Amarda Shehu's Journey to the Forefront of AI Policy in Academia

Amarda Shehu stands as a pivotal figure in the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, particularly where it intersects with policy, ethics, and higher education. As George Mason University's (GMU) Inaugural Vice President and Chief AI Officer, she is steering one of the most ambitious university-wide AI strategies in the United States. Her multifaceted career spans computational biology, machine learning, entrepreneurship, and now high-level policy leadership, making her a true AI policy shaper.

Born in Albania, Shehu's path was forged in adversity. Education became her pathway to opportunity during a time when it was both a survival tool and a means of liberation. This background informs her commitment to democratizing AI, ensuring it empowers rather than excludes. Today, at GMU—a public R1 research university—she bridges technical innovation with responsible governance, influencing how institutions worldwide approach AI integration.

Academic Foundations and Research Excellence

Shehu's academic credentials are impeccable. She earned her PhD and MS in Computer Science from Rice University, and a BS in Computer Science and Mathematics from Clarkson University. At GMU, she is a tenured Professor in the Department of Computer Science, Associate Dean for Research in the College of Engineering and Computing, and former Associate Vice President for Research at the Institute of Digital InnovAtion (IDIA).

Her research portfolio, cited over 4,600 times, centers on AI for science (AI4Science). Key areas include stochastic optimization, deep learning for protein structure prediction, generative models, and bioinformatics. Notable NSF-funded projects include 'Learning Protein-ish' (2023-2026) exploring protein language models, and 'Graph Generative Deep Learning for Protein Structure Prediction' (2019-2023). These works have advanced generative AI applications in biology, prefiguring tools like AlphaFold.

Shehu's lab tackles 'wicked problems'—complex, real-world challenges—that demand novel ML frameworks. This foundation equips her to address AI policy's technical underpinnings, ensuring policies are grounded in feasible, ethical implementations.

Entrepreneurial Ventures Bridging AI and Real-World Impact

Beyond academia, Shehu is a serial entrepreneur. She co-founded and serves as CTO of ZymoScan, applying AI to genomics for faster, cheaper protein analysis. As Founder and CEO of Naril.ai, she leverages AI for due diligence in high-stakes decisions, showcasing AI's practical utility in business and policy contexts.

These ventures highlight her philosophy: AI must solve tangible problems. Naril.ai, for instance, uses AI to analyze risks in contracts and investments, mirroring the transparency needs in AI policy. Her business acumen informs university strategies, fostering partnerships that translate research into societal good.

Pioneering Leadership as GMU's Chief AI Officer

In September 2024, GMU appointed Shehu as its first Chief AI Officer (CAIO), a role she continues as VP. This position oversees AI across research, education, workforce development, and partnerships—a holistic approach rare in higher ed.

Under her leadership, GMU launched the AI2 Nexus model in March 2025, promoting responsible AI adoption. This includes Patriot AI, a secure platform with 1,800+ models for students and faculty, emphasizing privacy and ethics. She piloted 'AI for All,' a general-education course scaling university-wide, and an MS in AI program.

• Inaugural AI Summer Institute for faculty training.
• $1M grant for Center for Small Business AI Innovation.
• Undergraduate minor in Ethics and AI; Responsible AI certificate for grads.

These initiatives position GMU as a leader in AI governance, influencing national models.

Shaping AI Policy at State and National Levels

Shehu's policy influence extends beyond GMU. In 2025, she co-authored Virginia's SCHEV AI in Education Reference Guide with Padhu Seshaiyer, a roadmap from the AI in Education Summit. It covers policy, curriculum, PD, access, collaboration, and responsible AI, addressing equity gaps.Download the guide here

She contributed to Virginia's AI Strategy, testified before Congress on ed-tech, and leads DoD-funded research on AI infrastructures' global determinants. Her AAAI paper 'Health Equity in AI Development and Policy' uses ML to analyze policy corpora, revealing equity variations.Read the paper

Through VASEM and AIMBE, she advocates for ethical AI, emphasizing 'humanity-first' leadership.

AI Literacy and Ethical Integration in Higher Education

Shehu views AI literacy as essential, not optional. Her 'AI for All' course teaches non-experts to interrogate AI systems, fostering critical thinking. At GMU, role-specific guidelines ensure ethical use, from faculty research to student assignments.

In interviews, she stresses AI as a partner enhancing curiosity, not replacing intellect. Challenges like rapid evolution and silos are met with sandboxed tools and cross-disciplinary task forces. Her Substack essays, like 'What Most Institutions Get Wrong About AI,' critique siloed approaches, advocating institutional 'connective tissue.'

Awards, Recognitions, and Scholarly Impact

Shehu's accolades include the 2022 SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Award, 2021 Beck Presidential Medal, NSF CAREER (2012), and Mason Teaching Excellence (2018). As AIMBE Fellow and VASEM member, her influence is peer-recognized.

Google Scholar shows sustained impact in AI/ML. Recent works fund DoD cybersecurity and Alzheimer's research, blending policy with science.

Challenges and Future Outlook in AI Policy Shaping

Shehu identifies unknowns in AI evolution, data privacy, and equity as hurdles. Solutions: principles-based guidelines, secure infrastructures, and inclusive training. Globally, she calls for collaboration to tailor governance.

Looking ahead, GMU aims for workforce alumni crediting AI training for life-changing careers. She envisions universities as AI nexus, driving innovation with societal safeguards. As AI reshapes jobs, her model—balancing speed with integrity—offers a blueprint.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Broader Implications

Peers praise her holistic vision; GMU's Board endorses her strategies. Students benefit from accessible AI; industry partners gain talent pipelines. Her work implies universities must evolve from reactors to shapers of AI policy, prioritizing ethics amid hype.

Shehu's legacy: proving public universities can lead AI responsibly, ensuring technology serves humanity.

Photo by Hakim Menikh on Unsplash