The CyberPsych Institute (CPI)

Advancing literacy, adoption & psychology across workforces, communities & innovative AI experiences

The CyberPsych Institute (CPI) is a nonprofit-in-progress initiative dedicated to preparing communities and workforces for an AI-integrated world.

Through public education, research, and industry collaboration, CPI helps bridge the gap between innovation and trust.

ABOUT CPI

CPI brings together expertise in media psychology, cyberpsychology, and human-centered innovation to advocate for AI literacy, ethical technology adoption, and humane AI experiences for all.

CPI AT A GLANCE

  • Founded
    2025
  • Location
    Potomac Falls, Virginia
  • Multidisciplinary Domains
    Responsible AI, Ethical AI, Humane AI, Synthetic Media, Cyberpsychology, Neurotech & Neuroethics
  • What We Do
    Literacy (AI Ethics & AI Innovation)
    Research (across multidisciplinary domains and tech we explore)
    Advocacy (for people-centered innovation across industry)
  • Nonprofit Status
    501(c)(3) in progress
  • Audience Served
    General public, workforces, industry leaders, technologists, educators, policymakers
  • Founder & Executive Director
    Mayra Ruiz-McPherson, PhD(c), MA, MFA

OUR MISSION

The CyberPsych Institute (CPI) champions ethical, people-centered approaches to AI and emerging technologies by advancing public literacy, advocating for protective policy, and educating communities, industries, and institutions on the psychological and societal impacts of digital innovation.

WHAT WE DO

  • AI Literacy Outreach & Workforce Development
    Workshops, community events, and online learning to help people understand AI’s impact, opportunities, and risks
  • Cyberpsychological Innovation Consulting
    Product evaluations and advisories for industry and organizations with a cyberpsychological lens
  • Neurotechnology & Neuroethics Advocacy
    Advancing public understanding and policy dialogue around mind-health in the realm of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), cognitive liberty, and related safeguards
  • Research & Public Education
    Reports, articles, and media that inform public discourse and guide responsible technology development and adoption
  • Media Psychology, Positive Media & Media Literacy
    Media psychological practice and outreach to improve innovation and to help people critically engage with digital media
  • Media Relations & Subject-Matter Commentary
    Serving as a trusted source for journalists and industry outlets, providing expert quotes, context, and analysis on workforce development, cyberpsychology, media psychology, neurotechnology, and the wider ramifications for emerging technologies

LEADERSHIP

Our founder and Executive Director of CPI, Mayra Ruiz-McPherson, PhD(c), MA, MFA, is a cyberpsychologist and PhD candidate specializing in technology ethics, human-centered innovation, and synthetic media.

In addition to her immersive academic background, Mayra brings more than 30 years of experience in systems and interaction design, application development, and user experience to her leadership role at CPI.

Mayra also presents a range of topics — in the context of AI ethics, cyberpsychology, media psychology, and neurotechnology — to audiences in the US and around the world.

SPEAKING HIGHLIGHTS

  • January 2026 / School of Radical Imagination
    A Cyberpsychological Rethinking of Creativity in the Age of AI
  • October 2024 / US State Department & NYUAD
    As US State Department’s Speakers Program, participated in AI Ethics lecture at New York University’s Abu Dhabi campus
  • June-July 2024 / 3 Digital Media & AI Presentations for US State Department
    Business Innovation
    Generative AI Tools
    Neurodesign & Political Propaganda
  • April 11, 2024 / Loudoun County Public Library
    Humans, Humanoids & Labor
  • February 7, 2024 / Loudoun County Public Library
    Exploring AI Ethics

MEDIA MENTIONS

MEDIA CONTACT

Mayra Ruiz-McPherson, PhD(c), MA, MFA
Founder & Executive Director
thecyberpsychinstitute@pm.me

CPI welcomes collaboration with members of the media seeking a nonpartisan voice across our chosen fields of focus, committed to looking beyond the headlines, and who can illuminate audiences with fresh, informed perspectives.