AAMU Professor Recognized for Enhancing Student Engagement Through Ethical Use of AI

Dr. Miriam Garcia, associate professor of nutritional physiology in the Department of Food and Animal Sciences, has been named a recipient of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) Board on Agriculture Assembly’s Academic Programs Section (APS) Spring 2025 Innovative Teaching Awards.

Now in its 11th year, the biannual national award honors educators who demonstrate excellence and creativity in postsecondary teaching in agriculture and related fields. Garcia earned the award as Co-Principal Investigator of a project led by Dr. Zhiyong Cheng of the University of Florida, titled “Enhancing Experiential Learning via Artificial Intelligence-assisted Citizen Science.”

Since joining AAMU in Fall 2024, Garcia has actively pursued research-based strategies to increase student participation and learning outcomes. One such method includes an adapted Think-Pair-Share approach that has significantly improved student engagement, critical thinking, and collaborative discussion.

“I’ve always recognized that students are using artificial intelligence (AI) tools,” said Garcia. “Instead of ignoring it, I’ve guided them on how to use these technologies responsibly and ethically in academic work. This award will help us build a structured framework that supports ethical, effective use of AI in experiential learning and community outreach.”

The award provides a $5,000 grant, along with $1,000 in matching funds from the University of Florida (UF). The funds will support a part-time student assistant at UF, AI software licenses, and outreach through conferences and other dissemination efforts.

As part of the project, Garcia will introduce the Experiential Learning via AI-assisted Citizen Science (ELAICS) framework and the Credential, Collaboration, and Creation (CCC) module during the 2025–2026 academic year. Both are designed to deepen students' AI literacy, critical thinking, and real-world application of classroom knowledge.

Garcia teaches courses such as Introduction to Animal Bio-Health Sciences, Ruminant Animal Management, Nutrition and Metabolism, and Practicum I. She also mentors students and leads research in nutritional physiology, drawing from her rich background in both academia and the agricultural industry.

Originally from Peru, Garcia holds a B.S. in Engineering and M.S. in Animal Science from the National Agrarian University La Molina. She earned her Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from the University of Florida and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Maryland and Kansas State University. Before coming to AAMU, she spent six years leading industry-based research focused on animal nutrition and health.

“What I enjoy most about teaching is watching students connect theory to practice,” Garcia shared. “Seeing them build confidence, think critically, and prepare for real-world challenges is incredibly rewarding.”

She added this recognition opens new opportunities for cross-institutional collaborations to prepare students for a future where AI literacy is essential.

“It also positions us to pursue larger funding opportunities and contribute to innovative, inclusive teaching practices at Alabama A&M University.”