Dr. Beatrice Epwene is an associate teaching professor of communication at Penn State Harrisburg. With over 18 years of experience in the higher education classroom and several forays into the professional world, Dr. Epwene is a pioneering faculty member and researcher in the world of artificial intelligence.

With a Ph.D. in new media communication technologies, Dr. Epwene is never afraid to be at the forefront of emerging technologies. She was the first, at the time, to deploy X (formerly Twitter) for teaching and learning in her classroom. In the age of AI, it is no surprise that she is teaching pioneering courses in artificial intelligence at her university.

Dr. Epwene is particularly committed to expanding AI awareness and access among learners worldwide, believing that equitable AI literacy is essential in preventing future technological divides. Her work emphasizes that the next generation must not only use AI tools, but they must understand them, question their reach and possibilities, and shape their development responsibly. She is a zealous emissary for an AI-first world.

Jana Thomas has 20+ years of professional experience in marketing and communication, with a strong focus on multi-media campaign development and social media strategy and management, as well as extensive experience in university-level teaching, curriculum design, and online instruction. Her teaching career has centered on preparing students to communicate clearly, ethically, and effectively in professional, technical, and digital environments. 

Thomas is a Professor of Practice and Assistant Director for Strategic Initiatives in the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication at Kansas State University. She teaches a wide range of undergraduate courses focused on professional and technical communication skills, including digital content development, digital communication strategy and branding, social media management, and generative AI for media and communication professionals. She has also developed and administrated multiple academic programs and certificates designed to equip students with immediately applicable, industry-relevant skills.

Thomas also conducts research in the areas of adolescent media use, digital citizenship, social media trends, and topics that affect social media managers' well-being.

Christina Cadruvi is an award-winning professor, marketing strategist, and former nonprofit executive with over 20 years of experience leading high-impact campaigns that have generated more than $40 million in revenue. She teaches digital marketing, content strategy, and consumer behavior at Point Loma Nazarene University and was named Stukent’s Professor of the Month in June 2023.

Christina is a frequent speaker at national marketing conferences and an active researcher whose work has been published in top academic journals. Her passion for emerging technology and student success inspired her to create the Micro Module: AI in Marketing — a hands-on resource for teaching GenAI with confidence.