Cynthia Rudin is a distinguished figure in the cyber security and artificial intelligence community, renowned for her pioneering work in interpretable machine learning. As the Gilbert, Louis, and Edward Lehrman Distinguished Professor of Computer Science at Duke University, Cynthia brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective, with appointments spanning Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Statistical Science, Mathematics, and Biostatistics & Bioinformatics. Her leadership of the Interpretable Machine Learning Lab underscores her commitment to designing AI systems that are both transparent and ethical, particularly in high-stakes domains such as healthcare, criminal justice, and energy infrastructure—fields where secure, explainable AI is paramount.
With an academic foundation that began at the University at Buffalo and continued with a PhD from Princeton University under the mentorship of Ingrid Daubechies, Cynthia has built a formidable reputation in AI research. Her career includes influential positions at NYU, Columbia, and MIT Sloan, where her work continually pushed the boundaries of AI safety and reliability. Cynthia’s expertise in creating interpretable AI systems has made her a sought-after voice in discussions on responsible AI use, particularly in environments where ethical and secure decision-making is critical.
Her accolades speak volumes. Cynthia is the 2022 recipient of the Squirrel AI Award for Artificial Intelligence for the Benefit of Humanity—one of the highest honours in the field, often likened to the Nobel Prize of AI. That same year, she was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship for her contributions to machine learning. Her consistent recognition by INFORMS, with Innovative Applications in Analytics Awards in 2013, 2016, and 2019, highlights her role in developing AI tools that have transformed sectors including electrical grid reliability, crime pattern detection, and healthcare. Her recent work in interpretable causal inference methods further cements her influence in advancing secure, trustworthy AI.
As a speaker, Cynthia Rudin captivates audiences by demystifying complex AI systems and demonstrating their real-world implications. She is particularly respected for her ability to address cyber security through the lens of interpretable and responsible AI, ensuring that technological advancements serve society ethically and safely. For organisations seeking to lead in secure, transparent, and socially responsible AI practices, hire Cynthia Rudin via The Cyber Security Speakers Agency.
The Cyber Security Speakers Agency is the UK’s top speakers’ bureau specialising in digital data protection experts – named as the No.1 cyber security speakers agency in 2025!
We supply cyber security speakers for in-person and virtual corporate conferences across the globe. With our roster including former hackers, Chief Information Security Officers and more, we ensure audiences of all industries receive tailored advice on cyber security.