Audra Z
- Research Program Mentor

MS at University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)

Expertise

web development, machine learning, game development, general coding, epidemiology, philosophy, theater

Bio

I am a tutor and actor who recently graduated with my Master of Computer and Information Technology from the University of Pennsylvania. I have experience coding machine learning algorithms, games, and websites. Recently, I have gotten involved in LLM jailbreaking, ranking 13th in Gray Swan's Visual Vulnerabilities challenge. I am interested in AI safety and have worked for a number of organizations in, or adjacent to, this space, such as the Center for AI Safety, xAI, and Arkose. As a tutor, I have worked with hundreds of students in middle school, high school, college, and beyond, both one-on-one and in the classroom. Last year, I had my Off Broadway debut as both an actor and a director, and consistently act, direct, and write plays in NYC. In my spare time, I love to read, play computer games and spend time with my cat, Mitsu. Mentoring is a great fit for me as I really enjoy helping students reach their full potential and am excited to participate in new research!

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Math Game

Create an educational game to help young children build number sense in a fun and engaging way. Players can choose one of two "paths" (e.g, Jungle Safari or Marine Adventure) and unlock the storyline by solving problems.

Is this a cat? (Machine Learning)

Build a simple neural network with Python and Tensorflow to identify whether a picture is a cat or a non-cat (or any animal of your choice!). Learn how to balance bias and variance to optimize your model for accuracy.

Coding skills

Python, Java, C

Teaching experience

For the past five years, I have tutored hundreds of students in middle school through college for SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE, and college admissions. Before that, I spent three years teaching K-5 mathematics and other subjects in the Great Hearts Academies charter school system.

Credentials

Work experience

Self (2016 - Current)

GMAT & GRE Tutor

xAI (2024 - 2025)

AI Tutor

Facilitator for AI Safety, Ethics and Society Course (2024 - 2025)

Center for AI Safety

University of Pennsylvania (2022 - 2024)

Graduate Teaching Assistant

Education

St. John's College - Annapolis

BA Bachelor of Arts (2013)

Liberal Arts

University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)

MS Master of Science (2023)

Computer and Information Technology

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Audra Z - Research Program Mentor