AI in CSD: Panel Discussion with the CAPCSD AI Taskforce

Dr. Bou is a Senior Distinguished Scholar in Residence and the CSD Department Chair at Emerson College. Bou’s interests include higher education administration, academic accreditation, assessment, and compliance, phonological analysis, and treatment of SSD for Spanish populations. Dr. Bou's experience includes academic and clinical administration, research, clinical work, and teaching for the past 29 years.

Ashley L. Dockens, PhD, AuD, CCC-A, is the Associate Provost of Academic Innovation and Digital Learning at Lamar University, where she drives academic innovation and excellence. A recognized leader in educational AI, she directs all university AI initiatives and is a sought-after speaker and consultant on AI training and policy development for organizations. Dr. Dockens serves as the inaugural chair of the international AI Taskforce for the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Additionally, she serves on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Learning Technologies Advisory Council and the Texas Department of Information Resources AI User Group. She also works globally with educators in Africa through Project AIEd. Previously, she was Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Enhancement and directed the Doctor of Audiology program at Lamar University. Across all roles, Dr. Dockens demonstrates an unwavering commitment to advancing higher education through servant leadership.

Ramesh Kaipa serves as the Associate Dean of the College of Allied Health Sciences at the University of Cincinnati. His research centers on developing evidence-based treatment protocols for individuals with neurogenic speech disorders. Additionally, he is deeply committed to advancing the scholarship of teaching and learning, with a particular interest in the application of artificial intelligence in higher education.

Dr. Pitts is an associate professor in the Speech Language Hearing Sciences department at Loyola University MD. She enjoys teaching graduate and undergraduate students and the ocassional supervision. She recently completed 28 years at Loyola and is looking forward to finishing her career there.

Yunfang Zheng, Sc.D., M.D., CCC-A, is a full professor and the Audiology Division Director in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Central Michigan University. Dr. Zheng’s research interests include diagnostic audiology, amplification, cochlear implants, and aural rehabilitation, with the goal of improving the quality of life for individuals with hearing difficulties. She has delivered many scientific presentations at both national and international conferences and has published in internationally recognized professional journals. Her research has been supported by awards and grants from universities, industry partners, and professional associations. She has also mentored many doctoral research projects, most of which have received awards and funding.