She/Her
What expertise will you bring to AI?
I hold an MA in International Business Management and Business Law, which provided me with a robust foundation in analysing complex organisational and regulatory frameworks. My research has examined the effectiveness of the UK’s gender pay gap legislation during the COVID-19 pandemic. I also earned a PGDE in Leadership in Education through the Teach First graduate programme, during which I taught Business Studies and IT full-time in a secondary school. It was while witnessing my students use of generative AI that my passion for AI—and its transformative potential in education—was ignited. My final PGDE project investigated how AI could be leveraged to reduce teacher workload and enhance recruitment and retention, with the overarching aim of fostering a more equitable education system.
Research Interests
My current research focuses on the impact of AI on higher education, particularly exploring its effects on international students. I am deeply interested in how generative AI may contribute to or alleviate disparities in academic achievement, bridge cultural differences and improve student well-being, especially among diverse student populations. My academic interests also extend to participatory design, AI ethics, AI safety, pluralism, and pluriversalism, as well as the broader implications of these themes for safety and fairness within educational settings. This interdisciplinary perspective enables me to approach AI not merely as a technical innovation but as a socio-political phenomenon that must be critically examined and responsibly integrated into higher education.
What made you want to apply for CCAI?
I was drawn to CCAI by its commitment to exploring the dynamic interplay between citizens and AI, and its dedication to unearthing how AI can serve the public good. The comprehensive first year of training and professional development offered by the CCAI CDT is particularly appealing, as it provides a solid foundation in AI fundamentals while allowing the flexibility to pursue my diverse research interests before settling on a thesis topic. The interdisciplinary approach of the programme aligns perfectly with my desire to examine AI from both sociological and technical perspectives, thereby contributing to a more safe and ethical integration of AI in society.
What are your ambitions for AI? How do you plan to change the world?
Over the next four years, I am eager to deepen my understanding of AI’s role in society and to refine my perspectives on its ethical integration across various sectors. I am driven by the dual challenges and opportunities presented by the novel adoption of AI, and I aspire to play a role in ensuring that its implementation benefits all members of society. My ambition is to contribute to a more equitable and ethical AI landscape through rigorous research and critical analysis, championing participatory design and frameworks that address systemic inequities. Ultimately, I aim to be among the academics who work diligently to understand, control, and harness AI in ways that promote fairness, safety and accountability.
Contact information: rochelle.campbell-esen@northumbria.ac.uk
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