To shine a spotlight on AI-focused women academics and others who have made significant contributions to the AI revolution, TechCrunch is launching a series of interviews. We will feature remarkable women in the field throughout the year, highlighting their work that often goes unrecognized. Explore more profiles here.
Meet Heidy Khlaaf, an engineering director at cybersecurity firm Trail of Bits. She specializes in evaluating software and AI implementations within “safety-critical” systems, such as nuclear power plants and autonomous vehicles.
Khlaaf holds a computer science Ph.D. from University College London and a BS in computer science and philosophy from Florida State University. She has led safety and security audits, provided consultations on assurance cases, and contributed to the development of standards and guidelines for safety- and security-related applications.
Q&A
Briefly, how did you get your start in AI? What drew you to the field?
Khlaaf shares, “I was fascinated by robotics from a young age and began programming at 15. Observing the potential of robotics and AI to automate essential tasks like manufacturing and assisting the elderly captivated me. Despite earning my Ph.D. in a different area of computer science, I believe a strong theoretical foundation helps make informed decisions in AI applications.”
What work are you most proud of in the AI field?
Khlaaf’s expertise in safety engineering and safety-critical systems has allowed her to contribute significantly to the emerging field of AI safety. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity in safety techniques applied to AI, as showcased in her papers “Toward Comprehensive Risk Assessments and Assurance of AI-Based Systems” and “A Hazard Analysis Framework for Code Synthesis Large Language Models.”
How do you navigate the challenges of the male-dominated tech and AI industries?
Khlaaf acknowledges the slow progress in gender diversity in tech and emphasizes the importance of building a strong personal network for support. She advocates for women in tech to challenge claims that exaggerate AI capabilities and to maintain scientific integrity amidst imposter syndrome.
What advice do you have for women entering the AI field?
She advises aspiring women in AI to follow their passion, question authority, and challenge unsubstantiated claims. Khlaaf stresses the importance of upholding scientific rigor in evaluating AI technologies.
What are the pressing issues facing AI as it progresses?
Khlaaf emphasizes the need to augment human capabilities with AI rather than replace them. She warns about the risks of blindly integrating AI into systems without considering potential pitfalls, citing instances where AI systems have caused harm.
How can investors promote responsible AI development?
Khlaaf suggests that investors support organizations focused on establishing auditing practices for AI. She highlights the importance of independent audits to maintain public trust and ensure the ethical and safe advancement of AI technologies.
