Dr. Jyothi Vinjumur
Dr. Vinjumur is a Lecturer at the University of Texas, Austin and has many years of industry experience in AI, ML, Data Science and analytics. She has a PhD from the University of Maryland, College Park with specialization in Machine Learning.
Dr. Vinjumur is an AI researcher, educator, and a product leader with a deep passion for making Artificial Intelligence accessible, responsible, and impactful—especially for the next generation of learners. With over six years of experience in technical leadership and three years in product management, she has led multiple AI-driven solutions for multiple business segments that have transformed engineering workflows and generated significant cost savings.
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However, her greatest passion lies in education—particularly in empowering high school students with the knowledge and skills to understand, use, and innovate with AI responsibly. She strongly believe that today’s students will shape the future of AI, and it is essential that they learn not just how AI works, but also how to use it ethically, fairly, and safely. Through her work in Applied Machine Learning, Generative AI, and Intelligent Automation, she is committed to bring real-world experience into the classroom, making complex AI concepts engaging and approachable. Her teaching philosophy centers on strong conceptual foundations, hands-on learning, critical thinking, and real-world applications, ensuring that students go beyond theory to build and experiment with AI tools. Whether it’s building AI applications, understanding deep learning, or exploring AI’s role in society, our goal in 9to12AI is to equip young minds with the tools to navigate an AI-powered future—ethically, responsibly, and with relevance & confidence.
Dr. Vangelis Metsis
Dr. Metsis is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Texas State University and the Director of the Intelligent Multimodal Computing and Sensing (IMICS) Lab.
Dr. Metsis is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Texas State University and the Director of the Intelligent Multimodal Computing and Sensing (IMICS) Lab. Since joining the department in 2014, he has been deeply committed to inspiring the next generation of computer scientists, blending cutting-edge research with hands-on, student-centered learning.
Dr. Metsis brings a global perspective to his work. His research focuses on Machine Learning and Computer Vision, particularly in Smart Health, Pervasive Computing, Affective Computing, and Human-AR/VR Interaction. He thrives on exploring real-world applications of technology, helping students bridge theory with impactful innovations.
A dedicated mentor, Dr. Metsis has guided numerous Ph.D., Master's, and undergraduate students, instilling in them both technical expertise and a passion for discovery. His teaching spans everything from introductory programming to advanced machine learning and computer vision, ensuring that students of all levels gain the confidence and skills to excel. His commitment to education has earned him recognition, including the Alpha Chi Favorite Professor award in 2020.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Metsis is an active leader in the academic community, serving on prestigious conference committees, organizing workshops, and contributing extensively to top-tier journals. Above all, Dr. Metsis is passionate about empowering students—whether through groundbreaking research, engaging lectures, or hands-on mentorship. His enthusiasm for technology and education continues to shape the our future learners, one student at a time.