fALL 2024 Research Group

Christabel Randolph (Bangladesh, Georgetown Law)

Christabel is an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh.  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. 

Jahnvi Patel

Janhvi Patel is a recent graduate of William & Mary Law School. She focused primarily topics of international law and technology law. She was previously an AI policy researcher and legal extern for CAIDP.

Rupali Lekhi 

Rupali Lekhi is a qualified attorney from India, holding an LLM in Technology Law and Policy from Georgetown University Law Center. She is deeply committed to exploring the ethical use of emerging AI technologies by governments and industries, advocating for global AI regulations that promote trustworthy and responsible AI deployment. Rupali has previously worked with the World Bank and EY, focusing on forensic investigations and regulatory compliance in anti-corruption and privacy law. She has been actively involved in policy development, designing ethical integrity compliance frameworks, and training clients on ethics and regulatory compliance

Nayyara Rahman, Policy Group Coordinator

Nayyara Rahman is a technology management professional with a focus on digital civil rights, specifically data protection and privacy.

Her work in translating data protection via a tech-driven solution was selected for Pakistan's second AWS AI/ML reactor, and was also selected for presentation at the International Anti-Corruption Academy's Regional Alumni Conference. In 2022, Nayyara Rahman became a Program Envoy for ITU's 'Women In Cyber' Program, to make technology, and specifically, cybersecurity more inclusive and diverse. She was also invited to share her findings on data management and privacy via two workshops at the Bits and Baüme Conference 2022.

She is active as a researcher, speaker and university faculty member. She is the author of whitepapers which analyze the applicability of data protection laws in context of territory, with a focus on divides between the Global North and South. Her core interest areas, transparency and accountability, have also been addressed through the lens of responsible data management. She presented her learning on the negotiated relationship between surveillance and privacy at the Freedom Not Fear Conference, Brussels 2023. Nayyara Rahman is a graduate of Pakistan's most prestigious business school, the IBA

Ren Bin Lee Dixon, Agile Team

Ren Bin is an Artificial Intelligence policy analyst and has published award-winning policy papers in academic journals. In addition to her contributions to the Policy Group at the Center for AI and Digital Policy, Ren Bin is collaborating with the Center for Security and Technology on a series of papers addressing AI incidents. Ren Bin earned her Master's in Public Policy with a concentration in AI policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Prior to her policy career, Ren Bin had over fifteen years of experience in the fashion industry, having worked in Malaysia, China, and Denmark. Currently, she is based in the United States.

Daphne Njeri Wanjiku, Agile Team

Daphne is a distinguished privacy expert currently holding the position of Data Protection Officer (DPO) at a top private university in Kenya. With a remarkable track record in navigating the intricate landscape of data protection, Daphne ensures the implementation of rigorous privacy policies, safeguarding the confidentiality of student and staff data within the university. Daphne is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, a member of the Africa Privacy Lawyers Association (APLA) and Kenya Privacy Professionals Association (KPPA).

Beyond her role as a DPO, Daphne is a vocal AI policy enthusiast, advocating for ethical and responsible AI practices. Recognizing the delicate balance required between technological advancements and individual privacy, Daphne engages in discussions, training sessions and collaborative initiatives to shape policies that govern the ethical use of artificial intelligence. Her unique combination of roles as a privacy advocate, AI policy enthusiast and legal professional underscores a holistic commitment to advancing privacy principles in the digital age, making Daphne a standout figure at the forefront of Kenya's evolving privacy landscape.

Jaya Vijayen, Agile Team

Jaya is currently working as a regulatory affairs and audits expert at a biotechnology company in Silicon Valley, California. Prior to her current position, she held leadership and board of director roles for various nonprofit organizations in Silicon Valley. In addition, she was a web developer and instructional designer for companies in Silicon Valley. Jaya has a strong interest in the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), regulations, human rights, and policy development, with a particular focus on governance, ethics, accountability, transparency, and responsible innovation in deep learning technologies, data analytics and quantum computing.

Jaya earned her Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Western Michigan University, USA. She holds several technology certificates such as quantum computing algorithm for cybersecurity, chemistry and optimization from MIT, deep learning technologies and data analysis Nanodegrees from Udacity, Python programming from HackBright Academy San Francisco, business analysis from UC Berkeley, CA and web design and development from UC Santa Cruz, CA. Jaya has successfully completed the CAIDP AI Policy with distinction, Advanced AI Policy and AI Policy Group.

Ruofei Wang, Agile Team

Ruofei Wang has been focusing on AI, technology and Internet governance as policy analyst and researcher. Her research interests centre on the intersection of AI governance and international peace, particularly in relation to global AI superpowers. She wishes to be part of the effort to advance effective global collaboration in tackling risks and challenges posed by advanced AI technologies through impactful research.

Duta Daniela, EU AI Act Team

Daniela Duță is a PhD Candidate in European law at the Institute of Legal Research “Andrei Radulescu”, Romanian Academy, Department of Economic, Social and Legal Sciences and her research is about the protection of fundamental rights, privacy and personal data in the European Union. Her work focuses on law, data protection, privacy, Artificial Intelligence regulation and new technologies. Her previous work includes more than 15 years of legal experience and data protection in European financial institutions.

She has a degree in law and a Masters degree in European Law. She has completed several courses on AI, data protection, European Union and English Law at the University of Cambridge, Faculty of Law and Company Law courses at the International Summer School on European Business and Corporate Law at the Heinrich-Heine Universität Düsseldorf, Center for Business & Corporate Law.

She has participated in national and international conferences on topics related to data protection, private life and artificial intelligence.

Daniela Constantin, EU AI Act Team

Daniela Constantin is an all-round general litigation lawyer in corporate and administrative matters, with over 15 years of experience in representing corporate clients from various industries, as well as central and local authorities. She previously practiced in major Bucharest based law firms and now has her own practice in Brașov (Romania). Her education includes an L.L.M. in Human Rights (Central European University, Hungary) and post-graduate studies in Business Law (Illinois Institute of Technology, School of American Law, Greece). She conducted legal research on discrimination at the Public Interest Law Initiative (Budapest Office, Hungary). Her areas of interest include privacy and data protection, coupled with research on ethic AI development and deployment in law enforcement procedures. She is focused also on strategic litigation at EU level, being enrolled in Berlin based Hertie School of Management’s Starlight programme – Rule of Law Stream.

Cigdem Akin, EU AI Act Team

Çiğdem Akin has been working as an EU Affairs Expert in Türkiye for more than ten years. After graduating from İhsan Doğramacı Bilkent University (Türkiye) Faculty of Law, she worked as a research assistant in the International Relations Department of the same university and completed her master's degree in the European Union and Global Political Economy (MA) in this department. She completed another master's degree in Public International Law (LLM) from the Law School of Cambridge University (UK) with a Jean Monnet scholarship, and during her time there she was an editor at the Cambridge Journal of International Relations and Comparative Law. Her area of expertise is Türkiye's harmonization with European Union legislation mainly in the fields of judiciary, fundamental rights and freedoms, justice and security. She has studies and publications especially on Türkiye-EU relations and EU human rights law. She is motivated to learn more about the legal aspects of artificial intelligence and especially its intersection with the protection of personal data.

Dr. Grace Thomson, Senior Teaching Fellow

Dr. Thomson is the Academic Director at CERT, the corporate arm of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT). She leads expert teams in the conceptualization and operation of two academies: AI Academy and the VAT Academy. The AI Academy, created in 2019, is an initiative to empower UAE talent and bridge the gap in AI talent and AI knowledge, through national programs in cognitive technology skills for ethical AI adoption. 

CERT is a member of the UAE AI Network, an initiative of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence to increase AI adoption with a human-centered approach. Dr. Thomson’s solid ability to engage internal and external stakeholders in strategic triple-helix roadmaps is the driver behind the plans of CERT to develop occupational standards in Data Science, Data Analytics, Software Engineering, AI, Cybersecurity, and Blockchain for the workforce of the future. She leads strategies for the creation of Talent Acceleration models that, relying on principles of human development and technology development, ethically use ML models and analytics in career pathway formulation and employability. In cooperation with CERT’s partners, she leads the creation of research ecosystem platforms to connect faculty-student researchers to applied projects with industry.

Varsha Sewlal, Teaching Fellow

Varsha Sewlal is a Privacy and Technology Lawyer skilled in providing sound legal expertise across highly regulated public sector environments. She is a judicious and incisive team leader adept at collaborating with cross- functional, multi-disciplined stakeholders in identifying and mitigating potential legal risks, resulting in improved output and optimal cost saving opportunities to ensure future growth and sustainability. She is an analytical problem-solver, proficient in planning and implementing innovative strategies to enhance technological and data protection capabilities in line with strict compliance measures. Varsha is a Cyber Resilience Digital Access Program Trainer, with a proven track record in drafting legal guidelines, policies, regulations, and impact assessments-to support citizens in understanding and complying with data protection regulatory frameworks. She has demonstrated expert skills in drafting and managing heads of argument, contracts, legal opinions, legal frameworks, policies, and research papers, and is an astute researcher on Data Privacy, Data Security, Data Transfers, AI Regulation, Global Data Protection and Cybersecurity Frameworks and ICT law (spectrum, broadband universal access, interconnection, open data). She has also been active in the development and implementation of Compliance Regulatory Programs. 

Abiodun Solanke

Abiodun Solanke holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Legal Informatics from the University of Luxembourg and the University of Bologna, with specialisation in AI, Law, and Digital Forensics. He also earned a master’s degree in information and communications technology law and a B.Sc. in Computer Science. His research focuses on the suitability of AI evaluation metrics and their application in law enforcement tools, and auditing standardisation. His interest centers on AI ethics within the criminal justice system. Abiodun is currently a Researcher and Data Scientist at Ireland’s Centre for AI (CeADAR) at University College Dublin, where he contributes to a wide range of applied AI projects. 

Abiola Joseph Azeez

Abiola Joseph Azeez is a PhD Candidate in AI Ethics at the University of Ottawa, domiciled in the Philosophy Department and affiliated with the Canadian Robotics and AI Ethical Design Laboratory (CRAiEDL) and the Canadian Society for the Study of Practical Ethics (CSSPE). A distinguished contributor to the CAIDP's AI Policy Clinic and MILA's Responsible AI and Human Rights program. Abiola has contributed to significant projects such as the Interpol-UNICRI Responsible AI Toolkit for Law Enforcement and CAIDP's AI and Democratic Value Index (AIDV). His current research focuses on developing an AI Data Context Index to enhance data security in the Global South, particularly regarding facial recognition technologies as digital surveillance tools. Notably, Abiola has presented his work on "Trust Norms for Generative AI Data Gathering in the African Context" at the Data for Policy 2024 Conference at Imperial College London, with the paper forthcoming from Cambridge University Press. 

Alireza Saebi

Alireza Saebi is a passionate AI consultant and researcher with a proven track record of designing and implementing innovative AI solutions (NLP, SNA, machine learning) for over 15 years. He has demonstrated expertise in driving business growth and contributing to Digital Humanism research. With 30+ years of experience in the field, he has a deep understanding of organizational dynamics and a proven ability to lead complex projects. A published author and collaborator, Mr. Saebi translates key academic texts, researches advanced AI topics, is actively involved in AI ethics and policy discussions, and is committed to leveraging AI for positive societal impact.

Anushka Sachdev

Anushka Sachdev is an Indian lawyer presently working as a foreign lawyer in IP and IT law in Belgium. Anushka completed her LLM in IP and Technology Law from Munich Intellectual Property Law center (MIPLC) in Germany and earned an LLB from National Law University, Delhi. Apart from her present work in Belgium, she has have worked in Tier 1 law firms in India. Her work has majorly been around the laws of Copyright, Data Privacy, AI and Trademarks.

Ariel Riera

Ariel Riera is Head of Research and Public Affairs at SmC+, a digital policy strategy firm focused on Latin America. Lead author of the white paper “A responsible approach to new digital technologies in Latin America” and editor of the “AI Policy This Week” newsletter, Mr. Riera holds an MSc in Media Governance from the London School of Economics (LSE), as a Chevening Scholar, and BA in Communications from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA). He also holds a diploma in Internet Governance from the University of Mendoza and was an Internet Society’s IGF Youth Ambassador (2022) and has worked in fact-checking for over seven years.

Bakyt Omurzakov

With over 20 years of experience, Bakyt Omurzakov is an expert in socio-economic development, education, digitalization, legal and investment matters, and migration. Currently, he serves as the Central Asian Coordinator of the ETF-funded Skills Lab Network Project and a National Expert for the "Scaffold" program. He has a diverse educational background, including degrees in Economics, Law, and Political Science. His notable achievements include leading the World Bank's "Digital CASA and Open Data" projects and co-authoring the "Digital Economy" White Paper in the Kyrgyz Republic. He is also Vice-President of the Kyrgyz Chess Union and PDC Councilor for FIDE. 

Carissa Mears

Carissa Mears is a Toronto based internally experienced lawyer with nearly a decade’s worth of experience. Her interests are at the intersection of artificial intelligence, privacy and data governance. She is called to the bar in Ontario, Canada, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago with work experience in North America and the Caribbean within financial services and technology. As a lifelong learner she is pursuing an LLM in Privacy and Cybersecurity Law at Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto where she has written a significant research paper on AI regulation within the US, the EU and Canada. As a Google Women Techmaker Ambassador she mentors women who are interested in technology careers.

Casandra Rusti

Casandra Rusti is currently a PhD student at the University of Southern California's Information Sciences Institute, where she works on ethics in AI, focusing on fairness and the measurement and mitigation of bias. Before embarking on her PhD journey, Casandra gained substantial experience in the corporate world, working in executive and board compensation consulting and serving as the head of compensation at Hulu. Her rich background provides her with a unique perspective on the intersection of technology and human resources. Casandra is a dual citizen of the United States and Romania, enriching her understanding and approach to global tech ethics. Discover more about her insights and work in her recent 20-minute interview available here 

Daniele Sabato

Daniele Sabato has been passionate about digital policies and rights since finishing his first master’s degree in philosophical sciences. After completing another master’s degree in the sociology of digital technologies in Maastricht, Mr. Sabato knew that shaping our digital environments to protect everyone’s freedoms and rights was his career goal. For the past year, Mr. Sabato has been working in Brussels on EU-funded project management and various EU policy files, as well as human rights advocacy and is thrilled about starting the Advanced Policy Clinic at the Center for AI and Digital Policy (CAIDP) as a Team Leader.

Dila Sen

Dila holds a Bachelor of Law from Yeditepe University, Türkiye, and a European Master in Law & Economics with degrees from universities in Italy, Belgium, and Israel. Additionally, she has a B.A. in Communication from Istanbul University. A qualified lawyer and sworn translator, she has over 10 years of experience. Currently, she is a Global Regulatory & Compliance Specialist at Compliance & Risks Ltd. and specializes in research and monitoring global legislative and regulatory activity related to a variety of topics of compliance. She also works on special customer consulting and assessment projects that cover international standards and regulatory activity.

Eddie Liywalii 

Eddie Liywalii is an IT/AI Policy expert with a Master of Engineering in ICT Policy, Regulation and Management. He is a lecturer in the computer science at Copperbelt University and consultant in AI policy. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Ethics of AI with a focus on value sensitive design (VSD) in artificial intelligence (AI) to address ethical issues in the implementation of smart traffic signal control (STSC) systems in smart cities. His areas of interest are AI/ML ethics, AI governance, IoT, Smart Cities, Intelligent Traffic Control System, Value Sensitive Design and Philosophy of Human-Technology relations particularly AI.

Essa Mohamedali

Essa Mohamedali, founder of the Tanzania AI Community, dedicated to leveraging Artificial Intelligence for sustainable development. Having built a dynamic network of AI practitioners and enthusiasts, significantly shaping the country's AI landscape. His efforts have notably advanced AI implementation in critical sectors such as health and education.

Essa's expertise spans working with organizations such as the United Nations, Venture studios, and Startup Accelerators to drive the development and adoption of AI. His contributions to developing National and Regional AI policies, including Tanzania’s National AI Strategy and Guidelines, Nigeria's National AI Policy, and AI frameworks for Tanzania's Ministry of Health, highlight his commitment to fostering a robust AI ecosystem in Africa.

Galiya Yelubayeva

Galiya Yelubayeva is an experienced data analyst and researcher with nearly a decade of expertise in education and labor economics. She holds an MSc in Economics (Russia), an MA in International Business (Spain), and is pursuing an MSc in AI (exp. 2025, Germany). Galiya has executed international projects across Kazakhstan, Europe, and Namibia, focusing on policy design and implementation. Currently, she serves as a Data Analyst & Engineer, specializing in big data analytics and AI. Her recent work includes the Global Index on Responsible AI and various UNESCO and USAID projects, underscoring her expertise in quantitative research and AI policy.

Gianmarco Gabriele Marchionna

Gianmarco Gabriele Marchionna is a Cyber Strategy & Technology Advisor and Tech Geopolitics Researcher. He holds multiple advanced degrees, including a master’s in International Security from the University of Bologna and a postgraduate master’s in Cybersecurity Management from the Polytechnic of Milan. He also completed specialized studies in Strategic Affairs and Intelligence & Emerging Technologies. Currently, he is a Cybersecurity Governance Faculty Member at Talent Garden and an EU CyberNet Expert. His work focuses on geo-economics, intelligence, national security, AI policy, and emerging technologies, where he engages in private research, teaching, and academic activities.

Humeyra Cirit

Humeyra Cirit is a licensed attorney admitted to practice law in both New York and Istanbul. She holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in National Security and Cybersecurity Law from George Washington University Law School in Washington, DC, and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Bilkent University Faculty of Law in Ankara, Turkey. Mrs. Cirit is CIPP/US certified and a member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP). Actively engaged in the evolving AI sector, she has recently joined the Artificial Intelligence Working Group of the Istanbul Bar Association. She currently practices law in the USA.

Iakovina Kindylidi

Iakovina Kindylidi is a Greek lawyer based in Portugal, specializing in data, cybersecurity, and intellectual property, with a focus on emerging technologies like AI, Web3, smart contracts, and NFTs. She is a senior associate in the TMT practice at Viera de Almeida (VdA) and a product owner for VdA's deliverables in the Center for Responsible AI. Iakovina also teaches Law & Technology as a lecturer at NOVA School of Law and is an IEEE CertifAIEd Lead Assessor. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Law & AI Governance.

Idil Ilayda Kaner

Idil is admitted as an Attorney in New York and Solicitor in England & Wales. She holds an LLB in Politics, Philosophy and Law from King's College London. During her time at King's, she was an Undergraduate Research Fellow in Digital Humanitarianism, where she focused on blockchain and its legal and ethical implications. Moreover, she worked at the forefront of AI Ethics, advising tech businesses on how to incorporate ethical principles into their products. Currently, Idil works at the intersection of law and technology in Oman, where she is a Legal Consultant at a leading law firm.

Lena Patricia Nieper

Lena Patricia Nieper is a science and communication manager with expertise in the areas of AI, Creativity and Healthcare. For the Hightech Agenda Bavaria she facilitated international conferences and played a pivotal role in the development of an international AI research centre. Her academic background includes a Master’s in Leadership in Digital Innovation from the University of the Arts Berlin and a degree in Musicology, English Literature, and Philosophy from Goethe University Frankfurt.  Lena also moderates panels and engages in social initiatives.