Illinois State faculty member selected as NSF NAIRR AI Education Fellow

• CAST Newsletter

• Author By University Staff
• March 19, 2026

The Computing Research Association (CRA) has announced Dr. Elahe Javadi, associate professor of Information Systems in the School of Information Technology at Illinois State University, will join the inaugural cohort of 25NSF NAIRR AI Education Fellows. Javadi was selected to join two dozen colleagues to serve as national ambassadors for advancing AI education through the NAIRR Pilot Classroom and the NAIRR Pilot Classroom Expansion AI EDU Research Coordination Network (RCN). In addition to her newest appointment, Javadi also currently chairs the School of IT's Curriculum Committee and co-chairs the AI Education mini-track at the Americas Conference on Information Systems (AMCIS).

"Dr. Javadi is a respected faculty member and leader in her field, bringing over a decade of experience in curriculum development," said Dr. Sherif Rashad, director of the School of Information Technology at Illinois State. "She maintains a consistent record of collaborating with student organizations, schools in Central Illinois, and community partners-such as libraries and museums-to expand access to AI education. I congratulate her on this appointment and appreciate her influence is being recognized by CRA as a faculty leader advancing undergraduate AI education and expanding access to AI teaching resources nationwide."

Representing 23 states across the United States, the cohort reflects a broad geographic and institutional reach-spanning public and private universities, community colleges, and a wide range of higher education settings. Together, these Fellows will help expand access to high-quality AI education resources and foster a national community of practice focused on effective AI teaching.

"These Fellows will serve as ambassadors for AI education across the country, helping faculty and institutions leverage NAIRR resources to strengthen their courses and programs," said Jeff Forbes, director of Broadening Participation in Computing Initiatives at CRA and lead for the NAIRR AI Education initiative. "By elevating their leadership and connecting them nationally, we're amplifying both their impact and the broader goals of the NAIRR AI Education program."

Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the NSF NAIRR AI Education Fellowship at CRA brings together faculty champions committed to strengthening undergraduate AI education. Fellows will pilot and adapt courses utilizing NAIRR Pilot Classroom resources, support faculty nationwide in integrating these materials into courses, and help shape the strategic direction of the NAIRR AI EDU RCN.

The fellowship term runs from March 2026-February 2027 and includes a $5,000 stipend and national visibility as leaders in AI education. Fellows will lead monthly seminars, participate in strategic working meetings, and champion the adoption of AI education resources on their campuses and beyond.