Biography

Jie Ke, PhD in Human Resource Development (HRD), is the Interim Director and an associate professor of HRD in the School of Lifelong Learning in the College of Education and Human Development at Jackson State University. One of her research areas is assessing and evaluating student learning effectiveness. She also guides and mentors undergraduate students conducting research to solve real-life problems in their workplaces using quantitative and qualitative research methods. One of her mentees was awarded first place in a research competition. Her recent research involves ethics and sustainability in AI-enabled education, training, and development. Dr. Ke’s recent publication on socially responsible AI, which proposed an inverted ethical framework in AI-powered programs and interventions, has been widely cited in related fields.

During the past decade, Dr. Ke has worked with numerous educators and researchers across disciplines on the JSU campus, particularly in the STEM field, and has significantly contributed to advancing STEM education through various research and instructional roles. As a Co-Principal Investigator on two National Science Foundation projects—one focused on utilizing natural language processing to assess cognitive and metacognitive processes in engineering learning, and another aimed at innovating writing-to-learning pedagogy—Dr. Ke is dedicated to exploring effective educational strategies that promote deep conceptual understanding and mindful learning in authentic settings.

In addition to her research, she served as a Faculty Instructional Designer on a multidisciplinary team under the First in the World Program, where she worked to transform STEM education practices. Her role as Co-Director of the Freshmen to PhD Program at the University of Pennsylvania further highlights her commitment to capacity building in minority-serving institutions. Furthermore, she has acted as an External Evaluator for two NSF-funded projects aimed at promoting active learning and collaborative practices in diverse STEM environments.

These contributions enhance her role in the proposed research center by demonstrating a strong foundation in innovative STEM education practices and evidence-based research. Her experience as a Co-Principal Investigator on significant NSF projects highlights her ability to secure funding and drive impactful research that addresses critical educational challenges. Working as a Faculty Instructional Designer and Co-Director of programs aimed at minority-serving institutions showcases her commitment to inclusivity and capacity building, which aligns with the center's goals of broadening participation and improving educational outcomes. Additionally, her experience as an External Evaluator equips her with the skills to assess and refine educational initiatives, ensuring they meet the needs of diverse learners. Together, these experiences position Dr. Ke to contribute valuable insights, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and promote sustainable educational innovations within the research center.