Keerthana Bonthala

Cybersecurity Clinic Student

Keerthana Bonthala is a junior from New Jersey pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Informatics with a concentration in Social Justice. She complements her technology-focused studies with a minor in Law, Justice, and Society and a Bridging Disciplines Certificate in Ethics and Leadership, concentrating on Law, Politics, and Government.

Her past research has examined the racial and demographic biases embedded in facial recognition technology, particularly its detrimental effects on marginalized communities in New York City. Her work sheds light on the injustices of arrest warrants issued based on flawed surveillance and highlights the pressing need for more equitable and rigorously tested public safety technologies. Currently, Keerthana’s interests lie at the intersection of artificial intelligence, civil rights, and cybersecurity. She is particularly focused on how regulatory frameworks within the U.S. justice system can safeguard user privacy and enhance accountability in the ethical use of AI.

Beyond the classroom, Keerthana is an engaged member of her campus community. She writes for an undergraduate law journal, contributes to both Texas Political Consulting and Texas Social Impact Consulting, and serves as the Marketing Chair of a bollyfusion dance team. Off campus, she volunteers as an administrator for a women-led research institute and supports first-year students as a peer mentor, helping them transition into college life. In her free time, Keerthana enjoys traveling to different countries, discovering new spots in Austin’s vibrant food scene, attending live music events, and cheering on the Longhorns at football games.