Saturday Keynote Speaker: Nicole Fagen

Carla Agurto Rios

Research Staff Member, IBM

BIO

Carla Agurto, Ph.D. is an accomplished research scientist specializing in multimodal machine learning and the integration of large language models. With over 15 years of experience, her research focuses on biomarker discovery and the development of scalable machine learning systems that synthesize data from speech, language, imaging, sensors, and time-series analysis.

Dr. Agurto has advanced computational methods to identify digital biomarkers and predictive signals for complex conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, ALS, substance use disorders, chronic pain, and diabetes. Simultaneously, she has spearheaded the creation of machine learning pipelines and cloud-based microservices, effectively translating advanced modeling into reusable and deployable AI infrastructure.

Dr. Agurto holds several patents and has published extensively, demonstrating her commitment to practical and inclusive advancements in computing systems to serve diverse populations.