The Artificial Intelligence Institute
Leadership Structure
The Institute is governed by a research-driven architecture, ensuring our ethical frameworks remain platform-agnostic and focused on the public good. We bridge the gap between technical innovation and moral purpose in K-12 education.
The Artificial Intelligence Institute operates as an independent research and development structure. While aligned with secure platforms such as Google for Education, OpenAI, Gemini, the Institute’s curriculum architecture remains platform-agnostic and research-driven.
Leadership Vision
Our leadership is steadfastly committed to a paradigm of responsible, human-centered AI education that prioritizes global justice, equity, and civic responsibility. We are dedicated to preparing learners and their communities with the critical frameworks needed to shape AI developments for the public good, ensuring that innovation remains grounded in moral purpose and collective well-being.
“Artificial Intelligence has already reached our children.
Ethical guidance has not. That is the work before us.”— R.A
Dr. Russell Knight
Senior Technologist of AI Systems, NASA/JPL 26-Year Architect of Mission-Critical Artificial Intelligence Dr. Russell Knight is a veteran AI systems architect with more than 26 years at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, leading mission-critical planning and autonomous technologies for space exploration. A pioneer in applied artificial intelligence, he now channels NASA-grade precision and systems thinking into advancing the future of AI education. Link to Dr Russel Bio: https://ai.jpl.nasa.gov/public/people/knight/
Richard Awni
Co‑Founder, Head of AI Governance
Co-Founder | Philanthropist AI Systems Prompt Engineer Architect of ethical AI literacy frameworks for K–12 education Richard Awni is an entrepreneur and systems architect recognized for leading at technology inflection points from early cellular market expansion and DirecTV strategic development to AT&T/Bell Laboratories security integration, renewable energy and storage systems, and founding one of the early U.S. electric mobility brands, Plug-n-Go Electrixx. Certified in advanced AI and prompt engineering, he designs scalable infrastructure across education and healthcare. He currently develops advanced AI documentation SaaS platforms deployed in hospital and acute rehabilitation environments while co-architecting ethical AI literacy frameworks for K–12 education.
Advisory Board
Alex Richardson
EAI System Deployment Architect
A pioneer in generative AI since its early emergence, Alex Richardson specializes in translating advanced AI capabilities into secure, scalable educational platforms. With a background in high-end design for global brands including Honda and BMW, he brings integrated layering expertise to the Institute’s framework.
Lea Ubas
Advisor, Educational Strategist
Lea Ubas brings classroom experience, cybersecurity expertise, and civic leadership to the Institute’s governance structure. A former educator and Glendale City Commissioner, she ensures the framework remains developmentally appropriate and aligned with community accountability.
Brandon Dorsky
Legal Counsel & Intellectual Property Advisor
AI Then & Now: Before AI Was Mainstream
In 2000, as media sought answers from NASA on the future of artificial intelligence, Dr. Russell Knight was selected to represent NASA and Jet Propulsion Laboratory, serving as a trusted voice on AI decades before it entered everyday classrooms.
Circa 2000, Dr. Russell Knight is interviewed by then–TV science reporter MacKenzie Scott, now one of the world’s most influential philanthropists capturing an early moment in AI’s public narrative.
Dr. Knight at JPL, circa 2000
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