Hi, I'm Kayla!

I conduct academic and policy research at the intersection of US-China relations and AI governance. Currently, I am pursuing my DPhil at the Oxford Internet Institute (Balliol College), serve as Director of the Oxford China Policy Lab, and am an affiliate of the Oxford Martin School AI Governance Initiative.

I'm committed to promoting resilient US-China relations and advancing good governance both of and through AI to build a better future.

Background

Prior to my current positions, I worked as a diplomat in the U.S. Mission to China, was a Fellow at the Centre for Governance of AI, and co-authored the China Briefing Book as part of the University of Oxford China Centre.

Additionally, I have experience in the non-profit sector advancing democracy- and government transparency-building projects in East and SE Asia, as well as in building an early-stage international consulting company. I hold an MSc from the Oxford Internet Institute and a Bachelor's degree with Honors in International Relations, Public Policy, and Mandarin Chinese from the University of Denver’s Korbel School of International Studies.

I spent my early years as a competitive figure skater and coach. On my days off I enjoy hiking, snowboarding, yoga, and photography.