks. PhD candidate focused on how contractual regulation can mitigate risks of automation bias, opacity, and accountability gaps in the public sector. Marcela attained the CAIDP AI Policy Certificates.

Laura Romero Villamizar - Team Leader S26

Laura is a risk management specialist and policy strategist with experience advising private sector organizations, governments, and international development banks on navigating contextual risks and preventing negative societal impacts.

She specializes in the end-to-end lifecycle of social and human rights risk management. Additionally, she is an expert in monitoring social risk policy adherence, evaluating risk management effectiveness, and driving remediation in high-stakes environments.

Laura holds a M.A in Global Affairs from Yale University, as well as a BA in Law and a Master’s in Literature from Universidad de Los Andes.

Lionceau Clovis AGRE – Team Leader S26

Lionceau Clovis AGRE is an AI policy researcher specializing in responsible AI governance, digital rights, and climate-aligned technology policy in Global South contexts. Trained in physics, artificial intelligence, and data science, his work bridges technical AI systems with regulatory, ethical, and human-rights frameworks. He has contributed to research on AI risk governance, public-interest AI, energy policy, and climate-health resilience in West Africa. A fellow of the CAIDP AI Policy Clinic, he currently leads project management and partnerships at FRIARE, advancing inclusive and accountable AI policy initiatives across Francophone Africa.

Lorena Barić - Team Leader S26

Lorena Barić is the Executive Director of CroAI (Croatian Artificial Intelligence Association), where she leads AI literacy and community-building initiatives and builds bridges between policy, academia and industry in Croatia. Her work focuses on creating dialogue platforms that bring together companies, researchers, educators, and public institutions to support responsible AI adoption, share practical experiences, and strengthen the national AI ecosystem.

In addition to ecosystem-building, she contributes to AI policy-work by supporting structured discussions on AI governance topics across national and European contexts. She is also an Executive Board Member of the European AI Forum.

Lynn Monzer - Team Leader S26

Lynn Monzer works at the intersection of governance, economic inclusion, and global development, with a growing focus on how these issues surface in the context of AI. She previously served as Deputy Director at the Atlantic Council, where she led cross-sector programs and partnerships focused on gender, economic policy, and institutional reform across multiple regions. At the Wilson Center, she led research on economic inclusion in MENA countries. Today, her work centers on how governance and inclusion frameworks must evolve as AI systems shape economic opportunity, decision-making, and power, and on how AI can be used to expand access and mobility rather than reinforce existing inequalities.

Maria Paola Silva - Team Leader S26

Maria Paola Silva is an executive advisor and operations leader with over ten years of experience managing cross-functional teams and coordinating strategic initiatives across government, multilateral institutions, and nonprofits in the U.S. and Latin America. She has advised senior leadership at USAID, managed a $300M global fund, and shaped gender and care economy policies at national and city levels. Her work spans high-level decision support, board engagement, internal operations, and emerging technology governance. Paola holds degrees from Tufts Fletcher School and Universidad de los Andes.

Marta Burgos González- Team Leader S26

Marta Burgos González is a European project management professional with extensive experience designing, coordinating, and implementing international research and innovation projects funded under Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe, IMI/IHI, and Erasmus+. She specialises in artificial intelligence governance, with a strong focus on transparency, accountability, and trustworthy, human-centred AI for public-interest applications. With a background in Sociology and Political Science and as a PhD candidate, she supports multidisciplinary consortia across NGOs, research organisations, and public authorities. Her expertise includes stakeholder engagement, proposal development, dissemination, and strategic alignment with EU policy priorities, ensuring that digital solutions are ethically grounded, socially robust, and aligned with citizens’ needs.

Matteo (Mat) Mastracci - Team Leader S26

Mat Mastracci is a Legal and Policy Officer at the Italian Ministry of Education and an Ethics Expert at the European Commission, where he navigates the intersection of AI, digital governance, and privacy compliance. He has led projects on algorithmic accountability and digital rights, guiding teams through thorny regulatory and technological challenges. In recent years, his work has increasingly focused on AI’s societal impact and long-term risks, exploring how law and policy can anticipate and address emerging threats from high-risk AI systems.

Natalia Alarcón -  Team Leader S25

Natalia Alarcón, a lawyer from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana with a specialization in Economics and an LL.M. in Technology Law and Policy from Georgetown University, is Director of Legal Innovation at Posse Herrera Ruiz, leading digital transformation, AI governance, and legal tech initiatives. She co-founded and co-directs the AI and Law Research Seminar at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, where she also teaches “AI for Lawyers.” Her work with the Center for AI and Digital Policy began as an extern during her LL.M. and progressed to Research Group Member and now Team Leader, advancing AI policy.

Norman Valdez - Team Leader S26

Norman Valdez is a Toronto-based technology and AI policy leader working at the intersection of responsible AI, digital strategy, and community capacity-building. He is CEO and co-founder of BrainTrainr, a nonprofit advancing inclusive AI education, and an Emerging Technology Fellow with Community Foundations of Canada, supporting cross-sector collaboration on AI governance.

At CERIC, he leads technology, communications, and marketing, translating research into accessible learning products. Norman focuses on practical AI adoption, human rights, and equity, helping nonprofits and community leaders navigate rapid technological change.

Omolola Haastrup  -Team Leader S26

Osvaldo Ramirez - Team Leader S26

Osvaldo Ramirez is a global AI and data executive focused on scaling AI, GenAI, and ML from strategy to measurable business impact. He works closely with CEOs and leadership teams to deliver enterprise AI programs with accuracy targets above 97% and operations at scale. He currently serves as a Team Leader at the Center for AI and Digital Policy (CAIDP), guiding global research on responsible AI governance.

With international experience across industries, Osvaldo combines execution, ethics, and transformation to build AI systems that are scalable, accountable, and human-centered.

Oussama Elmerrahi - Team Leader S26

Oussama Elmerrahi is an independent consultant and Senior Data Analyst specializing in Data Governance and Strategy, with a focus on optimizing data quality. He leverages innovative data practices to drive strategic decision-making, mitigate risks, and navigate the complexities of data environments. Oussama is dedicated to delivering sustainable data solutions that align with both environmental and ethical standards.

Currently, Oussama serves as the Vice President of the Young AI Leaders Paris Hub by AI for Good and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), where he leads initiatives to drive AI innovation for social impact. With a strong background in robotics and industrial engineering, Oussama has held leadership roles, including serving as Chairman and Section Lead at IEEE, where he led cross-functional projects. An alumn and former Youth Ambassador for the Internet Society (ISOC), Oussama has advocated for a free and accessible internet, focusing on inclusion, innovation, and global connectivity.

Pranjal Dwivedi - Team Leader S26

Pranjal Dwivedi is the Co-founder of Inclusive AI and works at the intersection of artificial intelligence, governance, and public systems to ensure AI serves democratic and social goals. He led India’s first deepfake detection workshop for law enforcement, setting early benchmarks to counter AI driven misinformation.

His work includes shaping nationwide AI literacy initiatives such as the Yashoda AI campaign. He has engaged with policymakers through platforms including India’s first AI Legislators’ Forum and has contributed work on AI disinformation, digital arrests, and the societal impact of emerging technologies to advance responsible AI adoption.

Priscila Chaves - Team Leader S26

Priscila Chaves is a certified AI Policy Researcher at the Center for AI and Digital Policy (CAIDP), where she now serves as Research Group Team Leader. With nearly 20 years of experience in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, she is a global leader building collaborative ecosystems across industries, public sector, academia, civil society, and startups to tackle complex challenges in AI governance and responsible innovation.

As Head of Innovation and Ecosystems at Cargill, Priscila led global food innovation strategies, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance sustainable food systems through responsible technology. She has also co-founded two AI/data ventures in East Africa and Latin America, creating impact-driven solutions that have positively transformed communities since 2015.

As a Fellow for the AI Connect program—a partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the Atlantic Council—she frequently contributes to global AI policy discussions. Priscila is currently a Saïd Business School's Director Award Scholar for AI in Business at the University of Oxford and holds post-graduate degrees in AI Ethics & Society from the University of Cambridge and a Technology MBA from NYU Stern. Her work focuses on responsible scaling of AI, addressing systemic risks of innovation, and championing human and planet-centric solutions.

Qidi Zhao – Team Leader S26

Qidi Zhao is a digital policy professional specializing in AI governance, digital public infrastructure, and data governance. She currently serves as a research team lead for CAIDP 2026 Spring. Qidi holds an MPA from Johns Hopkins University and has contributed to international policy research through multiple Internet Governance Forum initiatives. Her work spans cross-jurisdictional AI regulation analysis, policy brief development, and multi-stakeholder capacity building across Africa, Asia, and Europe. She aspires to advance inclusive, responsible AI policy through evidence-based research and international cooperation.

Rachele Carli – Team Leader S26

Rachele Carli is a Postdoctoral researcher in the AI Policy Lab at Umeå University. Her research mainly focuses on highly interactive AI systems and the legal, social, and ethical implications of the design, development, and dissemination of these technologies. Prior to her postdoctoral position, Rachele Carli completed a PhD in Law, Science and Technology at the University of Bologna and a PhD in Computer Science at the University of Luxembourg, strengthening her interdisciplinary approach to research. Her goal is currently to improve her skills to directly shape the discourse and approach to AI policy at a European and international level.

Dr. Rajesh Kumar Shakya - Team Leader S26

Dr. Rajesh Kumar Shakya is a global authority in digital governance and AI policy with over 30 years of experience across 70 countries. A Senior Procurement Specialist (e-GP) at the World Bank and Team Leader at CAIDP, he holds a Ph.D. in Public Administration and Public Policy and a Post Graduate degree in AI/ML from UT Austin.

Dr. Shakya advises national governments on strategic reforms in e-procurement and AI-driven integrity systems. An accomplished author of five books, his forthcoming work, Artificial Superintelligence: The Human Imperative, addresses the future of global AI safety and the ethical integration of disruptive technologies.

Romana Afroze - Team Leader S26 

Romana Afroze is an SJD candidate at Delaware Law School and passed the bar in New York in 2025. After earning her LLB and LLM (Specialized in Commercial Law) degrees from the University of Dhaka, she transitioned to the U.S. legal field to pursue an LLM from the SUNY Buffalo School of Law. Her research focuses on AI laws and policies, cyberspace regulation, human rights, cyber torts, and international law. She authors articles and books on AI’s use, global impacts, and interdisciplinary concerns. Romana is also involved in multiple U.S. Bar Associations and adjudicates global rounds of moot court competitions. 

Sadman Rahman - Team Leader S26

Sadman Rahman is a policy specialist with expertise in governance, economic development,  digitalization, and AI. He has worked with the UN and governments in the U.S., Bangladesh, and Somalia. Currently, he is leading the National AI Policy Steering Committee of Bangladesh working to formulate a  National AI Policy. He is also an International Consultant with UNDP in Somalia, and a Consultant for ILO  in Bangladesh. He holds Master’s degrees in Applied Diplomacy (DePaul University) and Public Policy  (University of Minnesota), along with a BA in Economics.

Saima Tariq Khan - Team Leader S26

Saima Tariq Khan is a technology policy practitioner working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, governance, and human-centered policy design. With a background in Computer Systems Engineering, she translates complex technical systems into accountable and inclusive policy frameworks.

As founder of OrionsFlow, a Dubai-based platform advancing responsible AI through dialogue, research, and collaboration, and as Team Leader (Spring 2026) with the Center for AI and Digital Policy (CAIDP), she champions practical policy solutions that prioritize human dignity, equity, and societal resilience in data and AI governance.

 Sevinj Novruzova - Team Leader S26 

Sevinj Novruzova is a compliance professional with over 15 years of experience in legal, regulatory, and business ethics, compliance. She holds a PhD in Private Law and is the author of Duty of Care of Banks in Electronic Banking (Turkey). Currently, she serves as Head of Ethics and Compliance at Azercell, leading initiatives to uphold compliance standards and foster a culture of integrity. She is also a postdoctoral research fellow at NYU Law School Information Law Institute (ILI) and Privacy Research Group (PRG).Passionate about continuous learning, she focuses on emerging trends &AI in compliance.

Srabonty das Gupta - Team Leader S26

Dr. Srabonty Das Gupta is a legal scholar specializing in cybersecurity law, AI governance, digital rights,  and international human rights law. She holds a PhD in Public International Law (Cum Laude) from the  Universidad de León and is currently a Professor at the Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR),  where she teaches Governance, Ethics, and Legal Frameworks for AI in Cybersecurity. She has held  research and teaching positions at the Universidad de León, the Center for AI and Digital Policy, Tilburg  University, and collaborates with the University of Oxford.

Sreya Francis - Team Leader S26

Sreya Francis is an interdisciplinary AI practitioner and researcher bridging applied AI, foundational AI research, and AI policy and governance. She has built intelligent systems across smart home automation, medical AI, and large-scale data-driven applications, with research experience in privacy-preserving machine learning, cognitive science, and responsible AI. She has led AI initiatives in highly regulated sectors including healthcare, insurance, and finance, focusing on automation, decision systems, and real-world deployment. Her work connects technical feasibility with societal impact, risk, and governance. Recognized with distinctions from Microsoft Research, Panasonic Research, Mila, and an AI Innovator Award, she is also an active speaker and mentor, translating technical AI for policy and public audiences.

Stephanie Grasser - Team Leader S26

Stephanie works at the intersection of human rights, digital policy, and civil society practice. She has led and coordinated projects in the youth sector focused on online harms, discrimination, and democratic participation, while engaging in international AI governance and policy fellowships. Her background combines hands-on project management with a growing focus on AI regulation, platform governance, and rights-based policy approaches. She is particularly interested in how public institutions and civil society can strengthen accountability, transparency, and democratic safeguards in the development and deployment of AI systems.

Tatiana Pilon - Team Leader S26

Tatiana Pilon is a global, mission-driven leader working at the intersection of tech, data and policy. As a product executive, she leverages tech to solve societal problems and act as a policy advisor to founders, venture capital and public sector stakeholders.

As the co-founder of tech and AI services company, Brightbots, she leads start-up founders and venture capitalists on their AI journey. Prior to founding Brightbots, she served engineering & data teams at Disney, Google and Credit Suisse, now UBS. Tatiana is an Aspen Institute Executive Fellow and holds a Master's degree from NYU School of Engineering.

Unnikrishnan Nagarajan - Team Leader S26

Unnikrishnan Nagarajan is a technology policy and digital governance professional with over six years of experience across government, industry, and research institutions. He is a Senior Manager at the Digital India Corporation, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, working on advancing Digital Public Infrastructure through cross-sector partnerships. 

His work focuses on data protection, digital regulation, and integrating emerging technologies into governance frameworks. He has previously worked with policy research organizations and technology platforms, authored thought leadership on digital policy, and contributed to national publications. He holds a degree in engineering and background in data analytics and generative artificial intelligence

Vidda Guzzo [she/her] — Team Leader Sp26

Vidda Guzzo [she/her] is a trans woman and LGBTI human rights defender and researcher. She works as a public policy analyst at Brazil’s Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship (MDHC), within the National Secretariat for LGBTQIA+ Rights, with a focus on protecting women, girls, and LGBTQIA+ people in digital environments.

She is trained in International Relations and Political Science and is currently a PhD candidate at the Institute of Political Science at the University of Brasília. Her doctoral research on DeepNudes examines feminist resistance and State-society relations through the lens of gender, artificial intelligence, and technology governance, with particular attention to synthetic sexual imagery and digital harms. As Team Leader for Sp26, Vidda advances collaborative, human-rights-centered coordination grounded in strategic advocacy, evidence-building, and cross-sector partnerships.