Invited talk by Lily Xu

My research develops AI methods across machine learning, optimization, and causal inference to address environmental challenges. My focus is on decision-making and resource allocation, looking to plan actions and policies that are robust to uncertainty, effective at scale, and future-looking. In fall 2025, I will begin as an assistant professor at Columbia University. In my work, I partner closely with NGOs to bridge research and practice, serving as AI Lead for the SMART Partnership to support biodiversity conservation. Since 2020, I've co-organized the EAAMO research initiative, committed to advancing Equity and Access in Algorithms, Mechanisms, and Optimization. I hold a PhD in computer science from Harvard University and a B.A. from Dartmouth College.