Biography

Crystal Jones-Howe is a dedicated professional with a passion for education and technology. Her academic journey reflects her commitment to lifelong learning.

Currently, Crystal is pursuing her doctorate at the University at Albany, State University of New York, part of the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (CEHC).

Crystal’s self-designed specialization, Education and Emerging Technologies: Digital Literacy, Cybersecurity, and Ethical AI, carries a secondary focus on Information in Organizational Environments. Her research examines the digital literacy, cybersecurity, and ethical AI needs of educators and direct support professionals serving students and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across K–12, higher education, and adult human-services settings.

Crystal also holds a Master’s in Education as an Educational Technology Specialist from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, where her focus was on leveraging technology to create effective learning experiences. She holds a Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology, focusing on Network Administration & Support, from SUNY Cobleskill, and an Associate of Science from Dutchess Community College, where her love of technology and strong educational foundation began.

Professionally, Crystal serves as the Smart Solutions Administrator at Abilities First, Inc., in the Hudson Valley, leading assistive and enabling technology initiatives — including AAC and smart home solutions — that give individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities greater independence in daily life. She previously held the position of Sr. IT Support Administrator – Education at Abilities First. Prior to that, she held the position of Technology Coordinator with Mechanicville City School District in Saratoga County, where she focused on technology integration in the classroom and was involved in a capital project updating school technology infrastructure alongside a new school wing. She held the position of School Technologist at Shenendehowa Central School District, where she was a technology lead and Google Apps for Education Administrator for the introduction of the school’s 1:1 program supplying middle school students with Chromebooks. Before that, she held the title of Program Coordinator with the Northeastern Regional Information Center, providing technology support and services to school districts in the Northeast Region of New York. Crystal started her career in education with the Washington, Saratoga, Warren, Hamilton, Essex (WSWHE) Board of Cooperative Educational Services, during which time she obtained her teaching certification in educational technology (K-12).

Crystal currently serves as an adjunct professor of Computer Science at the University at Albany, teaching Web Technologies and Security (CYBR 201).