Meet the AI Collab Research Fellows

The AI Collab Research Fellows are trailblazers in advancing impactful Artificial Intelligence (AI) practices across Mississippi's educational landscape. Selected for their expertise and dedication, these educators and leaders bring a wealth of knowledge in AI integration, curriculum development, and community engagement. Their work is shaping the future of AI education, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all learners.

The Fellows are committed to fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence in education through the transformative power of AI.

Engage with Our Fellows

Our Research Fellows are available for speaking engagements, workshops, and panel discussions on topics related to AI and education. Whether you’re seeking insights on equitable AI integration, innovative teaching practices, or AI’s role in shaping the future of education, our Fellows are ready to share their expertise.

Meet Our Research Fellows

Dr. LaMarcus Norman

Dr. LaMarcus Norman is a distinguished educational leader dedicated to advancing academic excellence and innovation in Mississippi's school systems. He currently serves as the Principal of StoneBridge Elementary School in Brandon, Mississippi, where he oversees the education of 2nd and 3rd-grade students within the Rankin County School District.

Dr. Norman's academic credentials are extensive. He earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Professional Studies/Educational Leadership from Delta State University, an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Mississippi, a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teaching Arts from Mississippi College, and a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) from Jackson State University.

In recognition of his leadership and contributions to educational technology, Dr. Norman was honored as the 2019 Mississippi Educational Computing Association (MECA) Administrator of the Year.

Beyond his administrative roles, Dr. Norman is committed to developing future educators. He has been involved in initiatives to hire teacher assistant apprentices, aiming to cultivate a passion for teaching among aspiring educators.

Dr. Norman's dedication to education is evident in his efforts to foster a growth mindset and a tradition of excellence within the schools he leads. His leadership continues to positively impact students, teachers, and the broader educational community in Mississippi.

Gieshala Mims

Gieshala Mims is a dedicated educator with over 19 years of experience, currently teaching Cyber Foundations III at Senatobia Middle School in Mississippi. Her teaching career encompasses a range of subjects, including Computer Applications, Technology, Career, Computer Discovery, and ICT II.

Gieshala holds an undergraduate degree in Real Estate and Mortgage Finance, as well as an MBA from Mississippi State University. She furthered her education with a Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix, where she is presently pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Technology.

Her teaching philosophy centers on providing student-focused experiences that foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. To this end, she developed "Mimzy101," a comprehensive online learning platform through CYPHER Learning's LMS, which she regards as one of her most significant professional achievements.

Gieshala's contributions to education have been recognized through several awards. She was honored as the Senatobia Rotary Club's Teacher of the Month in March 2017. Additionally, she received the "Spears Up!" Award at Senatobia Middle School, acknowledging her kindness, commitment to continuous learning, and passion for STEM education.

Her commitment to lifelong learning drives her to explore areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence research, Adobe graphic design certifications, and advanced coding. Gieshala is also an active participant in educational conferences, sharing her insights on AI in the classroom, as evidenced by her participation in the Educator Accelerator Research Fellows Panel at the Southern Spark conference in Jackson.

Gieshala continually adapts her methods to meet the evolving needs of her students:

“If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn”
-Ignacio Estrada

Eva Harvell

Eva Harvell has been a dedicated member of the Pascagoula-Gautier School District (PGSD) since 2002, beginning her career as an elementary teacher and later serving as a technology integration specialist. In 2015, she assumed the role of Director of Technology, where she has been instrumental in advancing the district's technological capabilities.

Under her leadership, PGSD has implemented comprehensive cybersecurity measures and digital citizenship programs to ensure the safety and security of students and staff in the digital realm. Her efforts include monthly training sessions for teachers on recognizing phishing attempts and understanding cybersecurity threats, utilizing programs like Infosec IQ. Additionally, she has integrated resources from Common Sense Media to promote responsible digital behavior among students.

Eva's contributions to educational technology have been recognized through several prestigious awards. In 2013, she was named Tech & Learning's Leader of the Year, acknowledging her innovative approach to technology integration. In 2021, she received the Mississippi Educational Computing Association's Administrator of the Year award, further highlighting her leadership in the field.

As a published author, Eva has shared her insights on educational technology through articles in EdSurge and THE Journal, discussing topics such as the implementation of Google Apps for Education to support Common Core standards. She has also presented at national conferences, including ISTE and FETC, focusing on technology integration and digital citizenship in K-12 education.

Eva is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at William Carey University, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and leadership in education. She is also an active member of the Mississippi Educational Computing Association and serves as a Mississippi AI Collaborative (MSAIC) Education and Research Partner, contributing to the advancement of artificial intelligence in education within the state.

Dr. Craig A. Meyer

Dr. Craig A. Meyer is an Associate Professor of English and Director of the Writing Program at Jackson State University, where he also recently served as the Chair of the University AI Policy Committee. In this role, Dr. Meyer has been instrumental in shaping university policies on artificial intelligence (AI), ensuring that its integration into teaching and learning is both ethical and effective. His work focuses on the intersection of AI, writing, and education, positioning him as a leader in navigating the challenges and opportunities of emerging technologies in academia.

Dr. Meyer has led numerous workshops on AI, teaching, and writing, providing educators with practical strategies for integrating AI into their classrooms while maintaining a strong emphasis on critical thinking and creativity. His workshops explore how AI can enhance the writing process, improve accessibility, and support students in developing their unique voices. He has also contributed to national conversations on the ethical use of AI in writing education, advocating for protocols that help students distinguish their work from AI-generated content.

With a Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition from Ohio University, Dr. Meyer’s research spans Rhetoric and Composition, Disability Studies, Popular Culture Rhetorics, and the Histories of Rhetoric. His academic work has been published in various journals and books, contributing to fields that examine the dynamic relationship between technology and communication.

In addition to his AI-related initiatives, Dr. Meyer is a dedicated educator who teaches academic and creative writing, emphasizing the development of students’ voices in an era of technological transformation. His expertise in AI, combined with his commitment to inclusive and forward-thinking pedagogy, continues to shape the future of writing education at Jackson State University and beyond.