Dr. Laura McNeill, Ph.D., is an assistant professor at the University of Alabama, specializing in artificial intelligence applications in higher education. She also serves as an instructional consultant for the University of Alabama’s Teaching Academy.
She has developed and teaches two pioneering AI courses: “Generative AI and Instructional Design” for graduate students and “Digital Minds: Your Generative AI Adventure Begins” for undergraduates. Dr. McNeill has published extensively on AI in education, with recent accepted publications including “Hands-On AI Education: Implementing a Practical Curriculum for Graduate Students” and “Generative AI in Instructional Design: Adoption, Benefits, and Best Practices.”
She is currently leading the AI-WISE (AI Workforce Integration and Skill Enhancement) project, a $30,000 grant focused on bridging the AI skills gap through industry-informed curriculum design, and is a sought-after speaker on AI integration in higher education, having delivered numerous presentations and workshops on generative AI tools and strategies for faculty development.
An active presenter at international conferences, Dr. McNeill has delivered workshops and talks on topics ranging from AI literacy to inclusive course design using generative AI. Her contributions have earned her multiple accolades, including the Presidential Designation for Excellence at the AECT International Convention.
Dr. McNeill is the author of ten books, including HarperCollins suspense novels Center of Gravity and Sister Dear. She also writes under the pen name, Lauren Clark.