This session presents an AI-enabled, experiential learning model designed to bridge the persistent gap between sustainability awareness and behavior change in higher education. While student awareness of sustainability issues is high, translating that awareness into meaningful action remains a challenge.

Developed within a graduate-level course at the University of Southern California, this model positions students as consultants working with real campus partners, including dining services, campus housing, and sustainability offices. Students design and implement social media strategies aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), using AI as a tool to support research, content creation, and evaluation.

AI is integrated throughout the process in practical and responsible ways, including audience insight generation, content development using generative tools, AI-assisted influencer identification, and the creation of custom GPTs to support applied learning and decision-making. The course culminates in client-facing presentations, where students deliver actionable sustainability communication strategies.

Grounded in experiential learning theory, this model emphasizes not only technical skill development but also critical thinking, ethical awareness, and the ability to navigate real-world ambiguity. Findings from student work and reflections suggest that AI is most effective when paired with narrative, cultural relevance, and trust-building strategies.

This session will share a replicable framework for integrating AI into sustainability education in ways that are human-centered, practical, and scalable. Attendees will gain insight into how to design courses, programs, or initiatives that move beyond awareness toward measurable engagement and behavior change.

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Presenters

Misha Kouzeh, Lecturer, Founder, Consultant, Podcast Host, University of Southern California (USC) Dr. Misha Kouzeh is a TEDx speaker, distinguished university lecturer, social entrepreneur, consultant and podcast host and producer with expertise in digital marketing, social impact and sustainability across three continents. For the past decade, she has worked with organizations such as Coca-Cola, Unilever, the United Nations’ World Health Organization as well as NASA, Stanford, University of Southern California (USC), University of California LA (UCLA), Cal State Universities and various nutrition technology and medical companies to leverage the power of marketing, social impact and education to drive positive change for purpose-driven brands. A recognized thought leader often referred to as “Digital Changemaker”, Dr. Kouzeh has spoken on global stages for over 15 organizations, including Sustainable Brands, the premier global community of brand innovators who are shaping the future of sustainable commerce worldwide. Dr. Kouzeh obtained a Doctorate degree in Education at University of Southern California (USC) and holds two Master of Science degrees from RSM Erasmus University and Wageningen University in Marketing Management and Nutrition & Health and a Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration from Erasmus University in the Netherlands. Located in Los Angeles, she obtained two UCLAx Certificates in Marketing and Sustainability and a Harvard certificate in Higher Education. She also serves as a member of advisory board for UCLA Extension, member of advisory council for Harvard Business Review, certified Climate Reality Leader, and several community organizations empowering individuals from youth to C-Suite executives to change the world.

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