Dr. Emily Barnes is a leader and researcher with over 15 years in higher education who's focused on using technology, AI and machine learning (ML) to innovate education and support women in STEM and leadership, imparting her expertise by teaching and developing related curricula.
Her academic research and operational strategies are informed by her educational background: a Ph.D. in artificial intelligence from Capitol Technology University, an Ed.D. in higher education administration from Maryville University, an M.L.I.S. from Indiana University Indianapolis and a B.A. in humanities and philosophy from Indiana University.
Most recently, Barnes served as the chief digital learning officer at Lindenwood University in Saint Charles, Missouri. At Lindenwood University, Barnes focused on crafting curricula that bridge technology with educational innovation. Her initiatives were designed with a keen emphasis on inclusivity and empowering women in STEM, aiming to mold a future generation of leaders and pioneers to navigate and shape a technologically advanced world. Barnes played a pivotal role in launching the institution's fifth college as well as re-engineering colleges, tackling crucial aspects, such as strategic planning, enrollment, financial aid, student engagement, curriculum innovation and infrastructural advancements. Those efforts were instrumental in shifting the institution's progressive evolution.
Her scholarly pursuits span the expansive realms of AI, ML, neurosymbolic AI, natural language processing (NLP) and bolstering women’s roles in STEM and academic leadership. Through speaking engagements, Barnes has enriched the discourse surrounding AI's educational impacts and the vital empowerment of women in STEM.
Barnes' approach is deeply rooted in the belief that education should embrace cutting-edge technologies and foster environments rich in diversity and open dialogue.
