Dr. Matthew Marino is a Professor of Exceptional Student Education at the University of Central Florida and Co-Director of the Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute. His research focuses on the intersection of technology, learning sciences, and special education, with an emphasis on using innovative digital tools to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. He has led and collaborated on numerous federally funded projects exploring technology-enhanced learning, digital assessment systems, and professional preparation programs for educators.

Dr. Marino is widely recognized for his contributions to Universal Design for Learning (UDL), STEM accessibility, and the design of technology-rich learning environments. He has published extensively in leading journals, served on national advisory boards, and partnered with schools and organizations to translate research into practice. His work continues to shape the future of technology integration in K–20 education, ensuring that advances in AI, digital learning, and assessment promote meaningful access and engagement for all learners.

Dr. Angelica Fulchini Scruggs is the Operations Director and Co-Principal Investigator of the Center for Innovation, Design, and Digital Learning (CIDDL) at the University of Kansas, Achievement & Assessment Institute. Her work focuses on advancing responsible and meaningful integration of artificial intelligence and educational technologies in PK–20 settings, with an emphasis on special education. She has extensive experience leading large-scale federal grants, managing multi-institutional collaborations, and building technical assistance frameworks that bridge research, practice, and policy. She works closely with faculty developers, service providers, and school leaders to design resources that support decision-making, professional learning, and system-level innovation. Dr. Scruggs continues to shape the national conversation on how AI can empower educators, improve learning opportunities for students with disabilities, and prepare institutions for the future of technology in society.

Dr. Eleazar "Trey" Vasquez III is an Operating Officer with the Achievement & Assessment Institute (AAI). Prior to joining AAI's leadership team, Vasquez was director of the Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute and Professor in the Exceptional Education program within the School of Teacher Education at the University of Central Florida. His current research focuses on the evaluation of academic and behavioral outcomes for students with disabilities and for students from cultural linguistic diverse backgrounds utilizing technology to enhance instruction. He has published several articles in the area of special education, rural education, technology, and teacher preparation. Further, he submitted and received external funding to support his research activities and has presented in state, national, and international conferences. Currently, he is collaborating with several faculty to develop innovative technologies for navigating issues related to disability.

James “Jamie” D. Basham, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas. His work is focused on developing future-ready learning environments that are beneficial and meaningful for all learners. His research is focused on the implementation of UDL, AI, STEM education, learner-centered design, innovation, and technology in human learning. He has received and managed over $27 million in federally and privately funded research and technical assistance projects, including the Center for Innovation, Design, and Digital Learning (CIDDL). He is well-published, has given hundreds of talks, and serves on various national and international boards for journals, companies, and education organizations.

Sean J. Smith, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas. He is also the Past-President of the technology division for the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), Innovations in Special Education Technology (ISET), and the President of the National Down syndrome Congress. Dr. Smith’s research interests focus on innovations and technology solutions to support struggling learners and those with disabilities, particularly interventions aligned with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Framework. At present, Dr. Smith is the Principal Investigator on three federally funded projects: 1) exploring the impact of mixed reality in social skill development, 2) improving writing outcomes through virtual coaching, and 3) automatic scoring through AI to engage and support student writing outcomes.

Sean has authored over 150 books and articles, given hundreds of scholarly presentations both nationally and internationally, and developed a number of technology-based solutions for educators. Dr. Smith, with a variety of collaborators, has received and managed over $30M of external research and development funds. He also received from the CEC’s divisions the Outstanding Service Award from Teacher Education Division (TED) and the Outstanding Journal Article Award from ISET. 

Dr. Lisa Dieker, is the Williamson Family Distinguished Professor of Special Education at the University of Kansas (KU) and is the parent and sibling of individuals with disabilities.  Dr. Dieker’s research focuses on harnessing the power of teachers working across a variety of settings, with her work focusing on teacher education, special education, and innovative uses of technology. Before KU, she was a Pegasus Professor at the University of Central Florida, serving as the Lockheed Martin Eminent Scholar, producing over 500 teacher leaders in STEM. She also coordinated the Ph.D. program in special education, advising over 100 students, 22  students with disabilities, and 34  from culturally diverse backgrounds. She has managed over 60 grants amounting to more than $30M. She has provided over 150 keynotes, produced seven books and over 100 articles and chapters, and served as an editor for four journals in the field. She holds six patents in simulation and education.  She has served as the national conference Co-Chair for the Council for Exceptional Children and in an elected position on the Innovation and Technology Committee for the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education and on eight journal review boards. She has been awarded the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC): the Children Advocacy Network Advocate of the Year Award; the Romaine P. Mackie Award from the Division of Legacy and Leadership (DLL); the Outstanding Service Award and the Outstanding Journal Article Award from Teacher Education Division (TED), the UCF Graduate Student Mentor of the Year Award, and the University of Illinois and Eastern Illinois University Outstanding Alumni of the Year Awards.

Dr. Olivia Fudge Coleman is an assistant professor of Exceptional Student Education in the School of Teacher Education at the University of Central Florida. She began her educational career as a teacher of middle school students with extensive support needs, and then transitioned to teaching third-grade students with and without disabilities. Her work focuses on improving educational programs and outcomes for students with extensive support needs through inclusive practices and technology-driven solutions, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). She has served as co-principal investigator on two U.S. Department of Education–funded grants that explore how AI can support teachers in delivering evidence-based multimedia instruction. She works closely with educators, school leaders, and researchers to design approaches that strengthen instructional quality, expand access to inclusive learning environments, and prepare students with disabilities for meaningful postsecondary opportunities. 

Samantha R. Goldman is an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Kansas and Co-Principal Investigator for Project AI SCORE. This project, which focuses on improving writing outcomes for middle schoolers with learning disabilities, explores how AI can be used to provide immediate feedback to students. She holds a Ph.D. in Special Education with a specialization in instructional design, technology, and innovation from the University of Kansas. Before entering academia, Dr. Goldman spent nine years as a special education teacher, with extensive experience in a wide variety of PK–12 service delivery models. Her research centers on integrating technology, specifically AI, with evidence-based practices to support struggling learners. She brings deep classroom experience, national leadership, and a commitment to practical, scalable solutions for inclusive instruction.