Educator at UNAB and UCF Wesley Foundation | Transformative Program Leadership | Hybrid Teaching and Learning Expert | Technology, AI Ethics and Workflow Specialist | Multicultural Servant Leader
Orlando FL | Contact@drlaurawise.com | drlaurawise.com | LinkedIn
ACADEMIC PROFILE
Executive Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership and Director with 20+ years of experience across higher education and K–12 leadership and teaching, including large-scale workshops, seminars, webinars, and professional-development initiatives reaching 100+ participants, university leaders, program directors, administrators, faculty, educators, and graduate students, and graduate courses serving 20+ students per course.
Designs and leads evidence-based, interactive in-person, virtual, and hybrid learning experiences (using Canvas, Blackboard, Zoom, Power Automate and Microsoft 365/Google Workspace) that move diverse stakeholders from research and theory to applied practice and completed professional projects, often within a few hours, while meeting defined learning objectives and advancing productivity, innovation, digital capabilities, and technology adoption. Uses needs analysis and pre-assessments to identify stakeholder priorities, establish measurable objectives, differentiate learning, and tailor curriculum, technologies, activities, and outcomes.
Skilled in translating complex research, AI, emerging technologies, ethics, leadership, and higher education challenges into practical, scalable, real-world applications. Experienced in curriculum and program development, stakeholder alignment, instructor and subject-matter-expert coordination, pre-/post-assessment, learning-outcome measurement, program evaluation, digital platforms and websites (Microsoft Power Automate, SharePoint, Microsoft Lists, GradePro, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Dreamweaver), documentation and data collection, budgeting and resource allocation, and evidence-based continuous improvement. Leverages generative AI and emerging tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Gamma, NotebookLM, Sora, Adobe Firefly, Canva Magic Write, Flora, Visme, Pitch, and Otter) for AI-assisted instructional design, content creation, research support, and productivity.
Designed, published, and implemented Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Literacy for Under-Resourced Higher Education Institutions (University of Miami, 2026), a doctoral dissertation focused on aligning university stakeholders around ethical AI frameworks and advancing digital and technological literacy in support of equitable student success. The research produced an open-access AI Literacy and Ethics Toolkit featuring 10 training modules, pre- and post-assessments, ethical AI rubrics, case studies, reflective activities, faculty and student guidance, administrative planning resources, and scalable implementation strategies to strengthen institutional readiness, stakeholder alignment, responsible AI adoption, and continuous improvement. The toolkit was developed and disseminated in web-based and LMS-compatible formats using digital learning and AI-supported tools such as Gamma, NotebookLM, Claude, Canva Magic Write, Visme, and Adobe Firefly.
EDUCATION
Executive Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership
University of Miami / School of Education and Human Development, Miami, Florida / July 2026 / GPA: 3.91 | Degree Honor: Award of Academic Merit
Doctoral Dissertation: Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Literacy for Under-Resourced Higher Education Institutions. Conducted applied doctoral research examining AI literacy, ethics, governance, institutional readiness, policy, access, and responsible AI implementation in higher education. Designed, developed, implemented, and evaluated an open-access Artificial Intelligence Literacy and Ethics Toolkit for students, faculty, administrators, advisors, librarians, career professionals, and institutional leaders. Curriculum modules, case studies, assessments, and resources were developed and delivered with digital and AI-supported tools including Gamma, NotebookLM, Claude, Canva Magic Write, Visme, Pitch, and Adobe Firefly, with web-based content built in Adobe Dreamweaver and Adobe Photoshop and distributed in LMS-compatible formats (Canvas, Blackboard). Data and assessments were organized with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Lists, and SharePoint. Applied research evidence, assessment findings, and stakeholder feedback to evaluate outcomes, strengthen readiness and alignment, and guide continuous improvement.
Master of Arts in Teaching
Pepperdine University / Graduate School of Education and Psychology, Los Angeles, California / July 2020 / GPA: 3.94
Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Languages
Central University of Venezuela / Caracas, Venezuela / December 2004 / GPA: 3.00
EXPERIENCE: LEADERSHIP, ENTREPRENEURIAL, HIGHER EDUCATION & K–12 TEACHING
- Design, develop, and facilitate student-centered workshops aligned with UCF’s and the Wesley Foundation’s mission, integrating digital literacy, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, multicultural engagement, practical life skills, and supportive educational resources to promote holistic student well-being.
- Develop and implement engaging educational experiences supporting student retention, persistence, personal growth, and graduation success. Equip students with practical knowledge in responsible AI use, digital citizenship, ethical decision-making, academic integrity, leadership, resilience, financial awareness, and college and career readiness.
- Create and facilitate inclusive, technology-enhanced learning experiences using Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, interactive presentations, multimedia resources, AI-assisted instructional tools, and virtual collaboration platforms. Promote a welcoming community where students feel valued, respected, and supported while strengthening critical thinking, participation, belonging, personal development, and meaningful relationships.
- Collaborate with Wesley Foundation leadership, educators, student leaders, volunteers, and campus/community partners to assess student needs, develop responsive programming, coordinate educational activities, and strengthen initiatives supporting student engagement, holistic development, retention, persistence, and graduation.
- Serve as an educator, mentor, and supportive resource by facilitating interactive discussions, practical demonstrations, case studies, reflective activities, and technology-supported learning experiences that encourage goal setting, healthy relationships, responsible decision-making, leadership development, and continued engagement in educational and community-based opportunities.
- Contribute to program planning, curriculum development, workshop delivery, digital communication, participant engagement, program assessment, and continuous improvement while supporting the Wesley Foundation’s commitment to whole-person student development, community connection, and academic success.
- Design, develop, deliver, and disseminate evidence-based bilingual graduate education, large-scale workshops, seminars, webinars, and professional-development programs reaching 100+ participants, including university leaders, program directors, administrators, faculty, educators, and graduate students, alongside graduate courses serving 20+ students per course. Conduct needs analyses and pre-assessments to identify stakeholder priorities, establish measurable learning objectives, and customize curriculum, instructional modules, technologies, learning activities, delivery formats, and intended outcomes. Integrate generative AI and emerging technologies, including ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Claude, Google Gemini, NotebookLM, Perplexity, Gamma, Sora, Ideogram, DALL·E, Adobe Firefly, Canva Magic Write, Flora, Visme, Pitch, and Otter, to advance research synthesis, instructional design, digital content development, productivity, and academic innovation.
- Teach practical applications of Microsoft Power Automate, Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Microsoft Lists, Outlook, Teams, Google Workspace, and Google Workspace Studio with Gemini through faculty-development workshops and hands-on technology training. Guide participants in designing automated administrative workflows for faculty and employee onboarding, instructor tracking, task assignments, approvals, academic records, contract preparation, scheduling, travel and reimbursement documentation, deadline reminders, and stakeholder communication. Connect digital workflow automation with institutional efficiency, responsible AI integration, administrative productivity, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous process improvement.
- Deliver interactive virtual and hybrid graduate courses and cohort-based professional learning that move participants from research and theory to practical implementation, enabling the completion of professional projects, often within two-hour applied sessions. Facilitate structured peer discussions, case studies, simulations, collaborative problem-solving, and hands-on activities through which participants develop websites, assessments, interactive presentations, instructional materials, infographics, AI-supported educational resources, and digital learning projects. Integrate Gamma, Canva, Adobe Firefly, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Dreamweaver, Ideogram, DALL·E, Visme, Pitch, and related digital technologies to communicate complex concepts through multimedia resources, timelines, charts, process visuals, and technology-enhanced instructional experiences.
- Lead assessment, evaluation, graduate grading, individualized mentoring, and data-informed continuous improvement through pre-/post-assessments, applied activities, learning-outcome measures, participant feedback, and academic performance indicators. Collect, organize, analyze, and document educational and administrative data using Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Lists, SharePoint, Google Workspace, and related digital systems to monitor learning readiness, knowledge acquisition, confidence, engagement, instructor availability, recruitment progress, course assignments, onboarding status, travel documentation, and institutional deadlines. Apply assessment findings to differentiate instruction, strengthen reporting, improve curriculum and delivery, document program impact, and maintain reusable educational resources and implementation materials for future cohorts.
- Collaborate with university leaders, program directors, faculty, administrators, professional contributors, and cross-functional stakeholders on strategic planning, curriculum and policy alignment, responsible AI and emerging-technology integration, faculty development, certification initiatives, academic quality, institutional proposals, program development and evaluation, educational access, and digital innovation. Translate research, stakeholder feedback, assessment findings, and technological developments into actionable implementation strategies and scalable educational models. Apply digital collaboration, workflow automation, and institutional productivity tools to strengthen operational effectiveness, academic coordination, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement.
- Designed and facilitated evidence-based higher education curricula, workshops, case studies, applied projects, simulations, interactive activities, and virtual and hybrid educational experiences. Integrated artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, digital literacy, ethical considerations, multimedia resources, and technology-enhanced instructional strategies to translate complex research, leadership theory, and institutional challenges into practical learning applications. Developed measurable learning objectives, instructional sequences, differentiated educational activities, assessment instruments, and digital resources responsive to diverse student populations and institutional priorities.
- Contributed to academic program administration and institutional operations across four University of Miami units and programs: International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), COISO, the Intensive English Program, and the Frost School of Music, serving 100+ students and participants. Applied university policies, academic standards, and institutional procedures while supporting strategic planning, enrollment and orientation initiatives, scheduling, resource allocation, budget and expenditure analysis, educational access, international education, stakeholder engagement, program implementation, and operational problem-solving. Supported academic coordination through digital productivity platforms, collaborative communication, records organization, and data-informed administrative practices.
- Led applied research, needs assessments, program evaluation, and data-informed student-success initiatives addressing enrollment, orientation, engagement, belonging, persistence, retention, international education, leadership development, and degree completion. Collected and analyzed qualitative and quantitative evidence, assessment findings, organizational data, and stakeholder feedback using digital documentation, spreadsheet analysis, and reporting resources to identify institutional needs, evaluate program effectiveness, document outcomes, develop educational proposals, and strengthen evidence-based decision-making.
- Collaborated with faculty, administrators, university leaders, and cross-functional stakeholders on curriculum and program development, organizational analysis, strategic priorities, educational partnerships, stakeholder engagement, digital learning, institutional communication, and program evaluation. Developed and organized websites, multimedia resources, presentations, assessment instruments, research findings, educational documentation, and implementation recommendations using digital content-development and collaborative platforms. Maintained curriculum, program data, research evidence, and implementation materials to support consistent delivery, institutional learning, knowledge sharing, scalability, academic innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Founded, launched, and directed a technology-supported educational organization delivering in-person, virtual, and hybrid academic, language, music, enrichment, summer, and after-school programs. Led the complete program lifecycle, including needs assessment, strategic planning, concept and proposal development, curriculum design, pricing, budgeting, enrollment, staffing, technology implementation, marketing, program launch, instructional delivery, assessment, documentation, and continuous improvement. Translated complex academic and creative concepts into differentiated, technology-enhanced learning experiences responsive to diverse learner needs and organizational priorities.
- Designed and delivered interactive in-person, virtual, and hybrid courses, workshops, interdisciplinary projects, and experiential learning opportunities. Integrated educational platforms, online learning environments, multimedia production, digital storytelling, web development, interactive presentations, virtual collaboration, differentiated instruction, and individualized learning pathways to maximize engagement and achieve defined learning objectives. Developed instructional materials and digital resources using productivity platforms, presentation tools, multimedia technologies, and web-based educational applications.
- Directed employee recruitment, onboarding, staffing, scheduling, supervision, mentoring, professional development, and performance evaluation. Implemented Microsoft Power Automate and digital workflow automation to streamline employee onboarding, coordinate personnel documentation, track onboarding tasks, manage administrative approvals, facilitate staff communication, and monitor operational deadlines. Integrated Microsoft 365 and digital productivity platforms to improve employee records management, personnel coordination, administrative efficiency, organizational collaboration, and continuous process improvement while establishing instructional standards and maintaining educational quality.
- Directed organizational budgets, financial and operational planning, resource allocation, pricing, expenditures, enrollment, staffing, events, marketing, communications, and program sustainability. Developed and presented educational proposals, projects, programs, and services adopted, funded, purchased, and implemented by stakeholders. Cultivated relationships with families, partners, community stakeholders, and donors, securing donations and other organizational support. Applied digital productivity tools, spreadsheet-based records, web development, multimedia production, and digital marketing platforms to support financial oversight, operational coordination, institutional visibility, enrollment growth, and stakeholder engagement.
- Led program assessment, data collection, documentation, and continuous improvement through pre-/post-assessments, participant performance, enrollment and retention indicators, instructor effectiveness, stakeholder feedback, and educational outcomes. Managed digital educational platforms, websites, program records, curriculum materials, assessments, administrative documentation, and implementation resources. Organized operational data, institutional knowledge, and evidence to enhance instructional quality, employee and administrative workflows, stakeholder experience, organizational decision-making, program scalability, and long-term sustainability.
- Designed and delivered bilingual, technology-enhanced higher education curricula for diverse learners through Blackboard and Canvas, establishing measurable objectives and translating complex language, academic, and professional concepts into practical applications through differentiated instruction, interactive activities, authentic projects, assessments, and digital learning resources built with Gamma, Visme, and Pitch.
- Facilitated engaging in-person, online, and hybrid learning through Zoom, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365, multimedia, collaborative activities, peer learning, and applied assignments; adapted instructional strategies, pacing, resources, and support to diverse learner needs, readiness levels, academic goals, and professional objectives, using Canva Magic Write to create supporting materials and Adobe Photoshop for visual resources.
- Used formative and summative assessments in GradePro, performance evidence, learner feedback, and individualized mentoring to monitor achievement of learning objectives, identify gaps, differentiate instruction, and support academic progression, college admission, interviews, educational pathways, persistence, and professional preparation; captured feedback sessions with Otter.
- Collaborated with faculty and students on curriculum alignment, educational access, instructional innovation, digital learning, academic progression, and continuous improvement, using assessment evidence and stakeholder feedback to strengthen teaching quality, engagement, student success, and transferable college and workforce skills.
- Designed and implemented standards-aligned curricula, measurable learning objectives, instructional resources, differentiated instruction, applied activities, assessments, and technology-enhanced learning for diverse learners, using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel and Google Workspace for lesson materials and tracking.
- Facilitated student-centered, culturally responsive, collaborative, experiential, and digital learning experiences through Canvas or Blackboard and Zoom, supporting communication, critical thinking, engagement, academic achievement, and college and workforce readiness.
- Used formative and summative assessments in GradePro and student-performance data to identify learning gaps, adapt instructional approaches, provide individualized support and feedback with Adobe Photoshop-designed visual aids, and measure achievement of learning objectives.
- Collaborated with faculty to strengthen curriculum alignment, instructional quality, inclusion, shared educational practices, academic progression, and continuous improvement.
DOCTORAL RESEARCH, SCHOLARLY WORK AND HIGHER EDUCATION PROJECTS
- Designed, published, and implemented a research-based 10-module AI Literacy and Ethics Toolkit and related training modules, translating complex AI, ethics, governance, privacy, bias, academic integrity, transparency, accessibility, digital equity, and human-oversight concepts into practical learning and institutional applications. Developed module content, visuals, and video with Gamma, NotebookLM, Claude, Canva Magic Write, Visme, Pitch, Adobe Firefly, and Sora. Implemented the framework at Universidad Andrés Bello to align university leaders, program directors, administrators, faculty, educators, and graduate students around responsible AI literacy, ethical practices, emerging technologies, and shared educational objectives.
- Developed structured learning objectives, module sequences, workshops, webinars, case studies, ethical scenarios, reflective activities, assessments, faculty and student guidance, administrative planning resources, and technology-enhanced learning materials available through web-based, downloadable, mobile-friendly, low-bandwidth, offline, and LMS-compatible formats, using Adobe Dreamweaver and Photoshop for web-based and downloadable resources and Canvas and Blackboard for LMS-compatible formats.
- Implemented selected modules through graduate education, faculty-development seminars, webinars, and professional workshops at Universidad Andrés Bello over two consecutive years, reaching approximately 50 workshop participants and 15–20 graduate students per course. Facilitated applied learning through Zoom that moved participants from research and theory to practical implementation while addressing stakeholder needs and real-world educational challenges.
- Used pre- and post-assessments, applied activities, ethical scenarios, learning outcomes, and participant feedback to evaluate AI literacy, confidence, ethical awareness, instructional readiness, and opportunities for improvement. Assessed outcomes in GradePro and organized assessment data in Excel, Microsoft Lists, and SharePoint, and captured session summaries with Otter. Documented curriculum, instructional models, delivery approaches, assessments, stakeholder guidance, implementation frameworks, findings, and lessons learned to support future cohorts, train-the-trainer approaches, institutional partnerships, replication, scalability, and continuous improvement.
- 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. Synthesized literature and evidence with NotebookLM and Claude, and captured interviews and meetings with Otter.
- 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, using Dreamweaver and Photoshop for web-based and PDF formats and Canvas and Blackboard for LMS-compatible formats.
- 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, responsible technology adoption, and continuous improvement. Analyzed assessment data in Excel and created the toolkit's visuals and presentations with Gamma, Visme, and Pitch.
- Proposed and implemented 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.
- Created a technology-responsive student-success app connecting students with faculty members, university leaders, campus services, peers, student organizations, professional-development opportunities, and institutional resources, designing its workflows and connectivity with Microsoft Power Automate, SharePoint, Microsoft Lists, and Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.
- 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, with prototype and recommendation visuals built in Canva, Visme, Pitch, and Gamma and app and branding concepts developed in Adobe Photoshop and Dreamweaver.
- Developed an institutional initiative addressing multiculturalism, intersectionality, community psychology, decolonization, international education, and equitable access to university services and opportunities, conducting cross-cultural outreach through Zoom and other virtual collaboration platforms.
- Examined barriers affecting international and multicultural students' communication, belonging, institutional navigation, participation, leadership development, and access to academic and student-support resources, capturing stakeholder discussions with Otter.
- Proposed culturally responsive strategies to strengthen orientation, outreach, cross-cultural communication, student engagement, institutional relationships, and service delivery, coordinated through Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.
- Translated research and student-development theory into practical recommendations for academic leaders, faculty members, student-affairs professionals, and multicultural education stakeholders, presented with Visme, Pitch, Gamma, and Canva Magic Write.
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
- Digital Platforms, Productivity & Institutional Workflows: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Microsoft Power Automate, SharePoint, Microsoft Lists, and digital workflow automation to enhance institutional efficiency, faculty onboarding, academic operations, data management, collaboration, and process improvement.
- Learning Management & Educational Technologies: Canvas, Blackboard, Zoom, GradePro, and technology-enhanced instructional platforms supporting online, hybrid, and in-person learning.
- Digital Content & Web Development: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Dreamweaver, multimedia production, interactive presentations, digital storytelling, and instructional content development.
- Virtual Collaboration & Academic Communication: Online learning environments, professional networking, digital communication, virtual collaboration, and technology-enhanced course delivery.
- Generative AI & Emerging Technologies: ChatGPT, Gamma, NotebookLM, Sora, Adobe Firefly, Claude, Canva Magic Write, Flora, Visme, Pitch, and Otter for AI-assisted instructional design, content creation, research support, productivity, and academic innovation.
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
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE
- Lead educational, camp, outreach, and community-based initiatives serving youth who benefit from mentorship, healthy alternatives, experiential learning, encouragement, and supportive relationships; support program development, participant engagement, and inclusive learning opportunities that strengthen youth development and access to community resources. Use Canva Magic Write, Visme, Pitch, Gamma, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Firefly to create program flyers, event promotion, and presentations; track participants in Microsoft Lists or SharePoint.
- Plan and implement programs and special events designed to strengthen engagement, leadership development, service, personal growth, fellowship, and community connection; coordinate activity planning, scheduling, and logistical needs to support effective program delivery and alignment with community priorities. Schedule and coordinate through Zoom, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365, and document meeting notes with Otter.
- Collaborate with founder, leaders, members, families, and volunteers to coordinate activities, align services with participant needs, and maximize community support; strengthen stakeholder communication, volunteer collaboration, and outreach to support responsive programming and sustained participation. Manage volunteer and family communication via Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, and track volunteer rosters in Microsoft Lists or SharePoint.
- Mentor participants through faith-based and relationship-centered programming that promotes confidence, belonging, responsibility, collaboration, and meaningful engagement; provide individualized encouragement and guidance to support personal goal setting, leadership skills, and continued involvement in educational and community activities. Share short video storytelling of program highlights using Sora where it supports engagement.
AWARDS, HONORS, AND ACADEMIC DISTINCTIONS
Degree Honor
Award of Academic Merit, University of Miami, 2026
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
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 | Advanced English | French | Latin
REFERENCES
Dr. Silvina Zapata
Clinical Associate Professor of Education & Program Director, Master's in Teaching English as a Foreign Language / Universidad Andrés Bello / szapata@unab.cl / Program Director and Direct Supervisor
Dr. Andrea Botero
University of Miami / Abotero@miami.edu / Former Professor
Dr. Jack Vertovec
Senior Research Associate, Behavioral Science Research Institute (BSRI) / University of Miami / jvertovec@bsrinstitute.org / Dissertation Committee Member
Thomas A. Pear
Lecturer and Researcher, Intensive English Program / University of Miami / tap172@miami.edu / Co-instructor and Research Collaborator
PUBLISHED RESEARCH
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LITERACY AND ETHICS FOR UNDER-RESOURCED HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
By Dr. Laura Wise
A DISSERTATION
Coral Gables, Florida | July 2026
©2026 Laura Wise | All Rights Reserved
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI — Dissertation Approval
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, Behavioral Science Research Institute (BSRI)
___________________________
Scotney D. Evans, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Education
___________________________
Dean of the Graduate School
University of Miami
Abstract of a dissertation at the University of Miami
Dissertation supervised by: Dr. Carol-Anne Phekoo
Degree: Ed.D., Higher Education Leadership
No. of pages: 65 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
From a comprehensive meta-review of AI adoption in higher education
Studies reporting ethical gaps in AI adoption
Cited lack of ethics as a primary barrier
Institutions with weak AI frameworks
Students using AI tools
Students receiving AI training
Institutions providing AI guidance
Faculty needing AI training
Institutions not promoting ethical AI
Faculty supporting ethics instruction
Studies reporting positive effects of AI ethics instruction
Improved learning outcomes with structured AI ethics
Sources: Bond et al., 2024; Alnsour et al., 2025; UNESCO, 2023; Bennett et al., 2025
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:
Strengthen Institutional Capacity
Equip students, faculty, administrators, and leaders with ethical AI frameworks
Support Responsible AI Integration
Address governance, academic integrity, privacy, bias, and transparency
Promote Equitable Student Success
Ensure digital equity and accessible AI education for all learners
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
Toolkit Summary
Overview
Audience
The toolkit serves four primary stakeholder groups, each with a dedicated learning pathway:
🎓 Students
Build AI literacy, avoid plagiarism, develop ethical reasoning.
Pathway: Pre-Assessment → Modules 1, 2, 3, 6 → Ethical AI Rubric → Post-Assessment
👩🏫 Faculty
Integrate ethical AI into course design, assignments, and grading.
Pathway: Module 1 → Modules 2, 3, 4 → Assessment Examples → Rubric → Module 10
🏛️ Administrators
Develop governance policies and scalable AI literacy programs.
Pathway: Module 5 → Modules 4, 10 → Governance Framework → Task Force
💻 IT Staff
Vet AI tools, ensure FERPA/GDPR compliance, manage data agreements.
Structure: 10 Scaffolded Training Modules
Module 1: Foundations of Ethical AI
Core principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability. Includes case studies (Amazon hiring bias), debates, and activities. For all stakeholders.
Module 1 (Continued): AI Literacy & Ethics in the Classroom
Faculty-focused extension covering ethical AI writing workflows, academic integrity protection, critical thinking preservation, and case study-based learning (COMPAS, deepfakes, student AI essays).
Module 2: Bias and Critical Evaluation
Develops ability to critically assess AI outputs for accuracy, bias, and hallucinations. Teaches the SIFT method (Stop, Investigate, Find better sources, Trace claims). For students and faculty.
Module 3: Responsible Data Practices
Ethical frameworks for data handling: informed consent, privacy, data security, data minimization. Covers FERPA risks with tools like Otter.ai. For students, faculty, and IT staff.
Module 4: Legal and Ethical Frameworks
Working knowledge of GDPR, EU AI Act, FERPA, UNESCO AI Ethics, and IEEE Ethically Aligned Design. For administrators, faculty, and IT staff.
Module 5: Governance and Multidisciplinary Task Force
Institutional AI oversight structures, task force roles and responsibilities, policy development, and annual review processes. For administrators (primary), faculty, and IT staff.
Module 6: Applied Ethical Practice
Bridges theory and practice through real-world case studies (Amazon, facial recognition, COMPAS), ethical dilemmas (privacy vs. security, efficiency vs. equity), and scenario-based activities. Also covers AI business models, corporate interests, and potential harms including cognitive offloading, unequal access, vendor dependency, and hidden labor.
Module 7: Assessment and Evaluation System
Pre- and post-assessment tools using the AT-EAI Likert-scale instrument (17 items) to measure growth in AI literacy, ethical reasoning, and critical thinking. Deployable via LMS. For faculty and administrators.
Module 8: Ethical AI Rubric (Evaluation Framework)
Standardized rubric assessing four criteria (Accuracy & Critical Evaluation, Bias Awareness, Transparency & Citation, Responsible Use) across four performance levels (Emerging → Developing → Proficient → Advanced). Includes a full descriptor table and 10 ready-to-use faculty assessment examples (essays, bias analysis papers, policy briefs, AI audits, oral defenses, discussion boards, etc.).
Module 9: Core AI Tools and Ethical Use
Step-by-step ethical workflows for 10 widely used AI tools: ChatGPT, Google NotebookLM, OpenAI Sora, Adobe Firefly, Gamma, Otter.ai, Canva Magic Write, Flora AI, Visme, and Pitch. Ethics embedded throughout, not treated as an add-on.
Module 10: Implementation, Alignment, and Continuous Improvement
Step-by-step faculty and administrator implementation guides, task force annual review process, and continuous improvement framework. Designed for plug-and-play use with free tools and LMS integration.
Supporting Resources
Pre-Assessment Survey
Completed before engaging with the toolkit. Includes a 6-item Likert self-rating scale, prior AI tool experience checklist, and 3 short-response questions. Establishes baseline AI literacy.
Post-Assessment Survey
Completed after the toolkit. Mirrors the pre-assessment for growth comparison. Includes an applied scenario task (ChatGPT hallucination case), 5 reflection questions, and 4-item toolkit feedback rating scale.
AI Disclosure Statement Guidelines
Author-developed templates for students, faculty/professionals, and a "no AI used" statement. Designed as an educational and ethical practice, not a punishment tool. Includes ethical reflection questions and a toolkit purpose statement.
Practical Classroom Guide
Faculty-focused guide covering how to teach ethical AI use, AI citation standards (APA 7th), AI-resistant assignment design, real-world case studies, and critical thinking strategies (Critique-First Method, Socratic AI Dialogue, Revision as Learning).
Stakeholder Implementation Examples
Concrete examples of how each group uses the toolkit in practice across higher education.
References
Extensive peer-reviewed bibliography spanning AI ethics & bias, AI in higher education, legal & policy frameworks, and assessment & literacy literature.
Key Design Principles
Open-access and free to use
Mobile-friendly and low-bandwidth
No prior AI expertise required
Designed for under-resourced institutions
Plug-and-play modules deployable via LMS, PDF, or direct link
Grounded in peer-reviewed research and doctoral scholarship
Continuous improvement built in via annual task force review
Copyright
How to Use This Toolkit
Choose your pathway — each module is labeled by audience.
🎓 STUDENT PATHWAY
Start Here: Pre-Assessment → Modules 1, 2, 3, 6 → Ethical AI Rubric → Post-Assessment
👩🏫 FACULTY PATHWAY
Start Here: Module 1 → Modules 2, 3, 4 → Assessment Examples → Rubric → Module 10
🏛️ ADMINISTRATOR PATHWAY
Start Here: Module 5 → Modules 4, 10 → Governance Framework → Task Force
All modules are open-access, mobile-friendly, and require no prior AI expertise. © Laura Wise.
LAURA WISE, Ed.D.