Kristin Warren is an engineer whose work focuses on artificial intelligence governance, responsible technology adoption, equitable public policy, and national security. Her work bridges technical analysis, policy design, and implementation across complex public-sector environments. She advises public-sector leaders on how emerging technologies and policies can be designed, governed, and implemented effectively, with attention to operational needs, risk, accountability, transparency, fairness, and public trust.
Warren leads multidisciplinary research teams, engages government, industry, technical, and community stakeholders, and translates complex technical and policy evidence into actionable strategies for senior leaders responsible for policy, acquisition, implementation, and organizational change. Her domestic policy work includes AI governance, technology bias and accountability, drug policy, policing reform, and the responsible use of emerging technologies in criminal justice.
Her national security research addresses military modernization and the adoption and governance of artificial intelligence, with work spanning sensing and sensemaking, cyber and electromagnetic spectrum capabilities, non-kinetic effects, space domain awareness and mission assurance, and racially and ethnically motivated violent extremism.
Before joining RAND, Warren served as senior consultant to the California Legislative Black Caucus. She advised legislators and led initiatives across transportation, health, education, environmental policy, technology, and economic opportunity. Her work included developing legislative and budget priorities, advancing provisions intended to improve outcomes for underserved communities, securing investments for those communities, and leading statewide engagement and partnerships across government, industry, academia, advocacy organizations, and legislative caucuses.
She holds a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Kettering University.
Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, Carnegie Mellon University; M.S. in mechanical engineering, Carnegie Mellon University; B.S. in mechanical engineering, Kettering University
