Sept. 30, 2025 — Mark Zuckerberg. Sam Altman. Elon Musk. The Pope. These are some of the world’s most influential people, and they all appear on TIME Magazine’s 2025 list of the 100 Most Influential People in Artificial Intelligence.
Also on that list is Dr. Heidy Khlaaf — a computer scientist and 2008 graduate of Paxon School for Advanced Studies.
"I would say Paxon was definitely pivotal to where I am today,” said Dr. Khlaaf. “Having this sort of rigorous, well-rounded education really early on broadened my perspective to understand both the opportunities and risks of technology.”
In her role as Chief Scientist with the AI Now Institute, Dr. Khlaaf leads efforts to evaluate the safety and risks of artificial intelligence in safety-critical and defense systems. Her work includes examining how AI is used in nuclear power plants, weapons systems, and healthcare.
This research ultimately led to her recognition in the “Thinkers” category of TIME’s list, alongside Pope Leo XIV.
“It was really surprising, to be honest, as I’m sort of a critic of the use of things like generative AI in what we call safety-critical systems,” she said. “It was unexpected to see that stance valued.”
Dr. Khlaaf shared that educators at Paxon played a key role in helping her broaden her outlook.
"One of the most invaluable things that Paxon offered me...was the ability to take many classes that spanned multiple disciplines,” she shared. “So it wasn’t just my AP Computer Science course that shaped my interest in tech. It was AP Lit and AP Art. Those courses taught me to see a problem from multiple perspectives.”
She also highlighted the influence of her former AP Art History teacher, Dr. Mai Keisling, who made such an impact that the two remain in touch today, even as Dr. Khlaaf now resides in London, England.
“I think she was definitely, by far, one of the most encouraging teachers that I had,” said Dr. Khlaaf. “She is such a role model — the kind of teacher who changes your view of the world and leaves a lasting mark.”
