Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI)
Showing 1-47 of 47 Results
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Elena Cryst
Director of Policy and Society, Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI)
BioElena Cryst is the Director of Policy and Society at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) where she leads the organization's efforts to bring Stanford's cutting-edge AI research to policymakers worldwide. She also builds collaborations with civil society, philanthropy, and social impact leaders to understand how to better understand the concerns and passions of these communities with the development of these technologies.
Elena has previously served in director roles at both the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research and the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, including at that institute's Cyber Policy Center, Center for International Security and Cooperation, and Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law. She is passionate about bringing informed, cutting-edge, empirical research into the public dialogue.
Elena received her BA with honors in International Relations and MA in Latin American Studies, both from Stanford University, and her MBA from the University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business. -
Loredana Fattorini
Data Analyst 3, Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI)
BioLoredana is a Research Manager at Stanford's Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI), where she spearheads the flagship AI Index in close collaboration with the AI Index Lead. She leads a dedicated team of students and researchers and directs the data-driven analysis behind the AI Index annual report and the Global AI Vibrancy tool. By leveraging advanced data analysis, Loredana translates the complex, rapidly evolving artificial intelligence landscape into accessible, actionable insights for global policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and the general public.
Loredana holds a Ph.D. in Applied Economics from the IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, Italy, where she conducted empirical research in Industrial Organization and International Trade. She earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees with honors in Economics from the University of Pisa and Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Italy.
Prior to joining Stanford HAI, Loredana served as a Visiting Researcher at the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (WiiW), investigating the competitiveness of European firms for a project funded by the Austrian National Bank. Her diverse background also includes experience driving data strategy as a Data Analyst for a high-growth eCommerce startup, managing online sales for Europe's largest food retail cooperative. -
Patrick Hynes
Senior Manager of Research Communities, Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI)
Current Role at StanfordSenior Manager of Research Communities at Stanford HAI
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Rohini Kosoglu
Affiliate, Biodesign Health Tech Policy
BioRohini Kosoglu is a leading national expert on domestic policy and veteran of the White House, Congress, and presidential campaigns. She currently serves as a Policy Fellow at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) and Director of Public Policy and Political Affairs at the Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign. She is also a Venture Partner at Fusion Fund, a venture firm that focuses on early-stage technology and health care investments. Kosoglu has been at the forefront of driving transformative change in social, technology, and economic policy over the last two decades. She also has the distinction of being the first South Asian American woman to hold the roles of both Domestic Policy Advisor to the Vice President and Chief of Staff in the United States Senate.
Kosoglu recently served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Domestic Policy Advisor to the Vice President. In this role, Kosoglu became the first Asian American woman to hold this position. She led and promoted initiatives on behalf of the President and Vice President to strengthen democracy, advance gender and racial equity, and create economic mobility for millions of American workers and families. Kosoglu also served as a key advisor during the creation and implementation of the American Rescue Plan, including the national response to the COVID-19 crisis, the CHIPS Act, the AI Bill of Rights, the bipartisan infrastructure law and the Cancer Moonshot. On behalf of the Vice President, she helped forge a number of public-private partnerships in the White House, ultimately driving billions of private sector dollars towards national priorities of the President and Vice President and leveraged the strengths of both the government and private-sector. Vice President Harris praised Kosoglu as “a brilliant and trusted leader” who “brought vision, strategic judgement, and a depth of experience as our Administration has addressed some of the most urgent challenges facing our nation.”
Earlier, Kosoglu made history as the first South Asian American woman to serve as Chief of Staff in the United States Senate under then-U.S. Senator Kamala Harris. She managed hearing preparations for some of the highest-profile Senate hearings over the last decade including investigations around data privacy, cybersecurity, and social media interference during the 2016 U.S. presidential election, as well as Supreme Court nomination hearings. Additionally, under her organizational leadership, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies named Harris’ office under Kosoglu's tenure as the most diverse in the U.S. Senate.
Kosoglu’s career in the United States Congress has also included over a decade of leadership positions crafting social, economic, and technology policy initiatives with senior Democratic Senators, including U.S. Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado and U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan. Notably, Kosoglu was a key negotiator during the passage of the historic Affordable Care Act. She also was a lead negotiator and drafter during the reform of the Food and Drug Administration which led to landmark designations for approval of innovative drugs and devices, known today as Breakthrough Therapies and Breakthrough Devices, respectively, as well as laws to strengthen patient-centered care in the 21st Century Cures Act.
Kosoglu was a former resident fellow at the Harvard Institute of Politics at the Kennedy School and received her bachelor’s degree with honors from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree from George Washington University. She serves on several nonprofit boards and advises across the public and private sectors. -
Caroline Meinhardt
Policy Research Manager, Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI)
BioCaroline Meinhardt is a policy research manager at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI), where she manages the institute's policy research initiatives. Her research focuses on the implementation challenges of AI regulation, the governance of large-scale AI models, healthcare AI policy, and global AI governance approaches. Prior to joining HAI, she worked as a China-focused consultant and analyst, delivering in-depth research and strategic advice regarding China’s development and regulation of emerging technologies, including AI. She holds a Master's in International Policy from Stanford University and a Bachelor's in Chinese Studies from the University of Cambridge.
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Chris Mentzel
Managing Director of Research and Campus Engagement, Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI)
BioChris leads Stanford’s efforts in research and early-career development around data science and data-driven discovery, engaging the entire campus in advancing and applying new data science and AI theory and practice to accelerate research.
Previously, Chris started and led the Moore Foundation's Data-Driven Discovery Initiative, an $80 million effort within the Science Program to enable data scientists to turn the scientific data deluge into opportunities to address some of today's most important research questions. He also led the grants administration department and worked as senior network engineer for the foundation. Chris has held positions as a systems engineer and integrator at the University of California, Berkeley, and at various Internet consulting firms in the Bay Area. An active member of the broader big data and open science communities, Chris serves on a number of advisory boards and program committees and speaks frequently at conferences and workshops on topics related to data-driven research.
Chris received a B.A. in mathematics from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and an M.Sc. in management science and engineering at Stanford University. -
Vanessa Parli
Managing Director of Programs and External Engagement, Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI)
BioAs Managing Director, Programs and External Engagement at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI), I lead initiatives that foster interdisciplinary collaboration and connect academic research with real-world impact. My work includes managing HAI’s industry research partnerships, executive education, policy engagement and the AI Index, creating opportunities for leaders from diverse backgrounds to engage with cutting-edge AI research, its applications, and its potential for positive social impact.
Before joining Stanford, I worked in management consulting, applying statistics, machine learning, and data science to advise government agencies, biotech firms, and nonprofit organizations. My work centered on making complex methods accessible to decision makers, ensuring technical rigor translated into actionable strategies.
I hold an MS in Engineering Management and Computational Mathematics from Johns Hopkins University and a BA in Industrial Engineering from Arizona State University. I am passionate about turning bold ideas into impact, and am recognized for my collaborative, process-driven approach to problem-solving. -
Christine Raval
Research Program Manager, Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI)
BioChristine is a member of the research team at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI). She manages the HAI grant programs, student affinity initiative, and the operations of AI100, a 100-year effort to study and anticipate how the effects of AI will ripple through every aspect of how people work, live and play. Prior to joining Stanford, Christine worked on the digital learning team at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and as a case manager for newly arrived refugees in Omaha.
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Ahmad Rushdi
Director of Industry Programs, Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI)
BioAhmad A. Rushdi, PhD, is the director of HAI industry programs—research collaborations and executive education—at Stanford’s Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI), translating cutting-edge research into responsible, deployable solutions for global enterprises. He forges durable bridges between Stanford scholars and industry to advance trustworthy, real-world AI.
Ahmad's own research focuses on uncertainty quantification and statistical signal processing for AI/ML systems. Previously, he held R&D roles at Sandia National Labs, Northrop Grumman, UC Davis, UT Austin, and Cisco. He earned a PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering from UC Davis and MS/BS degrees in Electrical Engineering from Cairo University. -
Sha Sajadieh
Al Index Manager, Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI)
BioSha leads the AI Index at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI). The Index is a program built on longitudinal frameworks to measure AI's global trajectory. It also produces the Global AI Vibrancy Tool, an interactive platform that enables cross-country comparisons of AI activity across dozens of indicators.
In her role, Sha manages the direction and development for the AI Index Report, alongside the AI Index Steering Committee, an interdisciplinary group of experts from across academia and industry. The report is used by policymakers and global industry leaders, and has been cited in major outlets including The New York Times, Bloomberg, and The Guardian.
Before joining Stanford HAI, Sha spent nearly a decade in product leadership roles at companies like Google and Netflix, building consumer and enterprise products in media and entertainment.
Sha holds a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of California, Berkeley. -
Drew Spence
Policy Program Manager, Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI)
BioDrew Spence serves as Policy Program Manager for the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) where he leads policy education programs, student fellowships, and outreach to policymakers in Washington and beyond. Prior to joining the team at HAI, Drew held multiple roles in government, most recently on former Vice President Kamala Harris' legislative affairs team. He also served in the U.S. Department of the Treasury, in the U.S. Senate, and in the California Attorney General's office. He is a graduate of George Washington University.
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Alberto Tono
Ph.D. Student in Civil and Environmental Engineering, admitted Autumn 2021
Ph.D. Minor, Computer Science
Grad RA student-Hourly, Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI)BioTono Alberto is a current PhD Student at Stanford under the supervision of Kumagai Professor: Martin Fischer. He is currently exploring ways in which the Convergence between Digital and Humanities can facilitate cross-pollination between different industries within an Ethical Framework focused on augmenting human intelligence.
He served as the Research and Computational Design Leader in Architectural and Engineering organizations, receiving the O1-visa for outstanding abilities with both HOK and HDR. Tono obtained his Masters in Building Engineering - Architecture from the University of Padua and the Harbin Institute of Technology under the supervision of Andrea Giordano, Carlo Zanchetta and Paolo Borin. He has been working in the computational design and deep learning space since 2014. Furthermore, he is improving Building Information Modeling and Virtual Design and Construction (BIM/VDC) workflows within a statistical framework to optimize the sustainability impact of these processes. Hence, Tono is LEED AP certified. He is an international multi-award-winning “hacker” and speaker, and his work within Architecture and Artificial Intelligence brought him to companies in China, the Netherlands, Italy, and California. Thanks to his multidisciplinary approach he worked as Data Scientist and Geometric Deep Learning Researcher at a Physna/Thangs helping to raise over 80 Milion while working on 3D Search and Monocular 3D Shape Retrieval problems.
Currently is focusing on better methodologies for Generative Building Design, centered on capturing design knowledge from the primordial and universal act of Sketching. -
Russell Wald
Executive Director of HAI, Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI)
BioRussell Wald serves as the Executive Director of the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI). In this role he oversees HAI's research, education, finance and administrative activities, communications, industry programs, and policy and society hub. Wald works with HAI's co-directors and faculty leaders to help shape the strategic vision and human-centered mission of HAI. From 2020 - 2022 he served as HAI's first Director of Policy and later Managing Director for Policy and Society.
He is the co-author of various publications on AI including, Building a National AI Research Resource (2021), Enhancing International Cooperation in AI Research: The Case for a Multilateral AI Research Institute (2022), The Centrality of Data and Compute for AI Innovation: A Blueprint for a National Research Cloud (2022, Notre Dame Journal of Emerging Technologies). Currently he is part of a HAI seed grant research project titled, Addicted by Design: An Investigation of How AI-fueled Digital Media Platforms Contribute to Addictive Consumption. Additionally, he serves as a member of the AI Index Steering Committee, hosted by HAI.
Wald has held various policy program and government relations positions at Stanford University for over a decade. He also served as special assistant to Amy Zegart and Ashton Carter at Stanford's Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC). In 2014, he co-designed and led the inaugural Stanford congressional boot camp, and has since created numerous tech policy boot camps, establishing a strong and effective tradition of educating policymakers at Stanford and enhancing the collaboration between governments and academic institutions.
Prior to his work at Stanford, he held numerous roles with the Los Angeles World Affairs Council. He is a Visiting Fellow with the National Security Institute at George Mason University, and a former Term Member with the Council on Foreign Relations and the Truman National Security Project. Wald is a graduate of UCLA. -
Daniel Zhang
Chief of Staff, Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI)
BioDaniel Zhang is the chief of staff at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI). Previously, he led the Institute's policy research, outreach, and education initiatives. With the goal of developing evidence-based AI policy recommendations, his research interests lie at the intersection of technology policy, governance, and societal impact, including translational and original research on AI regulation and standards, the geopolitical implication of emerging technology, and the governance of large-scale ML models.
Daniel is also a member of the High-Level Expert Group on AI Ethics at UNESCO, advising the agency on the implementation of its Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. Previously, he was the manager of the AI Index where he lead-authored the 2021 and 2022 annual reports that measure and evaluate the rapid rate of AI advancement.
Before Stanford, he worked on global AI talent flows and security risks at the Center for Security and Emerging Technology and public education policy at the Riley Institute Center for Education and Leadership. Daniel holds a Master's in Security Studies from Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Service, where he concentrated on technology policy, and a Bachelor's from Furman University. -
Harrison G. Zhang
MD Student, expected graduation Spring 2028
Ph.D. Student in Biomedical Data Science, admitted Autumn 2025
MSTP Student
Grad Student, Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI)BioHarrison is an artificial intelligence researcher, Stanford MD-PhD trainee, and Columbia alumnus advancing precision medicine and drug discovery. He studied statistics and biology at Columbia, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and awarded Magna Cum Laude with Highest Honors in Field for his academic achievements.
