Center for Responsible AI Staff
Gabriella Waters - Director
Gabriella Waters is an artificial intelligence researcher committed to increasing the diversity of thought in technology. Her research explores human neurobiology and learning, the quantification of ethics in AI/ML systems, neuro-symbolic architectures, embodied AI, AI testing, evaluation, verification and validation (TEVV), and intelligent systems designed to enhance human-computer synergy. She is particularly focused on responsible technological innovation that supports neurodiverse populations and advances interdisciplinary approaches to AI. Gabriella also directs the Cognitive and Neurodiversity AI (CoNA) and Robotics and Digital Twin (RaDiT) Labs. Gabriella earned her Ph.D. in Human-Centered Computing from Morgan State University.
Maurice B. Jones - Associate Director of Operations
Maurice B. Jones leads operational strategy, learning logistics, and program execution, coordinating cross-functional initiatives that support research, workforce development, student engagement, and community partnerships. He brings more than a decade of experience spanning federal government, higher education, and public-sector leadership. Maurice also serves as an Adjunct Instructor teaching Freshman Studies, where his work in student success, curriculum implementation, and academic engagement informs his approach to aligning operational and learning initiatives with broader university priorities. Maurice is a proud three-time graduate of Virginia State University.
Sylvia D. Jones - Center Administrator
Sylvia D. Jones brings more than 23 years of state service and extensive experience in office and facilities management, human resources, business administration, and staff development. During more than 13 years at Virginia State University, she has served across the College of Agriculture, College of Business, and Office of the Provost. A two-time VSU graduate, Sylvia holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing and a Master of Arts in Economics with a concentration in Project Management. She has also completed professional development in leadership, entrepreneurship, and diversity and inclusion.
Joshua Olukoya - Software Engineer and AI Solutions Architect
Joshua Olukoya is a software engineer and AI solutions architect specializing in the design and deployment of scalable, AI-enabled systems. His expertise includes software engineering, cloud computing, distributed and data systems, and machine learning, with professional interests in responsible AI, explainable systems, cloud-native architectures, and accessible technologies. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with Computer Science from the University of Lagos and a Master of Science in Computer Science from Morgan State University.
Jasmine McKenzie - Research Associate
Jasmine McKenzie is a Human-Centered Computing researcher whose work focuses on health literacy and responsible AI. Her research examines how people use generative AI to understand health information and how AI-mediated technologies can support informed decision-making, equity, and access. Her broader research interests include AI ethics, AI literacy, and environmental sustainability. Jasmine is a Ph.D. candidate in Human-Centered Computing at the University of Florida.
Alaina Smith - Research Associate
Alaina Smith is a researcher in Human-Centered Computing whose work focuses on digital health and responsible AI. Her research explores the design and evaluation of AI-driven technologies that support health education, encourage positive behavior change, and improve equitable access to information and resources, particularly in underserved communities. Alaina is a Ph.D. candidate in Human-Centered Computing at the University of Florida.
Cesa Salaam - Affiliate Professor
Cesa Salaam is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Director of the Kafou AI Research Lab, and a CRA Trustworthy AI Research Fellow. His research focuses on natural language processing, responsible and trustworthy AI, fairness and bias mitigation, culturally contextualized AI, and AI governance. His work examines how culture, language, lived experience, and diverse ways of knowing can inform the development of more equitable and accountable AI systems. Cesa earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Howard University.
