Teaching with AI
at Rice: From
Curiosity to Confidence

About the Professor

Kathleen Perley

Kathleen Perley is a linguist-turned-entrepreneur and an expert in artificial intelligence integration. As faculty and AI advisor at Rice Business, she teaches executives and students about AI strategy and implementation, while also advising university leadership on AI adoption and education. Outside of academia, she is the founder and CEO of DemystifAI, an AI consulting firm, and previously led AI integrations as Chief Innovation Officer at Unlock Health. Her approach to technology is informed by her background in linguistics and a mission to make AI approachable and actionable for organizations of all sizes.

Course Learning Outcomes

• Describe the foundational concepts of artificial intelligence—including machine learning, neural networks, and large language models—and their current capabilities across industries and higher education.
• Analyze the evolving impact of AI on knowledge work, the student experience, and the roles of faculty, staff, and institutions.
• Evaluate the ethical, pedagogical, and practical implications of AI tools, including language bias, data transparency, accessibility, and equity in academic settings.
• Demonstrate effective use of AI prompts and tool selection strategies to enhance teaching, advising, research, and student engagement.
• Apply AI integration strategies that support responsible innovation, improve learning outcomes, and align with institutional values of equity, inclusion, and excellence.
• Reflect on your professional role in preparing students to navigate and co-create an AI-enhanced future with curiosity, confidence, and integrity.