Adjunct Professor’s AI Research Has Positive Impact

With more than 20 years of experience as a higher education data and analytics professional, Omar Lopez, an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Core Studies at St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, is currently making a difference through his artificial intelligence (AI) research.

“Every day, we see AI influencing and integrating with our world. It impacts how we live, learn, work, and produce,” said Aliya E. Holmes, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Innovation and Partnerships, The School of Education. “Having experts and researchers in critical spaces, like Omar, who are knowledgeable about both the technical side of AI and the impact on the human individual, is essential to the preservation of humanity. I am delighted to see his work evolve and to know his efforts are positively impacting students and teachers around the world.”

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in The School of Education, his research examines data governance and the privacy-versus-convenience tradeoff in AI-enabled education tools. In December, his article “AI on Campus, Dignity at Stake: Stakeholder Voices and an Action Plan for Consent, Transparency, and Repair,” was published in the Journal of Vincentian Social Action (Vol. 8, Issue 1). It proposes a five-part, dignity-first framework for how institutions can adopt AI responsibly.

One of the experiences that brings him much pride is organizing College Day. Now in its second year, St. John’s First-Year Seminar students lead high school students through hands-on workshops on responsible AI use, covering topics such as AI sourcing, checking for bias in AI-generated material, and recognizing when AI crosses the line into academic dishonesty.

“This program is rooted in the same research and values that shape my scholarship,” Mr. Lopez explained. “Seeing students teach students about dignity and technology is a powerful reminder of why this work matters.”

He has had meaningful opportunities to bring his work to broader audiences. In the Summer of 2025, he presented on the topic, “Empowering Ethical Digital Citizens: Integrating AI & Data Privacy into Higher Education” at the Association of Student Affairs at Catholic Colleges and Universities’ 2025 Annual Conference held at St. John’s. In the fall, he presented at the Interdisciplinary Symposium on Artificial Intelligence in Our Lives.

Mr. Lopez's influence extends beyond the university setting. In January, Mr. Lopez delivered a concurrent session at the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities’ 2026 Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, presenting to provosts and student affairs officers from Catholic colleges and Universities across the country on integrating AI with institutional mission. Building on his expanding portfolio of presentations and scholarly work, he established a consulting practice that provides AI literacy professional development to educators at the K-5, middle school, high school, and college levels. His workshops address several key topics, with a primary focus on data privacy and ethics, including clear guidance on FERPA compliance when utilizing AI. Bedford Stuyvesant New Beginnings Charter School in Brooklyn, NY, is among the institutions with which he has collaborated, and BSNBCS is now entering its second year as a partner school in the College Day event. Mr. Lopez intends to broaden the program to include additional schools in the near future.

"Mr. Lopez embodies The School of Education’s commitment to rigorous scholarship that serves others. His research on AI, data governance, and human dignity informs and supports college students, K-12 teachers, and institutional leaders nationwide. As AI transforms education, he ensures that those most affected have knowledgeable advocates. The School of Education is proud to support his development as a scholar, teacher, and national voice," said James D. Wolfinger, Ph.D., Dean of The School of Education.