Women Leading Change at Carnegie Mellon University

At Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), a storied institution known for its innovative spirit, faculty and students alike engage in groundbreaking research and initiatives across various fields. Built on a foundation of historical expertise, the university is dedicated to addressing contemporary challenges through a combination of technological advancements and societal understanding.

Interdisciplinary Approach to Modern Problems

CMU’s seven schools and colleges foster collaboration among esteemed faculty members recognized for their contributions in areas such as cybersecurity, privacy, national security, and more. This collaborative environment enables individuals like Audrey Kurth Cronin, Nadiya Kostyuk, and Virginia Smith to redefine the interface of technology, policy, and society.

Key Contributors to Technological and Policy Developments

Three remarkable women at CMU exemplify how dedicated research and innovative thinking can reshape the landscape of technology and national security.

Audrey Kurth Cronin

A national security strategist and author, Audrey Kurth Cronin specializes in the interconnectedness of technology and policy. A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Oxford, her career has spanned roles in both academia and the U.S. government. In January 2023, she assumed the role of founding director of the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy and Technology (CMIST).

Cronin has previously held academic positions at institutions including Oxford University and Georgetown University, and served in the U.S. Department of Defense. Her emphasis on bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to the challenges posed by emerging technologies.

“Responsible scientists cannot just leave strategy to the policymakers,” said Cronin. “The things they are building will have deep and lasting strategic effects we must consider in advance.”

Nadiya Kostyuk

Nadiya Kostyuk, an assistant professor at CMU since 2024, focuses on the geopolitics of cyber power. Originally from Ukraine, she previously taught at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where her NSF-sponsored research earned recognition in various prestigious journals.

Kostyuk has actively critiqued traditional geopolitical analyses that overlook the unique dynamics of cyber operations. Her work aims to define cyber power as a critical element of both domestic and international strategy.

“There was a real need to zoom in on this new area and investigate which lessons might be relevant and which might be irrelevant,” stated Kostyuk regarding the complexities of cyber power.

Virginia Smith

A leader in machine learning, Virginia Smith serves as the Leonardo Associate Professor at CMU’s CyLab. Her journey began with a foundation in mathematics, evolving into advanced studies in computer science, where she addressed the challenges of processing large datasets.

Smith’s current focus is on enhancing privacy-preserving technologies in machine learning. She collaborates with organizations such as Thorn to create safer AI systems designed to protect vulnerable populations.

“We need as many voices and perspectives to help build this technology as we can get,” Smith emphasized during her discussions on the ethical implications of AI.

Conclusion

Carnegie Mellon University stands at the nexus of education, innovation, and social responsibility through the efforts of its faculty. The works of Cronin, Kostyuk, and Smith not only advance their fields but also set a precedent for interdisciplinary collaboration aimed at creating a secure and equitable technological future. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it is essential to recognize and support the contributions of women in STEM as they pave the way for future generations.