AI for Positive Publishing

Living the AI: A Lived Experience Perspective on Prompt Engineering

By Dr Emma Astra (PhD), Lived Experience Expert, 10th March 2026

A year ago, if someone had told me I would have any skills as a “Vibe Prompt Engineer”, I probably would have laughed.

But it turns out that if you’re good at giving clear instructions, you’re already halfway there. That’s essentially what prompt engineering and “vibe coding” involve.

The AI revolution is moving incredibly quickly, and I’m really enjoying learning and experimenting with these tools.

Just to be clear, though — I am not an expert in vibe coding or engineering.
My expertise is being a Lived Experience Expert.

But right now, I’m certainly 'living' the AI.

I’m also pleased to have an upcoming book chapter in AI and Ethics, edited by world-renowned AI and physics expert Larry Medsker and published by Springer.
The volume brings together AI experts from around the world. My chapter explores the significant potential of AI for positive publishing purpose, drawing on my practice-based research and projects.
#emmaastra #leicester #ai #publishing

About the Author

Dr Emma Astra is a writer, researcher and practice-based publishing innovator whose practice explores the intersection of lived experience, creativity, education and technology. She holds a PhD from the University of Leicester and is known for using lived-experience research to explore disability, social mobility, and access to knowledge.

Emma is Editor of the Lapidus International Research and Innovation Community (LIRIC) Journal, a Board Director of Leicester Vaughan College, and a Council Member of the Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society.

Her practice increasingly explores how artificial intelligence can support positive publishing practices, helping to make research, education and creative production more accessible.

Emma also leads a range of publishing and research projects and is developing the Emma Astra Foundation, which aims to expand opportunities for disabled and working-class creatives through accessible publishing, research and digital technologies.

Her chapter on AI for positive publishing purposes will appear in 2026 in the Springer volume edited by world-renowned AI and physics expert Larry Medsker.

More about her practice and projects can be found at:
https://linktr.ee/emmaastra