Aula Fellows

Meet the Fellows

Tammy Mackenzie is a researcher, tech CEO, policy advocate, and mother. She is the Executive Director and co-founder of the Aula Fellowship, a think tank focused on applied AI, ethics, and system transitions.

Tammy holds an MBA with a specialization in SMEs, technology, and sustainability. She began her career in a CPA firm and has since worked as an SME account director, business owner, controller, and CFO. Across these roles, she has developed deep expertise in using technical, ecological, and social tools to drive systemic change.

She contributes to public policy as a consultant, facilitator, and strategist, helping organizations navigate complexity with ethical, systems-based approaches. Her work focuses on the intersection of responsible AI, business strategy, ecological transition, and economic justice.

Tammy is a Guest Researcher at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), within the DigiKULT group at the Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Science and Technology. She is an alumna of MIND, Vanier College, McGill University, Université Laval, and the MILA Summer School in Responsible AI.

She is currently completing PhD research on the levers of power in society, part of her lifelong effort to understand and help guide the ways technology and ethics shape our collective future.

Dr. Sreyoshi Bhaduri is an engaged leader at the intersection of people, products, the future of work, and emerging technology. Sreyoshi leverages AI for mixed-methods research methods, ensuring that organizations intentionally center the human experience.

Sreyoshi currently works at Amazon. She has previously headed Global People Research at McGraw Hill – the learning sciences company. At and outside of work, Sreyoshi is a global speaker passionate about demystifying AI and intentionally improving belonging in STEM. She was elected as a Senator at the Society of Women Engineers, and serves the Advisory Board for the Department of Engineering Education at the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech, USA; as well as the Danville Community College Automation & Robotics Program Industry Advisory Board. Sreyoshi has been honored as an Emerging Leader in Tech and Engineering (ELiTE) and Engaged Advocate by the Society of Women Engineers. Sreyoshi has also been inducted to the Yale Bouchet Honor Society.

In a gist, Sreyoshi is a maker of lists and itineraries, who loves responsible technology, and enjoys dabbling in writing. Learn more about her impact at – www.ThatStatsGirl.com

Leslie Salgado, currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Communication and Media at the University of Calgary, is a seasoned professional in science communication. In her doctoral studies, she explores the interplays of Responsible AI, AI narratives, and their impact on policymaking and public trust. 

Leslie’s academic journey includes completing the AI Ethics of AI Certificate of the London School of Economics, being part of the inaugural cohort at the University of Montreal-MILA course on Responsible AI and Human Rights and participating in the Alberta Machine Learning Institute (Amii) Kickstart Program. Her practical experience includes a role as a research consultant on a project examining gender equality and inclusion in AI initiatives around the globe at MILA – Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute.

Her approach to responsible AI blends insights from science communication and science and technology studies. She actively volunteers with Women in AI Canada and contributes to its Calgary chapter.

Branislav Radeljić is a professor of political science, focusing on Europe and the Middle East. He lectured for many years in the United Kingdom and, more recently, he has held professorships in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, he has held multiple visiting appointments in Asia, Europe, and North America.

As a consultant, Branislav has conducted research and provided specialized services to a broad range of clients, including government entities and non-governmental stakeholders. His work has involved thorough evaluations of governance regimes, institutional transparency and accountability, and prospects for increased citizen participation.

As an expert witness (registered in EU/UK/US), Branislav has provided reports and testimony in legal proceedings in relation to asylum, refugee, and immigration matters. In terms of countries of origin, he covers Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.

Branislav’s work in AI focuses on policies and governance, with a particular interest in addressing bias, risks, and accountability in AI systems. He is especially intrigued by the societal implications of AI technologies and how they can be regulated to ensure ethical and equitable outcomes.

Victoria Kuketz serves as the Director of Corporate Engagement at Catalyst and is recognized for her work as a Civic Action DiverseCity Fellow and PPF Democracy Fellow.

Based in the Greater Toronto Area, she focuses on public policy, democracy, and engagement, promoting innovation and inclusivity. With an academic background from the University of Toronto and the Mila – Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, Victoria applies her education to her professional roles, contributing to discussions and initiatives that aim to shape a more inclusive and democratic society.

Her practical approach and commitment to her field have established her as a respected figure in her professional community.

François Pelletier is a former actuarial and data scientist in property and casualty insurance. Part time research assistant in Medical Physics at Université Laval, building secure infrastructure for cancer research. Freelancer and independent researcher, casual influencer.

He is here to share that something else is possible outside Big Tech and Big Cloud in regards to AI and computing. His experience of over 20 years is at our service.

He has worked with alternative systems and free software. He understands the power of data in it’s best and worst. His knowledge of digital systems is deep, both on software and societal aspects.

He wants to help navigate this complex world and regain control. If by any chance you were looking for a ChatGPT guru, AI marketing coach or whatever that means, chat won’t do. He is based in Lévis, Quebec and he’s from Saguenay, the blueberry and tourtière paradise.

Waridah is a legal & compliance researcher in financial and technology policy. She currently works at the intersection of data protection, Anti-Money Laundering compliance, and Artificial Intelligence governance & alignment. She worked as a program manager & fiscal policy researcher at a top-ranked university think tank and apprenticed in criminal & commercial law courts. These experiences motivated her toward thoughtful and effective business decisions, policy-making and legal analysis.

Olivia is working to empower the public with a comprehensive understanding of AI’s potential pitfalls, ethical considerations, and the importance of data protection and privacy frameworks.

Olivia works with promoting best practices combining academic research into business applications while helping build transparency and documentation for compliance within AI implementation.

Located in Copenhagen, Denmark, she also is passionate about promoting a healthy Nordic ecosystem in the intersection of startups and government entities building a community of sustainable development within tech companies and organizations.

Senior Project Manager for Multimodal Initiatives Powered by Generative AI – Change Management Focused on Revamping Processes and Corporate Policies with a HUMAN-CENTERED Approach.

Peer Herholz, a Research Assistant Professor at Northwestern University and Research Affiliate at McGill University and the McGovern Institute for Brain Research, is an expert in AI, neuroscience, and open and responsible science.

With a strong background in data and project management, software development, and statistical data analysis, Peer’s research journey began with investigating the neurobiology of auditory processing. His current interests include the generalization in biological and artificial agents and the transformations underlying intelligent adaptive behavior.

Peer is actively involved in organizing and conducting workshops, hackathons, and lectures, and is dedicated to promoting open, reproducible, and FAIR science across various academic and research institutions.

Rubaina Khan, a PhD candidate in Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, is a meticulous engineering educator with over ten years of experience in post-secondary teaching. Specializing in engineering education, she focuses on empathy in engineering, sustainable design, and program evaluation.

Rubaina has developed educational programs, led workshops on community and cultural engagement, and coordinated training initiatives for teaching assistants.

Her academic and professional journey includes significant contributions to intercultural education and innovative instructional design.

Awa SAMAKE, a PhD candidate in Computer Science (AI), is a dedicated statistician and data scientist with extensive expertise in AI, genomics, statistics, and data science. She holds multiple advanced degrees, including an MSc in Machine Intelligence from AIMS-Rwanda (in partnership with Google and Meta), an MSc in Probabilities and Random Models from Sorbonne University, and an MSc in Statistics from USTHB-Algiers.

Awa’s research interests span genomics, machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, computer vision, fairness, and ethics. She has significant experience working with international teams, contributing to projects in healthcare, agriculture, and education.

Awa is also an active community member, involved in various initiatives supporting international students and promoting responsible AI.

Prof Allen Munoriyarwa is an Associate Professor of journalism at Walter Sisulu University in South Africa. His research interests are AI, digital surveillance, digital media ecosystems and practices. He has researched widely on AI and co-authored the first journal article on AI in South Africa’s newsroom. 

He is co-editing a special issue on AI and journalism practices, which will appear in Journalism Practice. He is also working on several other research projects on AI. 

His main focus on AI is at the intersection of AI technologies and media/journalism.

Leda Kuneva holds an MSc in Human Rights from the London School of Economics and Political Science, as well as a joint Honors degree in International Relations and Law from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS University of London).

With rich experience delivering impactful research and policy-oriented materials to stakeholders across the public, private, and civil society sectors, she specializes in issues of diversity, equality, non-discrimination, risk and harm, and vulnerability.

With over a decade of high-responsibility experience in the non-governmental sector, she has worked extensively with girls and young women on civic education and sport.

Her areas of expertise and interest include women’s and children’s rights, Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), International Human Rights Law (IHRL), anti-discrimination and substantive equality, intersectional vulnerability, gender justice, and business and human rights.

Solenne Savoia holds a degree in English, American, and French law, as well as a Master of Science in Business Management. She has been immersed at the intersection of technology and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for over six years.

Deeply interested in the societal impact of technology, she participated in the design and launch of the first French summit dedicated to inclusive and sustainable tech in 2018.

After years of collaborating with impact-driven entrepreneurs, Solenne joined Mila in January 2023. At Mila, she leads a team managing a portfolio of talent and learning programs in the dynamic field of responsible artificial intelligence.

These programs serve a diverse audience—including machine learning researchers, industry practitioners, and policymakers—equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate and shape a socially beneficial AI landscape.

Aisling is working in information security, but is increasingly involved in and passionate about digital ethics, particularly within the use of AI.

She believes that collaboration and cooperation that embraces the diversity of our world can lead the way to ethical and sustainable AI use that works for all.

Jess Malz is an expert facilitator, learning experience designer, and coach. Jess is deeply passionate about creating highly engaging developmental experiences grounded in cutting edge theories and methodologies.

Their academic qualifications include a Master of Arts in Human Systems Intervention, and certifications in personal and professional coaching from Concordia University, Theory U, Immunity to Change, Instructional Design and Technology, Liberating Structures, Kaospilots, and Learning Experience Design and Digital Process Design & Facilitation.Jess has worked directly on 200+ projects with world renowned organizations including McGill University, the UN, the Canadian Government, GSOFT, Cirque du Soleil, Zu, C2 Montreal, MILA, OPEN Network, Global Vision, D3 Innovation Hub, and Goalcast.  

Jess aims to spark deep learning, connection, creativity, and innovation with their clients.

Marisa Eleuterio is the Administrative Assistant for the Aula Fellowship, where she provides support to the fellows dedicated to advancing responsible AI development.

With a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University and studies in psychology, Marisa combines her artistic vision with her curiosity about human behavior and societal systems.

As an artist, small business owner, and mother, Marisa believes in the transformative potential of technology to drive social and environmental betterment. Her interdisciplinary interests shape her vision of a future where innovation, sustainability, and creativity work hand in hand to create a thriving and equitable world.

Daniel Stee has spent his 22-year career thinking outside the box and bringing creativity to his work in supporting the learning process of young people.

As a school teacher in various countries, language instructor, tutor, international homestay provider, educational consultant, homeschool and unschool support provider, democratic school/community support advocate and founder, and as a parent, he has consistently prioritized the needs of children and youth.

He hopes to continue collaborating with those who seek to transform how education is approached in the context of today’s world while staying true to the natural, co-creative, and human-centered methods that work best for us as human beings.

Jake Okechukwu Effoduh is an Assistant Professor at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law of Toronto Metropolitan University. He has gained significant expertise in AI regulation and international human rights advocacy at various ranks of legal systems.

As Chief Councillor of the Africa – Canada Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation Consortium (ACADIC), he provided human rights and compliance expertise on the use of AI and Big Data in Canada and across 20 African countries. He serves on the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Frontier Risks.

Dr. Santosh Karthikeyan Viswanathan is a distinguished Data and AI Leader working as the Global Technical Director at AstraZeneca. He provides strategic, technical and operational leadership for the Data and Analytics platform in R&D.

He has successfully led large-scale data teams, established capability hubs and developed AI-driven solutions that enhance efficiency, improve product quality and reduce costs.

Dr. Karthikeyan has led data science projects focused on predicting adverse drug reactions in Life Sciences and has managed teams in the digital and analytics practice.

He holds the World Record as a Prominent Scholar in Data & Analytics, recognized by the World Book of Records in London and was recently honored with the AI Leader Award.

A mentor, author and technology advisor, he inspires young talents and helps organizations harness the transformative potential of data and AI.

Additionally, Dr. Karthikeyan is a TEDx speaker and an esteemed presenter at AI tech forums such as 3AI, AIM, SCDM, ACDM and other global events.

He likes to contribute to a brighter, more compassionate world and to guide organizations in unlocking the power of data, AI and technology for the betterment of healthcare and beyond.

Robert Munjoma is a distinguished AI ethicist and master strategist in organizational transformation, boasting over two decades of multifaceted experience spanning corporate leadership, consulting, and academic research.

His expertise lies at the confluence of artificial intelligence, ethical governance, and systemic change, making him a sought-after advisor for governments, multinational corporations, and international organizations.

As the author of Mindful Machines, Masterful Humans: The Role of AI, Innovations, and Tech Mastery in Organizational Transformation, Robert delves into the nuanced interplay between technological advancements and human-centric leadership. His work underscores the imperative of aligning AI innovations with ethical frameworks to foster sustainable and inclusive growth.

Sarah is an experienced GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) specialist with substantial practical insight into governance for data protection, security, and novel technology. She is the founder of Infospectives Ltd, specialising in strategic consultancy to improve and mature related activity.

She is a veteran of several large compliance programmes including; Sarbanes Oxley, ISO27001, and GDPR. Her current focus is translating complexity and rapid risk triage for AI/ML. 

Sarah is also a frequent speaker, mentor, and advisory board member, bringing her wealth of knowledge and experience to various platforms and organisations. Her work evolving governance approaches is driven by a desire to combat information overwhelm and enable timely decisions that stakeholders are proud to stand by.

• Current contributor to the IEEE P3119 public sector AI procurement standard

• Member of the Women in AI Governance initiative

• Technology Governance Specialist for the World Ethical Data Foundation

• Former Director of For Humanity, a not-for-profit defining AI audit criteria

• Guest lecturer on supplier security governance for Manchester University

• One of Computer Weekly’s most influential women in UK tech 2022, 2023, 2024

• Past contributor to the IASME Cyber Essentials Standard

Lesly (she/her) is a current doctoral student in Industrial & Organizational Psychology at the University of Montreal (QC, Canada). Her research interests revolve around the future of work, DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), occupational health and safety, and the digital transformation of workplaces, including AI, technology, and hybrid work models.

She believes that investing in people and their skills is investing in a better future. With this vision, Lesly aims to reshape the future of work by prioritizing wellbeing, inclusivity, and resilience in a tech-driven world.

In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, attending events, and listening to podcasts while exploring the beautiful city of Montréal.

Nancy brings an academic foundation in Law, Philosophy, and Fine Art to discussions about Ethics, Governance, and Compliance. She balances the competing voices of executives, politicians, programme managers, developers, creatives, and the public alongside existing and emerging technologies to create a common language of understanding.

She thrives working with people to look at things from multiple perspectives, catalysing novel ways to deliver actionable plans – a policy, a governance framework, a service.

Bringing data – evidence, qualitative and quantitative – to the table, she encourages conversations and supports organisations to bridge languages, languages of marketing, strategy, IT development, transformation, finance, compliance. The result: new ways of building policies, governance, services, products, and working practices.

Anchoring the discussion in Human-Centred Design – feasibility, viability, ethics, and stakeholder needs – Nancy injects a unique perspective to discussions on Responsible AI, Governance, AI Literacy, Transparency, and ethics.

Mubarak works as a design verification engineer on data center chips.

Alongside his engineering career, he is an independent researcher and emerging data scientist with a strong interest in applying machine learning to climate resilience, water access, and environmental sustainability.

Self-taught and committed to ethical AI, he is building core expertise in model evaluation and real-world, data-driven systems.

Kai is a a Ph.D. Candidate and Work & Technology researcher at HEC Montréal, known for his impactful contributions to understanding the nexus between work, data value chains, and society. He is a Visiting Fellow at the Work and Equalities Institute at the University of Manchester, working on responsible AI.

With a rich background that includes roles at the International Development Research Centre, the International Training Centre of the ILO, and Global Affairs Canada, his work spans global contexts. Holding advanced degrees in Public and International Affairs and International Development from the University of Ottawa, where his research garnered significant accolades.

He actively contributes to the discourse on science and technology and sustainable development. His involvement in projects and initiatives, such as the AI Impact Alliance and the Leading With AI Lab and MOOCs on innovative financing courses, underscores his commitment to leveraging technology for societal betterment.

Emmanuel Taiwo. Emmanuel is a chartered environmentalist and independent climate, energy and environmental policy advisor. He has advised high-profile organizations like Global Affairs Canada on equitable gender-sensitive climate transitions, and the UK Government on climate and environmental matters in Nigeria, where he also led and managed a £66 million UK-funded program which provided clean energy access for millions of underserved people. Previously, he supported partnership initiatives at the United Nations Environment Program headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, and also delivered environmental responsibility projects with the British International Investment in London, UK.

Presently a Doctoral Student at the University of Toronto, and a Research Fellow with the Earth System Governance Project Network, Emmanuel’s research background spans environmental policy, just transitions, climate governance, energy justice, and resilient development, particularly across Africa and in Canada. He holds an MSc in Environmental Management with distinction from the University of Greenwich as a Commonwealth Scholar, and another Master of Public Policy from the University of Oxford as an Africa Initiative for Governance Scholar.

Emmanuel’s role as an Aula Fellow involves exploring critical linkages between Artificial Intelligence and equitable / just climate, energy and environmental transitions.

Zachary Rosenthal holds degrees in history and anthropology from Concordia University. His anthropological degree focused on food access, sustainability, and biotechnological ethics.

Zach is a trained Data Analyst and Data Scientist with experience in statistical modeling and machine learning.

Professionally, he works as Brand Manager for Polyaula and the Aula Fellowship for Responsible AI. He currently operates as a research coordinator and relationship facilitator at the Aula Fellowship for responsible AI.

Margeurite Amstutz-Mackenzie is a retired CPA, co-founder and former partner at Amstutz Mackenzie et Associées.