FLARE AI
Future Literacy and AI Readiness in Education

Team

Meet the people behind this national initiative to advance AI literacy in secondary school libraries. Our team brings together expertise in school librarianship, information science, and AI education to co-design practical, open-access resources shaped by librarians’ real-world needs.

Team
Dr. Ehsan Mohammadi

Dr. Ehsan Mohammadi

Associate Professor

Co-PI

University of South Carolina

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Ehsan applies AI, big data, and computational methods to questions in information science and digital environments. His work includes analytics using quantitative and qualitative approaches to understand how people create, share, and use information online. He leads the project’s AI content to ensure concepts are accurate, current, and accessible for school librarians.

Dr. Jennifer Moore

Dr. Jennifer Moore

Associate Professor

Co-PI

University of South Carolina

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Jennifer focuses on school librarianship education, evidence-based practice, and curriculum development for library and learning contexts. Her work centers on designing instruction that helps librarians teach emerging literacies and support student learning. She leads the project’s research and curriculum development to ensure materials are practical, adaptable, and aligned with secondary school library needs.

Quynh Nguyen

Quynh Nguyen

PhD Student

Research Assistant

University of South Carolina

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Quynh is a PhD student at the University of South Carolina who is interested in how data and technology address contemporary information challenges. She is excited to work on interdisciplinary projects that connect people, data, and technological systems.

Samaneh Borji

Samaneh Borji

PhD Student

Research Assistant

University of South Carolina

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Samaneh has a background in computer science, teaching, communication, and research. She builds bridges between computer science and information science, with a focus on AI literacy, information literacy, and helping people navigate mass information and avoid misleading content.

Amirreza Kalantari

Amirreza Kalantari

PhD Student

Research Assistant

University of South Carolina

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Amirreza joined the School of Information Science at the University of South Carolina in August 2024. His research interests include human centered AI, information behavior, and computational methods for studying digital information spaces.

Jean Darnell

Jean Darnell

Director of Library Sciences

Advisory Board

School District of Philadelphia

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Jean supports school library programs with a focus on responsible technology use and ethical decision-making around AI. Her work emphasizes practical guidance that helps educators and students navigate AI thoughtfully. She advises on ethics-informed implementation and helps keep the curriculum relevant to real school library practice.

Elissa Malespina

Elissa Malespina

NJ 7-12 School Librarian and District Library Coordinator

Advisory Board

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Elissa works at the intersection of school libraries, instructional technology, and AI in education. Her practice and writing focus on how librarians can lead AI-aware teaching and learning in schools. She advises on classroom-ready integration and helps ensure the curriculum fits day-to-day library instruction.

Verity Olliff

Verity Olliff

High School Librarian and Instructional Technology Coach

Advisory Board

Rio Mesa High School

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Verity supports teaching and learning as a school librarian and instructional technology coach. Her work includes reviewing and implementing curriculum that builds digital and AI-related literacies for students. She provides feedback on usability, pacing, and instructional effectiveness for secondary school settings.

Dr. Souvick Ghosh

Dr. Souvick Ghosh

Associate Professor

Consultant

San José State University

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Souvick studies AI-driven information systems and how people interact with AI in library and learning contexts. His work emphasizes human-centered approaches to designing and evaluating AI-supported services and instruction. He advises on integrating AI literacy into library settings and supports the development of curriculum assessment approaches.

Dr. Alamir Novin

Dr. Alamir Novin

Assistant Professor

Consultant

University of South Carolina

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Alamir examines cognition, information behavior, and user experience in the ways people seek, interpret, and apply information. His work helps translate behavioral insights into effective learning and system design. He advises on learner-centered instructional strategies and how secondary students understand and interact with AI.

Dr. Viviana C. Zambrano Rodriguez

Dr. Viviana C. Zambrano Rodriguez

Research Assistant Professor

Consultant

University of South Carolina

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Viviana focuses on health communication research and evidence-based messaging to strengthen public health and social impact efforts. She studies how people make decisions that shape health outcomes and turn those insights into clear, practical communication strategies. She contributes to research and message development to ensure materials are culturally responsive, person-centered, and adaptable for diverse communities.