Nada Alwadi is a Ph.D. student at Virginia Tech, specializing in Planning, Governance, and Globalization, with a research focus on the Arab Gulf States.

Her research delves into the future of governance in the digital era, specifically exploring how emerging technologies are reshaping power dynamics, policymaking, and societal development.
Previously, Nada served as a Team Leader at the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Policy (CAIDP) in Washington, D.C., where she earned an Advanced Certificate in AI Policy. During her time at the Center, she was integral to updating the Artificial Intelligence and Democratic Values Index for 2025 and 2026.

In addition to her academic and professional accomplishments, Nada is an award-winning journalist and storyteller, passionate about the intersection of technology, governance, and human rights. Her work aims to foster global conversations around digital rights and the ethical implications of emerging technologies on governance and policy .