Dr. Maya Ackerman is a pioneer in generative AI, Associate Professor at Santa Clara University, and Co-Founder/CEO of WaveAI, one of the earliest generative AI startups. Since 2015, she has researched generative AI for music, text, and art, championing AI systems that elevate human creativity. Under her leadership, WaveAI’s products, LyricStudio and MelodyStudio, have empowered millions of creators worldwide. Ackerman is the author of “Creative Machines: AI, Art & Us” (Wiley, 2025), has over 50 research publications, and is a globally sought-after keynote speaker whose work has been featured by Forbes, Fortune, and the United Nations.