LAURA WISE, Ed.D.

Higher Education Leader | Educator | Researcher | AI Literacy and Ethics Specialist

Orlando, FL | 310-467-1531 | Drlvwise@gmail.com

ACADEMIC PROFILE

Transformative servant leader, educator, administrator, and researcher with 20+ years of experience across PK–12, higher education, nonprofit, and community settings, including teaching and professional development reaching 100+ students and participants. Expertise in higher education leadership and policy, student success and retention, curriculum and faculty development, AI/digital literacy and ethics, educational technology, multicultural and bilingual education, and applied research. Designs evidence-based curricula, online/hybrid learning, assessments, professional development, and innovative teaching methodologies integrating emerging technologies, policy, and real-world case studies. Experienced in stakeholder engagement, policy implementation, academic integrity, program evaluation, and data-informed continuous improvement to advance student achievement, educational access, workforce readiness, ethical leadership, and responsible educational practice.

EDUCATION

University of Miami

School of Education and Human Development, Miami, Florida
Executive Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership, July 2026. GPA: 3.91

Degree honors: Award of Academic Merit

Doctoral Dissertation: Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Literacy for Under-Resourced Higher Education Institutions

Developed an open-access Artificial Intelligence Literacy and Ethics Toolkit designed to support students, faculty members, administrators, advisors, librarians, and institutional leaders in the responsible and equitable use of artificial intelligence.

Pepperdine University

Graduate School of Education and Psychology, Los Angeles, California
Master of Arts in Teaching, July 2020. GPA: 3.94

Central University of Venezuela

Caracas, Venezuela
Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Languages, December 2004. GPA: 3.00

HIGHER EDUCATION LEADERSHIP AND TEACHING EXPERIENCE

University of Miami

Doctoral Leadership Educator & Higher Education Administrator (Practicum) | January 2024–July 2026

  • Administered and applied University of Miami policies, academic standards, ethical requirements, and institutional procedures across 4 university units/programs—ISSS, COISO, IEP, and Frost School of Music—supporting 100+ students and participants; implemented policy-focused case studies addressing policy development, implementation, accountability, stakeholder concerns, societal impacts, and emerging educational issues.
  • Led doctoral research and evidence-based student-success strategies supporting 100+ students and participants across enrollment, orientation, engagement, persistence, retention, belonging, leadership development, graduation and degree completion, international education, multicultural programming, outreach, and equitable access to institutional resources.
  • Collaborated across 4 university units/programs with faculty, administrators, university leaders, and cross-functional stakeholders on strategic planning, program development and evaluation, policy awareness, institutional priorities, resource access, networking opportunities, stakeholder alignment, advocacy and communication for diverse audiences, and data-informed decision-making to strengthen programs and student outcomes.
  • Designed and facilitated courses, workshops, case studies, and digital/hybrid learning experiences through curriculum development, lesson planning, instructional design, learning objectives, assessment, digital literacy resources, educational technology, and evidence-based, innovative teaching methodologies; applied doctoral research and assessment data to academic integrity, educational access, institutional innovation, program evaluation, and continuous improvement across PK–12 and higher education contexts.

Universidad Andrés Bello, Chile

Graduate Educator and Professional Development Specialist. AI Literacy, Ethics and Digital Learning | February 2024–Present

  • Design and deliver evidence-based, bilingual graduate courses, seminars, and professional-development programs grounded in doctoral dissertation research on AI literacy and ethics, serving 20+ graduate students per course and 100+ workshop participants through responsible AI, ethical academic writing, emerging technologies, digital literacy, educator productivity, and innovative online/hybrid teaching methodologies.
  • Develop technology-enhanced curricula, lesson plans, learning objectives, instructional designs, applied case studies, hands-on activities, instructional resources, and pre-/post-assessments; implement a research-based AI Literacy and Ethics Toolkit to strengthen critical thinking, academic integrity, accessibility, digital equity, privacy, transparency, human oversight, and responsible technology integration.
  • Facilitate online discussions and student engagement; assess and grade student performance; provide timely feedback and communication; and apply assessment data and participant feedback to strengthen learning outcomes, instructional effectiveness, student success, and continuous improvement.
  • Collaborate with academic leaders, faculty, and cross-functional stakeholders on strategic planning, curriculum and policy alignment, program development and evaluation, faculty development, certification initiatives, institutional proposals, academic quality, educational access, stakeholder engagement, and program growth while aligning instruction with institutional policies, academic standards, and emerging educational trends.

URBE University

Professor of English and Bilingual Education | January 2022–February 2024

  • Taught multicultural and multilingual higher education students using evidence-based, culturally responsive, student-centered, and discussion-based methodologies; developed bilingual curricula, lesson plans, learning objectives, instructional materials, applied case studies, and differentiated assessments aligned with institutional policies, academic standards, program goals, and diverse learner needs.
  • Integrated innovative teaching methodologies, multimedia, educational technology, digital tools, emerging technologies, and applied learning activities across technology-enhanced learning environments to strengthen communication, engagement, academic achievement, digital literacy, critical thinking, persistence, and career readiness.
  • Facilitated classroom discussions, assessed and graded student performance, monitored learning outcomes through formative and summative assessments, and provided timely feedback and communication; used performance data to differentiate instruction, address individual learning needs, and continuously improve instructional effectiveness and student success.
  • Mentored and advised students in academic planning, goal setting, leadership development, interview preparation, and career readiness while collaborating with faculty, administrators, and institutional stakeholders on recruitment, enrollment, curriculum and policy alignment, inclusion, instructional quality, academic integrity, retention, and student success.

K–12 TEACHING EXPERIENCE

St. Agnes Academy

Bilingual Education Teacher, Kindergarten–Grade 4 | January 2023–January 2024

  • Designed and delivered bilingual instruction to approximately 300, kindergarten through fourth-grade students, while developing curricula, instructional materials, assessments, and implementation plans for varied academic, linguistic, and developmental needs.
  • Differentiated evidence-based instruction for multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and students requiring individualized academic support across multiple grade levels.
  • Applied culturally responsive and inclusive methodologies to strengthen language development, academic engagement, confidence, belonging, and equitable classroom participation.
  • Collaborated with classroom teachers, instructional assistants, administrators, and families to coordinate services, monitor student needs, strengthen outcomes, and maintain curriculum consistency and alignment with schoolwide expectations.

Lennox Academy, Lennox School District

Student Teacher and Grade 11 Spanish Teacher | April 2019–April 2021

  • Designed and implemented Common Core-aligned Spanish curricula for classes of approximately 20–30 students, developing differentiated instruction, assessments, and applied learning activities for varied proficiency levels, academic needs, and disabilities.
  • Used formative assessments and student-performance data to monitor progress, adapt instructional methodologies, and provide individualized and targeted academic support.
  • Integrated student-centered, culturally responsive, and technology-enhanced teaching practices to strengthen communication, engagement, cultural awareness, confidence, and active participation.
  • Collaborated with faculty members to improve curriculum alignment, instructional quality, course consistency, inclusion, academic progression, and overall student success.

Environmental Charter School, Lawndale District

Grade 10 Spanish Teacher | August 2017–June 2019

  • Taught Common Core-aligned Spanish courses to classes of approximately 20–30 students using differentiated, project-based, experiential, and student-centered instructional methodologies.
  • Designed curricula, assessments, collaborative projects, and authentic learning activities for varied proficiency levels and learning needs while integrating culturally responsive content and global perspectives.
  • Led cross-grade collaboration among ninth-, tenth-, and eleventh-grade faculty members to strengthen curriculum coherence, instructional alignment, course progression, and shared teaching practices.
  • Analyzed assessment findings and student-performance data to adapt instruction and improve outcomes while fostering inclusive environments supporting language development, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, confidence, and student success.

Joy for All

Founder, School Director and Program Director | January 1998–Present

  • Founded and direct multidisciplinary academic, enrichment, summer, after-school, and music programs serving diverse students across grade levels and learning needs; lead curriculum, enrollment, staffing, budgeting, marketing, family engagement, events, operations, and sustainable program growth.
  • Recruit, supervise, mentor, and coordinate instructors while establishing instructional standards, performance expectations, quality-assurance practices, and individualized academic and artistic learning pathways.
  • Design experiential, technology-enhanced, and project-based curricula integrating core academics, digital storytelling, music theory, voice, instruments, and ensemble performance to strengthen creativity, communication, collaboration, confidence, and student achievement.
  • Advise students and families on academic planning, standardized testing, Advanced Placement requirements, college readiness, and long-term goals while evaluating outcomes, enrollment continuity, retention, stakeholder needs, and partnerships to guide strategic improvement.

RESEARCH AND SCHOLARLY INTERESTS

  • Higher education leadership; organizational leadership; community psychology; student success, persistence, retention, belonging, leadership development, and degree completion
  • Curriculum development; faculty and professional development; educational technology; digital, online, and hybrid learning; academic integrity; and ethical academic writing
  • Multicultural, bilingual, and international education; nonprofit and community-based leadership; community engagement and belonging; workforce and career readiness; accessibility; institutional innovation; and equitable educational opportunities
  • Artificial intelligence literacy and ethics; responsible AI integration; digital equity; equitable access to emerging technologies; and AI implementation in under-resourced higher education institutions

DOCTORAL RESEARCH AND SCHOLARLY WORK

Doctoral Dissertation: https://scholarship.miami.edu

Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Literacy for Under-Resourced Higher Education Institutions

University of Miami | 2026

  • Conducted applied doctoral research examining the ethical, institutional, and equity conditions required for responsible AI integration in under-resourced higher education, addressing governance, academic integrity, privacy, bias, accessibility, transparency, digital equity, and human oversight.
  • Developed an open-access AI Literacy and Ethics Toolkit in web-based, downloadable PDF, offline, mobile-friendly, low-bandwidth, and learning-management-system formats for students, faculty, administrators, advisors, librarians, career professionals, and institutional leaders.
  • Designed implementation frameworks, pre- and post-assessments, ethical AI rubrics, case studies, reflective activities, student and faculty guidance, and administrative planning resources to support measurable learning, institutional readiness, and continuous improvement.
  • Proposed scalable train-the-trainer programs, institutional partnerships, grant-funding strategies, and consortium-based models to expand sustainable access across community colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Minority-Serving Institutions, and other under-resourced institutions.

SELECTED RESEARCH AND INSTITUTIONAL PROJECTS

AI Literacy and Ethics Toolkit

  • Created a 10-module educational framework addressing ethical foundations, bias, data practices, legal and ethical standards, institutional governance, applied ethics, student guidance, faculty development, administrative leadership, and assessment.
  • Evaluated practical AI tools and methodologies for teaching, learning, research, academic writing, communication, creativity, productivity, and institutional operations while emphasizing verification, citation, privacy, transparency, human oversight, and academic integrity.
  • Implemented selected modules through graduate courses, faculty-development seminars, and professional workshops at Universidad Andrés Bello in Chile over two consecutive years, reaching approximately 50 workshop participants and 15–20 graduate students per course.
  • Used pre- and post-assessments, applied activities, ethical scenarios, and participant feedback to evaluate AI literacy, confidence, ethical awareness, instructional readiness, and opportunities for continuous program improvement.

LinkUp UM — University of Miami

  • Created a technology-responsive app for student-success connecting students with faculty members, university leaders, campus services, peers, student organizations, professional-development opportunities, and institutional resources.
  • Applied higher education leadership, community psychology, multicultural education, organizational leadership, and student-development research to address belonging, engagement, institutional navigation, persistence, retention, and degree completion.
  • Designed networking activities, leadership experiences, outreach strategies, and cross-cultural learning opportunities to strengthen relationships between diverse students and institutional stakeholders.
  • Produced implementation recommendations supporting student affairs, strategic communication, stakeholder collaboration, program growth, organizational effectiveness, and continuous improvement.

Global Services and Access

  • Developed an institutional initiative addressing multiculturalism, intersectionality, community psychology, decolonization, international education, and equitable access to university services and opportunities.
  • Examined barriers affecting international and multicultural students' communication, belonging, institutional navigation, participation, leadership development, and access to academic and student-support resources.
  • Proposed culturally responsive strategies to strengthen orientation, outreach, cross-cultural communication, student engagement, institutional relationships, and service delivery.
  • Translated research and student-development theory into practical recommendations for academic leaders, faculty members, student-affairs professionals, and multicultural education stakeholders.

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE

Mid-City Vineyard Church

Community Leader | March 2019–Present

  • Lead educational, camp, outreach, and community-based initiatives serving youth who benefit from mentorship, healthy alternatives, experiential learning, encouragement, and supportive relationships.
  • Plan and implement programs and special events designed to strengthen engagement, leadership development, service, personal growth, fellowship, and community connection.
  • Collaborate with leaders, members, families, and volunteers to coordinate activities, align services with participant needs, and maximize community support.
  • Mentor participants through faith-based and relationship-centered programming that promotes confidence, belonging, responsibility, collaboration, and meaningful engagement.

AWARDS, HONORS, AND ACADEMIC DISTINCTIONS

  • Graduate Student Association Academic Excellence, Leadership, and Service Award, University of Miami, 2025
  • Doctoral GPA: 3.91, University of Miami, 2026
  • Master's GPA: 3.94, Pepperdine University, 2020
  • Grammy Awards consideration for Series of Miracles, 2015
  • President's List, Harper College, 2015
  • Full Academic Scholarship, Central University of Venezuela, 2004

ADDITIONAL COURSEWORK

  • Psychology and Human Development: Psychology I, Theories of Personality, Abnormal Psychology, and Community Psychology
  • Higher Education and Leadership: Multiculturalism and Higher Education, Higher Education Leadership, Organizational Leadership, and Student Development and Success
  • Curriculum, Technology, and Research: Curriculum Development, Educational Technology, Research Methods and Applied Research, and Reading and Expression Workshop
  • Languages and Linguistics: Linguistics I and II, English, French, and Latin

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

Higher Education & Program Leadership

  • Higher education leadership, strategic planning, program development, organizational effectiveness, and evidence-based decision-making
  • Student success, retention, persistence, belonging, enrollment, recruitment, orientation, advising, and student services
  • Faculty development, professional training, program assessment, evaluation, accreditation support, institutional proposals, and continuous improvement
  • Cross-functional, international, and multicultural leadership; stakeholder engagement; strategic partnerships; outreach; public speaking; and relationship development

Teaching, Curriculum & Instructional Design

  • Online, hybrid, and face-to-face higher education instruction using student-centered, technology-enhanced, and evidence-based methodologies
  • Curriculum and academic-program development, instructional design, differentiated instruction, inclusive assessment, and Common Core alignment
  • Experiential, project-based, bilingual, multicultural, and accessibility-focused learning
  • Academic advising, coaching, mentoring, pre- and post-assessment, learning-outcome evaluation, and LMS-supported instruction

Artificial Intelligence, Digital Learning & Research

  • AI literacy and ethics, responsible AI integration, faculty and student readiness, emerging technologies, and human-centered AI implementation
  • AI-supported curriculum development, teaching, research, assessment, feedback, productivity, academic administration, and institutional decision-making
  • Academic integrity, ethical AI-supported writing, digital equity, data privacy, transparency, bias awareness, accessibility, governance, and human oversight
  • Applied research, evidence synthesis, program evaluation, needs assessment, data-informed improvement, and development of AI literacy and ethics training resources

Educational & Emerging Technologies

  • Generative AI and creative platforms: ChatGPT, NotebookLM, Sora, Adobe Firefly, Gamma, Canva Magic Write, Flora, Visme, Pitch, and Otter
  • Learning management and productivity technologies: Canvas, Blackboard, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Workspace, Zoom, and GradePro
  • Digital-content and web development: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Dreamweaver, multimedia resources, presentations, and digital storytelling
  • Virtual collaboration, online learning environments, professional networking, digital communication, and technology-enhanced course delivery

Strategic Communication, Outreach & Engagement

  • Strategic communications, institutional outreach, recruitment, enrollment support, marketing, promotion campaigns, and stakeholder engagement
  • Public presentations, workshops, professional development, community engagement, and cross-cultural communication
  • Relationship development, partnership building, sales, social-media communication, and event/program promotion

Languages & Creative Leadership

  • Bilingual, English | Spanish
  • Bilingual teaching, professional writing, public speaking, and cross-cultural communication
  • Multi-instrumental performance, vocal instruction, music theory, ensemble leadership, and arts education
  • Creative program development, digital storytelling, academic enrichment, student engagement, and multicultural events

REFERENCES

Dr. Silvina Zapata

Clinical Associate Professor of Education / Program Director, Master's Program in Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Universidad Andres Bello
Email: szapata@unab.cl
Relationship: Program Director and Direct Supervisor

Dr Andrea Botero

Email: Abotero@miami.edu
Relationship: Former Professor

Dr. Jack Vertovec

Senior Research Associate at Behavioral Science Research Institute (BSRI)
University of Miami
Email: jvertovec@bsrinstitute.org
Relationship: Dissertation Committee

Thomas A. Pear

Lecturer and Researcher, Intensive English Program
University of Miami
Email: tap172@miami.edu
Relationship: Co-instructor and Research CollaboratorM

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LITERACY AND ETHICS FOR UNDER-RESOURCED HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

By Laura Wise

A DISSERTATION

Submitted to the faculty of the University of Miami in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education

Coral Gables, Florida | July 2026

©2026 Laura Wise | All Rights Reserved

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI — Dissertation Approval

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LITERACY AND ETHICS FOR UNDER-RESOURCED HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

By Laura Wise

Approved:

— Carol-Anne Phekoo, Ph.D.
Clinical Associate Professor of Education

— Todd Warner, Ph.D.
Senior Lecturer Professor of Education

— Jack Vertovec, Ph.D.
Senior Research Associate at Behavioral Science Research Institute (BSRI)

— Scotney D. Evans, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Education

— Dean of the Graduate School

WISE, LAURA

Artificial Intelligence Literacy and Ethics for Under-Resourced Higher Education Institutions

Abstract of a dissertation at the University of Miami.

Dissertation supervised by Dr. Carol-Anne Phekoo

No. of pages in text: 65

Degree: Ed.D., Higher Education Leadership

Date: July 2026

Abstract

The rapid expansion of AI in higher education creates major opportunities, yet under-resourced institutions face heightened risks of inequitable and unethical adoption. A comprehensive meta review of studies conducted in higher education settings revealed that 40.9% of the studies reported ethical gaps, 29% cited lack of ethics as a primary barrier, and 65% indicated weak foundations without frameworks; misuse persisted, with 17% of academic papers containing ≥20% AI-generated content and 5% exceeding 80% (Bond et al., 2024; Bennett et al., 2025; Rafiq & Qurat-ul-Ain, 2025). Readiness gaps are substantial: 92% of students use AI, but only 36% receive training, about 10% of institutions provide guidance, 78.5% of faculty need training, and 85.8% report their institutions do not promote ethical AI (Alnsour et al., 2025; Mazaheriyan & Nourbakhsh, 2025; UNESCO, 2023). Grounded in major developmental, sociocultural, engagement, and equity theories, this dissertation shows structured AI ethics instruction is a high-impact practice linked to stronger engagement, ethical reasoning, and learning outcomes, with 80% of faculty supporting ethics instruction, 51% of studies reporting positive effects, and 32.3% improved outcomes (Alnsour et al., 2025; Bond et al., 2024). The project therefore introduces an open-access, cross-platform AI Literacy and Ethics Toolkit to strengthen institutional capacity, support responsible AI integration, and promote equitable student success.

Key Findings at a Glance

40.9%

Studies reporting ethical gaps in AI adoption

29%

Cited lack of ethics as a primary barrier

65%

Institutions with weak AI frameworks

92%

Students using AI tools

36%

Students receiving AI training

10%

Institutions providing AI guidance

78.5%

Faculty needing AI training

85.8%

Institutions not promoting ethical AI

80%

Faculty supporting ethics instruction

51%

Studies reporting positive effects of AI ethics instruction

32.3%

Improved learning outcomes with structured AI ethics

The AI Literacy and Ethics Toolkit

An Open-Access Solution for Under-Resourced Institutions

This dissertation introduces a cross-platform, open-access AI Literacy and Ethics Toolkit designed to:

01

Strengthen Institutional Capacity

Equip students, faculty, administrators, and leaders with ethical AI frameworks

02

Support Responsible AI Integration

Address governance, academic integrity, privacy, bias, and transparency

03

Promote Equitable Student Success

Ensure digital equity and accessible AI education for all learners

04

Enable Scalable Impact

Train-the-trainer programs, consortium models, and grant-funding strategies for HBCUs, MSIs, and community colleges

University of Miami | Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership | July 2026 | Laura Wise