Cathy O'Neil (1972–)
Cathy O'Neil is a mathematician, data scientist, and author who gained prominence for her critical examination of algorithms and their societal impact. She holds a Ph.D. in mathematics from Harvard University and worked in finance before shifting her focus to the ethical implications of big data. Her work often explores how mathematical models, while seemingly objective, can perpetuate and amplify inequality, and she advocates for greater accountability in the development and deployment of algorithms.