Shani Spivak

PhD Student

  • MBA, New York University 
  • BS in Electrical Engineering, Boston University 

Shani Spivak is a doctoral student in the Khoury College of Computer Sciences at Northeastern University, based in Boston. She is advised by Enrico Bertini and Melanie Tory. 

Before joining Khoury College, Spivak worked in AI development and policy, focusing on improving user engagement with AI and developing effective safeguards. She began her doctorate in 2023 to focus on the implementation of ethics, governance, and visualization for AI and machine learning, as well as digital literacy and data curation. Spivak is particularly interested in evaluating users’ understanding of, and trust in, AI models, as well as incorporating methods to evaluate transparency, accountability, fairness, and reliability throughout model development and deployment. 

Spivak has presented at the DataConnect Conference and the Homeland Security & Defense Forum. She established a governmental women in tech group and annual data visualization challenges, and helped organize multilateral events focused on AI ethics and governance. Outside of work, Spivak enjoys hiking and travelling.