Meet Our Team

Meet the innovative minds behind our AI education projects, combining expertise in technology, education, and research. Our team is dedicated to advancing education through innovative AI solutions and collaborative partnerships.

Jenifer Jasinski Schneider, Ph.D.

Jenifer Jasinski Schneider, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Education

Expert in literacy education and children's literature with experience in K–12 writing development, arts-based literacy approaches, and digital literacies. Former Fulbright Scholar and long-time director of the Suncoast Young Authors Celebration.

Zafer Unal, Ph.D.

Professor & Associate Dean

Professor of Education and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies at the University of South Florida's College of Education. Oversees undergraduate academic programs and leads strategic initiatives focused on student success, curriculum transformation, and career readiness. His research focuses on developing web and mobile applications to enhance student learning, exploring AI use in education, and creating educational tools for classroom management and assessment.

Zafer Unal, Ph.D.
Stephanie Arthur, Ph.D.

Stephanie Arthur, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Science Education

Expert in Science and STEAM Education with a focus on inclusive pedagogy for STEM teacher preparation. Leads research and development in generative AI to support teaching and learning, and builds innovative community partnerships.

Leah Burger, Ph.D. Candidate

Doctoral Candidate, Literacy Studies

Doctoral candidate specializing in children's digital literacies with emphasis on virtual reality and generative AI. Former classroom teacher, certified teacher-consultant with the Tampa Bay Writing Project, and two-time USF Trailblazer Scholar.

Leah Burger
Nithin Palyam

Nithin Palyam

Research Assistant

Computer engineering graduate student with expertise in computer hardware, software systems, and programming languages including Java, C++, Python, and C#. Experienced in full-stack development, database design, and software engineering.