Janet Egan
Janet Egan will mentor scholars working on policy-relevant questions at the intersection of AI compute, geopolitics, and infrastructure. Potential projects include analyzing remote access to AI chips (e.g., via cloud providers in China), mapping and interpreting the global buildout of AI data centers and energy infrastructure, and developing politically informed strategies for US–China cooperation on AI risk. The mentee will lead their research project with weekly guidance, feedback, and optional career and policy insights.
Stream overview
We would work together to refine and shape a topic of mutual interest, but topics could include:
Remote Access to AI Compute:
To what extent are AI developers (particularly in China) accessing AI chips through the cloud? How could we investigate this question?
What are the pros and cons of the status quo for US national security and AI dominance? What actions could the US government take, and what would be the risks and benefits of such action? This work would hopefully lead to analysis and policy recommendations for the US government.
The Global Future of AI Data centers:
Where are AI data centers being built, and why? What factors are driving their placement in certain regions, and which countries are poised to play a significant role in the future of AI compute? This work could look at the global data center and energy infrastructure buildout, as well as AI trends, to help inform current and future policy development.
Cooperating with Competitors: US and China?
Develop a politically-informed strategy for US-China cooperation on AI risks: What could be in and out of scope? What sensitivities need to be managed, and how?
Mentors
Janet Egan is a Senior Fellow with the Technology and National Security Program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). Her research focuses on the national security implications of AI and other emerging technologies, including how compute can be leveraged for the governance of advanced AI systems. Janet brings a policy lens to tech issues: translating technical research into insights that are salient with policymakers.
Prior to joining CNAS, Janet was a Director in the Australian Government Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. She has applied experience working on policy at the intersection of national security, economics and international relations, on issues spanning 5G security, cyber security, countering foreign interference, foreign investment and trade, and critical infrastructure regulations. Janet has a MPP from the Harvard Kennedy School, and a BA from Monash University in Australia.
Mentorship style
After discussing and agreeing a topic, the mentee will play a leading role in driving the research forward, and be provided with weekly check-ins, advice and written feedback. Optional support would include introductions to others in the field, insights into policymaking and career advice.
Representative papers
Scholars we are looking for
Proactive, motivated individuals with experience getting deep on techy issues. Excellent attention to detail and a curious mindset. Strong communication skills and an interest in conveying technical concepts to policy and generalist audiences. An interest in data centers, geopolitics and/or energy infrastructure is welcome.
Can independently find collaborators, but not required
Project selection
Mentor will talk through project ideas with scholar
Community at MATS
MATS Research phase provides scholars with a community of peers.
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During the Research phase, scholars work out of a shared office, have shared housing, and are supported by a full-time Community Manager.
Working in a community of independent researchers gives scholars easy access to future collaborators, a deeper understanding of other alignment agendas, and a social network in the alignment community.
Previous MATS cohorts included regular lightning talks, scholar-led study groups on mechanistic interpretability and linear algebra, and hackathons. Other impromptu office events included group-jailbreaking Bing chat and exchanging hundreds of anonymous compliment notes. Scholars organized social activities outside of work, including road trips to Yosemite, visits to San Francisco, and joining ACX meetups.