AI in academia
Inspiration
Dr. Ashley L. Dockens
The Academy gratefully acknowledges the support and inspiration of Dr. Ashley L. Dockens, Associate Provost for Academic Innovation and Digital Learning at Lamar University (USA), whose AI in Academia Series and related scholarship helped to shape our vision, as well as strengthen, and sustain our motivation. In 2025, AIEd Academy Inc was formally established as a specialized digital hub for RDEd, integrating expertise in AI policy, practice, research, gained in previous years to transform education in Africa through Research, Skilling, Upskilling, Reskilling, Digital Citizenship Education, Networking and Advocacy, as well as National, Regional, and Global Collaborations and Partnerships.
Presenters
Dr. Lawrence Mwenda Muriira
Dr. Lawrence Mwenda Muriira
Dr. Lawrence Mwenda Muriira
Doctor of Engineering in Computer Science,
Lecturer | Kenya Methodist University & Strathmore University | 2009 – Present,
Dean: USA-Africa AIEd Initiative,
Principal Investigator: USA-Africa AIEd Initiative 2026/2030: AIEd Needs Assessment, Research, and Training for Africa.
Dr. Muriira is a lecturer with interest in; Information System M
Doctor of Engineering in Computer Science,
Lecturer | Kenya Methodist University & Strathmore University | 2009 – Present,
Dean: USA-Africa AIEd Initiative,
Principal Investigator: USA-Africa AIEd Initiative 2026/2030: AIEd Needs Assessment, Research, and Training for Africa.
Dr. Muriira is a lecturer with interest in; Information System Management and Data Analytics especially, data correlation, and application of Deep Neural Networks for prediction.
His philosophy is firstly, utilizing Information Communication and Technology better by engaging it in research to meet society’s needs. Secondly, exploration of the evolving high performance computing and state-of-the-art communication initiatives to support the education’s information infrastructure.
Dr. Jotham Milimo Wasike
Dr. Lawrence Mwenda Muriira
Dr. Lawrence Mwenda Muriira
Director: USA-Africa AIEd Initiative: Librarianship and Information Science,
· Principal Investigator: USA-Africa AIEd Initiative 2026/2030: AIEd Librarianship and Information Science Needs Assessment, Research, and Training for Africa.
Dr. Jotham Milimo Wasike is a Senior Lecturer in Library and Information Science and Knowledge Manageme
Director: USA-Africa AIEd Initiative: Librarianship and Information Science,
· Principal Investigator: USA-Africa AIEd Initiative 2026/2030: AIEd Librarianship and Information Science Needs Assessment, Research, and Training for Africa.
Dr. Jotham Milimo Wasike is a Senior Lecturer in Library and Information Science and Knowledge Management at Kirinyaga University with a PhD and over 25 years of academic, research, and senior library leadership experience. His work focuses on applying AI, machine learning, and data analytics to transform library services, knowledge management, and digital research ecosystems. He has led major research projects, supervised MSc and PhD studies, and published widely on digital libraries, AI governance, information ethics, and technology policy.
David Otieno Omollo
David Otieno Omollo
David Otieno Omollo
- Is a doctoral student at Kisii university, Kenya pursuing a degree course in Curriculum, Media and Instruction., with a passion for re-imaginibg how education can Form, inForm and transForm learners through Digital Technologies such as AI.
- -Is currently part-timer at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (Curriculum and
- Is a doctoral student at Kisii university, Kenya pursuing a degree course in Curriculum, Media and Instruction., with a passion for re-imaginibg how education can Form, inForm and transForm learners through Digital Technologies such as AI.
- -Is currently part-timer at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (Curriculum and Instructional Technology Department).
- serves as director of David Rescue Mission (DRM), a CBO for Empowering youth, vulnerable children and underprivileged members of community.
- Authored a research paper in 2025 on
'AI as Predictor of Academic Self-efficacy."
Dr. Alyse Jordan
David Otieno Omollo
David Otieno Omollo
Dr. Alyse Jordan is a prominent thought leader in higher education, known for her diverse research interests that encompass artificial intelligence, mentorship, cultural literacy, talent development, and women's studies. She is dedicated to fostering collaborative decision-making and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. D
Dr. Alyse Jordan is a prominent thought leader in higher education, known for her diverse research interests that encompass artificial intelligence, mentorship, cultural literacy, talent development, and women's studies. She is dedicated to fostering collaborative decision-making and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Dr. Jordan consistently seeks growth opportunities, having participated in esteemed programs such as the Blockchain Council Certified Generative AI and Prompt Engineering, and the Harvard Institutes for Higher Education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Florida State University, a Specialist Degree in Library Science, and two master’s degrees in information studies and religion. She completed her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership at Nova Southeastern University. Beyond her academic endeavors, Alyse is actively engaged in community organizations, including the National Council of Negro Women and Rotary International.