Dr. Annik
Yalnizyan-Carson

I'm interested in how learning works in humans and machines alike. In my current role, I am focused on building AI systems to assisst human learning with personalized feedback. I currently work as a product lead at AI Redefined to develop AI-enabled training tools for students in simulation based learning environments, like pilots learning in flight simulators.

My training is in neuroscience and AI, having spent 8 years in research making computational models of learning and memory at multiple levels of processing. I completed my PhD at the intersection of AI and neuroscience (NeuroAI) under the supervision of Dr. Blake Richards. My work explored how to make AI systems learn to make good decisions when informative data is sparse. Previously, I completed a Masters degree in Cell & Systems Biology with Dr. Melanie Woodin, developing a model of cellular processes involved in inhibitory synaptic plasticity.

As much as I love thinking about learning, I love teaching too. I excel at distilling complex concepts to fundamental intuitions, and love the challenge of figuring out the right way to make a tough topic accessible to anyone. I'm a geek for great data visualization! I've been involved in many teaching and outreach initiatives as well as public speaking engagements to bring awareness to how AI can be used in ways aligned with human values.

My current CV (last updated May 2024) is available here:
CV