Bringing Law and Technology Together
At the West Virginia University College of Law, Professor Amy Cyphert is helping shape how future leaders understand and regulate emerging technologies. Her work is a cornerstone of the growing WVU Cyber initiative and exemplifies the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to addressing the complex world of cyber.
Everyday citizens should empower themselves to learn more about this technology and advocate for policies that maximize the benefits and minimize the harms. Professor Amy Cyphert, WVU College of Law
AI and the Law and Regulating AI are a few of the cutting-edge classes she leads, so her students can explore all aspects of the cyber frontier. Cyphert encourages her students to understand not just what AI is, but when, where, how, and why to use these intelligent systems. As advances in these technologies and policies rapidly evolve, define the digital world, and continue to change society, her coursework touches on everything from the early history of internet regulation to the ethical dilemmas surrounding algorithmic fairness.
In the fast-moving frontier of artificial intelligence and digital governance, Cyphert has become an early expert in this field. Her research addresses issues from blockchain regulation to the ethical challenges lawyers face when using large language models. She examines how social media companies use algorithmic amplification to keep users engaged and stay on top of the ongoing copyright battles shaping generative AI platforms like ChatGPT.
Connecting Classrooms to Real-World Impact
Cyphert’s interdisciplinary approach to cyber brings real-world engagement in and out of the classroom. Last fall, her Regulating AI students traveled to Charleston to present their research to state legislators, an experience she describes as both inspiring and affirming.
"Developing ideas in an academic setting is one thing, but actually presenting those ideas to our state legislators was one of the most unique and rewarding experiences I have had as a student. This opportunity really pushed us to consider the real-world impact of our proposals and refine them to be not just well-researched ideas, but ones that could have a practical effect." - Zach Rohrbaugh, 3L College of Law student
Not only do WVU Law students have unique opportunities for facetime with legislators and state leaders, but they also have worked alongside cyber experts, generals, defense experts, industry leaders, and academics from around the world to simulate high-level cyberattacks that test defense strategies and heighten operational readiness through the Locked Shields Global Cyber Defense Exercise, which is hosted by WVU in Morgantown.
This is just the beginning. Cyphert expects more opportunities on the horizon.
“What excites me most about the WVU Cyber approach is its rare blend of research power and statewide impact,” she said.
"There are so few schools that are lucky enough to be an R1 that also has a law school and a medical school, and when combined with our duty to be present throughout the state and to share our research, we’re a real unicorn in this space.
Empowering Students for the Future of Cyber
To be part of where the world is headed, Cyphert emphasizes that now is the time for students and the broader community to deeply engage with artificial intelligence and cyber policy
“If I were in college or law school today, I would be learning as much about AI as I could,” she said. “Whether you think it is a good thing or a bad thing, it is going to impact your career, and you’ll be in the best position to direct that impact if you do all you can to educate yourself.”
Her own experience at WVU reinforces that belief.
We’ve been teaching students about large language models since 2020, years before ChatGPT was released. This is a great place and a great time to learn more about AI.
Let’s Take a Modern Land-Grant Approach to WVU Cyber
As WVU Cyber continues to expand, Cyphert stands among the faculty modeling its modern land-grant approach to education and innovation. Her commitment to integrating law, ethics, and technology reflects the initiative’s goal to unite disciplines, inform policy, and empower students to shape a safer digital world. Through this work, she connects legal education with innovation, policy, and public service to build a more secure future for West Virginia and beyond.