Fellows
In the Media & AI Initiative, fellowship means being part of a dynamic community of innovators, educators, and industry leaders working together to shape the future of media and artificial intelligence. Fellows get to contribute their expertise, collaborate on cutting-edge projects, and help drive the Initiative’s mission to create meaningful impact at the intersection of technology and communication. It’s a chance to be at the forefront of innovation and make a real difference!​
The Leadership Council of the Media & AI Initiative is the governing body responsible for overseeing the Initiative's strategic priorities, governance, and resource allocation. It ensures alignment with the Initiative's mission, facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration, and makes key decisions on programs, partnerships, and membership. The council is composed of Founding Fellows, liaisons, and special members, collectively guiding the Initiative's growth and impact.
Leadership Council
Founding Fellow / Records Keeper
Scott Sherman
A Founding Fellow of the Media & AI Initiative is a key creator of the Initiative, holding a continued leadership position to provide stability, preserve its foundational vision and principles, and guide its mission to integrate artificial intelligence into communication fields.
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Robertson School Liaison
Peyton Rowe, MFA
The Robertson School Liaison represents the Robertson School on the Leadership Council, ensuring the Initiative aligns with the school’s strategic priorities and advocating for its growth and mission.
Industry Liasion
TBA
The Industry Liaison in the Media & AI Initiative brings real-world expertise and connections to the Leadership Council, bridging the gap between academia and industry. They play a key role in ensuring the Initiative stays relevant and impactful by sharing insights, fostering collaborations, and helping to address real-world challenges at the intersection of media and AI.
Founding Fellow / Chair
Joshua Smith, Ph.D.
A Founding Fellow of the Media & AI Initiative is a key creator of the Initiative, holding a continued leadership position to provide stability, preserve its foundational vision and principles, and guide its mission to integrate artificial intelligence into communication fields.
Affiliated Fellow / VCU Faculty Liaison
Marcus Messner, Ph.D.
The VCU Faculty Liaison represents interdisciplinary faculty perspectives on the Leadership Council, fostering collaboration across departments and supporting the integration of academic expertise into the Initiative’s goals.
Graduate Student Liasion
Nancy Kent Smith
The Graduate Student Liaison represents the voice of students on the Leadership Council, bringing fresh perspectives and ensuring student interests are part of the conversation. They help connect students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects and collaborations in media and AI, making their ideas and contributions a vital part of the Initiative's success.
Affiliated Fellows are high-performing members (students, faculty, or industry professionals) whose expertise and contributions advance the mission of the Media & AI Initiative. Appointed for a one-year term, they engage in mentorship, research, and collaboration that strengthen innovation and education in media and AI. Their impact is highlighted in the Initiative’s annual report, showcasing how their work directly benefits our shared goals.
Affiliated
Fellows
Affiliated Fellow (Research Focus)
Jin Chen, Ph.D.
Dr. Jin Chen is an assistant professor at the Robertson School of Communication at VCU. Dr. Chen studies the role and influence of artificial intelligence within communication and media contexts. Her research examines how people interact with and perceive AI technologies, and how these experiences shape adoption patterns, user engagement, and media consumption, using a combination of methodological approaches.
