Project Team

Kristina Shiroma is an Assistant Professor in the School of Information Studies at Louisiana State University. She received her Ph.D. from the School of Information at the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to her Ph.D., she earned her BA in Literary Studies from the University of Texas at Dallas and her MLS through Texas Woman’s University. 

Kristina’s research is focused on aging and health information. Dedicated to advancing health justice, Kristina has worked on NIA and NSF-funded projects in collaboration with local libraries, senior centers, and other community organizations to facilitate eHealth literacy interventions in the community. At LSU School of Information Studies, she will combine her expertise in health information with her passion for community engagement to support healthy aging initiatives in Louisiana. 

Brooke Stafford is a Baton Rouge–based graduate student at Louisiana State University pursuing a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) with a Graduate Certificate in Archival Studies (CARST). She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Anthropology, History, and Leadership & Human Resource Development.

Her academic and professional interests are rooted in preserving cultural heritage, public education, and community engagement, with a particular focus on expanding equitable access to information for underserved and rural populations. Through her work in museum archives, volunteer literacy programs, and qualitative research, Brooke has developed a strong interest in how emerging technologies, such as AI, can be used ethically and inclusively to support learning, cultural memory, and lifelong access to knowledge.
Brooke is passionate about bridging research, public service, and community partnership to create accessible, empowering learning environments grounded in local experience.