Senior Audrey Lorvo conducts AI safety research, which seeks to ensure that increasingly sophisticated AI models are trustworthy and can benefit humanity. This growing field focuses on technical challenges, such as the robustness and alignment of AI with human values, as well as social issues, such as transparency and accountability. Physicians are also concerned about the potential existential risks associated with powerful AI tools.
“As we move closer to artificial general intelligence (AGI), we need to ensure that AI is not abused or used against our goals,” says Lorvo, an expert in computer science, economics, and data science. AGI describes the potential for artificial intelligence to match or surpass human cognitive capabilities.
Lauro, a researcher at MIT’s Schwarzman College of Social and Ethical Responsible Computing (SERC), is deeply interested in how AI can automate the processes and practices of AI research and development. As a member of the Big Data research group, he explores the social and economic implications associated with AI’s potential to accelerate research on its own, and how to effectively communicate these ideas and potential impacts to public audiences including policymakers, policy advisors, and others.
Lorvo emphasizes the need to critically assess the rapid advances in AI and its implications, and to ensure that organizations have appropriate frameworks and strategies in place to address the risks. “We need to ensure that people reap the benefits of AI while also ensuring that we don’t lose control of the technology,” he says. “We need to do everything we can to develop it safely.”
His involvement in efforts like the AI Safety Technical Fellowship demonstrates his investment in understanding the technical aspects of AI safety. The fellowship provides opportunities to explore existing research on aligning AI developments with potential human impact considerations. “This fellowship helped me understand the technical issues and challenges of AI safety, so I could potentially design better AI governance strategies,” he says. According to Lorv, companies at the frontier of AI continue to push the boundaries, which means we need to implement effective policies that prioritize human safety without hindering research.
Value from human participation
When Lauro entered MIT, he knew he wanted to pursue a degree that would allow him to work at the intersection of science and the humanities, but the diversity of offerings at the institute made it difficult for him to choose.
“There are many ways to help improve the quality of life for individuals and communities, and MIT offers a range of avenues to explore,” he says.
Starting with economics—a field he enjoyed because of its focus on quantifying impact—Lauro explored mathematics, political science, and urban planning before choosing classes 6-14.
“Professor Joshua Angrist’s econometrics courses helped me understand the value of focusing on economics, while the data science and computer science elements appealed to me because of the growing reach and potential impact of artificial intelligence,” he says. “We can use these tools to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems and hopefully overcome serious challenges.”
Lorvo also pursued concentrations in urban studies and international planning and development.
As Lauro narrows his focus, he finds he shares a human perspective with other members of the MIT community, such as the MIT AI Alignment group, from whom he has learned a lot about AI safety. “Students care about their marginal impact,” he says.
Marginal impact, the additional effect of a particular investment of time, money or effort, is a way of measuring the amount of contribution added to what has already been done, rather than focusing on the total impact. This could potentially influence where people choose to allocate their resources, an idea that is appealing to Lorv.
“In a world of limited resources, a data-driven approach to solving some of our biggest problems can benefit from a personalized approach that directs people to where they are likely to perform best,” he says. “If you want to maximize your social impact, reflecting on the marginal impact of your career choice can be invaluable.”
Lorvo also appreciates MIT’s focus on educating the whole student, and took the opportunity to explore fields like philosophy through MIT Concourse, a program that facilitates dialogue between the sciences and humanities. The entrance exam hopes participants will gain guidance, clarity, and purpose for scientific, technical, and humanities pursuits.
Student experiences at the institute
Lorvo spends her time outside of class creating memorable experiences and strengthening relationships with her classmates. “I’m lucky to have the space to balance my studies, research, and club commitments with other activities like weightlifting and extracurricular initiatives,” she says. “There are always plenty of clubs and events throughout the institution.”
These opportunities broadened his worldview, challenged his beliefs, and exposed him to new areas of interest that changed his life and career choices for the better. Lorvo, who speaks fluent French, English, Spanish, and Portuguese, also praises MIT for the international experiences it provides its students.
“I interned at MISTI in Santiago de Chile and Paris, where I helped test a water vapor condensation chamber that we designed in the D-Lab class in Fall 2023 in collaboration with Ecole Polytechnique de Madagascar and the non-governmental organization Tatirano [NGO], and I enjoyed the opportunity to learn about DL in my Economic Development and International Quality class,” he says.
As president of the MIT Undergraduate Economics Society, Lorvo connects with other students interested in economics while continuing to expand his knowledge of the field. He enjoys the relationships he builds and also participates in sorority events throughout the year. “Even as a senior, I found new communities on campus that I could explore and appreciate,” he says. “I encourage other students to continue to explore groups and classes that spark their interests throughout their time at MIT.”
After graduation, Lorvo wants to continue studying AI security and researching management strategies that can help ensure safe and effective AI deployment.
“Good governance is essential for the successful development of AI and ensuring that humanity can benefit from its transformative potential,” he says. We must continue to monitor the growth and capabilities of AI as the technology continues to evolve.
Lorvo continues to drive understanding the potential impact of technology on humanity, doing good, continuously improving, and creating spaces where great ideas can see the light of day. Integrating the humanities with the sciences gives life to much of his work. “I have always hoped to help improve people’s lives, and artificial intelligence represents humanity’s greatest challenge and opportunity,” he says. “I believe the field of AI security can benefit from people with interdisciplinary experiences like the ones I have been fortunate to have, and I encourage anyone who is passionate about shaping the future to explore it.”
