Antonia Nikou is a special education teacher based in Kozani, dedicated to supporting students with diverse learning needs and abilities through individualized education plans, differentiated instruction, and inclusive learning environments. Beyond her classroom practice, she has participated in international and European professional development programs, presented at national and international conferences, and serves as a trainer for the Institute of Educational Policy in Greece. Her expertise in educational technology has been recognized internationally with a Best Project Award in the category Fostering Creativity in Classrooms with ICT at the Teaching in the 21st Century 2.0 competition, organized by UNESCO IITE. She holds two Bachelor's degrees in Primary Education and Medieval and Modern Greek Philology, as well as four Master's degrees — in Information and Communication Technology in Education, Design and Development Models for Educational Units, Cognitive and Motor Development, and Bilingual Special Education — a testament to her sustained pursuit of academic excellence and professional advancement.

Her participation in the Fulbright DAI Program is driven by a genuine enthusiasm for cultural immersion, academic enrichment, and professional transformation. Studying at an American university and observing U.S. educational institutions will provide her with valuable insights into alternative teaching methodologies and cross-cultural approaches to learning. She views this experience as a catalyst for sharpening her analytical skills, broadening her global perspective, and growing into a more internationally conscious educator. Central to her Fulbright project is the exploration of how the strategic integration of artificial intelligence tools in the classroom can enhance knowledge acquisition and address educational inequalities. Drawing on observations and collaborations in American educational settings, she aims to develop an evidence-based framework of practical methodologies for meaningful AI integration across diverse learning environments — from students who need additional support to high-achieving learners who require enrichment and challenge. The framework will include teacher guidelines, student training modules, model lessons, and assessment tools, all designed to ensure that every student, regardless of learning profile or socioeconomic background, can benefit from the transformative potential of AI in education.