Martha E. Pollack, Ph.D., president emerita of Cornell University and a renowned computer scientist specializing in artificial intelligence (AI), will deliver the commencement address at Albert Einstein College of Medicine’s graduation ceremony. The event will take place May 20, 2026, in David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center in Manhattan.

“Dr. Pollack’s role in advancing AI from theoretical to practical and ethical applications in higher education and healthcare is extremely relevant for today’s graduates,” said Yaron Tomer M.D., the Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Dean at Einstein and chief academic officer at Montefiore Einstein. “We’re honored that she has agreed to speak and share her vast expertise with our students as they become our newest alumni.”

Dr. Pollack served as president of Cornell University from 2017 to 2024. During her tenure she launched the Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Informational Science, dedicated to exploring cutting-edge technologies and their impact on individuals and society. She previously served as provost and dean at the University of Michigan. Dr. Pollack’s research spans a range of topics, from natural-language processing and automated planning to the design of technology to assist people with cognitive impairment.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to speak to Einstein’s 2026 graduates,” said Dr. Pollack. “In the coming decades, the practice of medicine will change in profound ways, and today's medical school graduates will face both enormous challenges and incredible opportunities.”

Dr. Pollack’s research is rooted in a human-centric approach to AI. Early in her career she developed algorithms to help computers better understand people’s intentions when they ask a question or give instructions even if they don’t spell it out clearly. This work significantly advanced the field of AI planning theory, laying the groundwork for virtual assistants and smart chatbots that better understand what people mean and not just what they say. Later research explored how AI can help older adults struggling with the changes of aging, particularly cognitive decline, through smart reminder tools and even a mobile robot assistant. Dr. Pollack’s recent work is focused on shaping policy and education around AI, guiding universities and organizations as a thought leader.

Dr. Pollack is an elected fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Association for Computing Machinery, and the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence. She is also a member of the board of directors of IBM and of the nonprofit Ithaka organization, which aims to make education more accessible and affordable around the world.

Dr. Pollack received her B.A. in linguistics from Dartmouth College, and her M.S. and Ph.D. in computer information science from the University of Pennsylvania.