AI alignment efforts hope to safeguard human values

MIT Senior Audrey Lorvo is conducting interdisciplinary research at the intersection of AI safety, economics, and computer science to ensure artificial intelligence systems remain beneficial and reliable as they become more sophisticated.

Academic foundation and focus: Lorvo’s unique combination of computer science, economics, and data science studies, complemented by her role as a Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Computing scholar, provides a multifaceted perspective on AI development.

• Her research specifically examines the potential for AI to automate its own research and development processes
• She focuses on understanding both technical and socioeconomic implications of self-improving AI systems
• Through the AI Safety Technical Fellowship, Lorvo has deepened her understanding of technical safety mechanisms

Interdisciplinary approach to AI safety: MIT’s comprehensive educational environment has enabled Lorvo to blend technical expertise with broader philosophical and ethical considerations.

• The MIT Concourse program has enhanced her understanding of philosophical implications in AI development
• Her involvement in the university’s MISTI and D-Lab has provided international perspectives on technology implementation
• As president of MIT’s Undergraduate Economics Association, she facilitates discussions on economic impacts of AI

Research priorities and methodology: Lorvo’s work emphasizes the importance of establishing proper frameworks for AI development while carefully assessing technological advances.

• She advocates for proactive risk assessment in AI development
• Her research combines technical analysis with social impact evaluation
• The work focuses on creating reliable safeguards for increasingly capable AI systems

Expanding the field: Lorvo believes AI safety research benefits from diverse perspectives and encourages broader participation in the field.

• She emphasizes the value of combining technical and non-technical viewpoints
• Her work demonstrates how different disciplines can contribute to AI safety
• The research highlights the importance of considering multiple stakeholder perspectives

Future implications and research directions: As AI systems become more sophisticated, Lorvo’s interdisciplinary approach to safety research could serve as a model for future researchers and policymakers seeking to ensure responsible AI development.

• Her post-graduation plans include continued work on AI safety and governance strategies
• The research suggests that effective AI safety measures require collaboration across multiple fields
• The work emphasizes the need for ongoing assessment and adaptation of safety frameworks as AI capabilities advance