Greetings IAIER Supporters, 

January was a productive start to the year—and a cold one. We hope you are staying safe and warm during this icy season. 

We continue to listen closely to our community, and you shared a clear desire for more virtual programming. In response, IAIER hosted three virtual workshops in January, one of which was delivered in partnership with Human Resources and the Division of Extended Studies. Guided by our core principle that AI is for everyone, we remain committed to expanding entry points while leveraging the power of partnership and collaboration to advance NCCU’s collective vision of Soaring to New Heights. 

Looking ahead to February, we invite you to join us for an impact session with FICO on February 5, followed by a community-focused event on Saturday, February 7, in partnership with the Museum of Life and Science. We also have several additional programs planned this month, including an all-day engagement with CDW. With opportunities spanning education, workforce development, and community engagement, there truly is something for everyone. 

As always, we welcome opportunities for collaboration, partnership, sponsorship, and investment. Thank you for being an essential part of the IAIER community. 

Warm regards, 

🔹 Conference on Society-Centered AI

Dr. Grady will serve as a panelist for “AI in the Community” at the Conference on Society-Centered AI, hosted February 12–14, 2026 at Duke University. Dr. Grady will contribute to a national conversation on how communities can meaningfully shape AI systems—moving beyond technical performance to focus on human-centered design, local impact, and AI literacy in practice. Her participation reflects IAIER’s continued leadership at the intersection of artificial intelligence, education, and community-informed innovation.

🔹 MCP Governance with Anthropic

On Wednesday, January 21, we welcomed the NCCU community to a timely conversation on MCP Governance with Anthropic, exploring how AI systems “talk” to each other—and who shapes the rules behind that coordination. Together, we unpacked why governance matters right now, how real-world policy and power dynamics show up in technical frameworks, and what it could mean for the future of responsible AI. Thanks to everyone who joined and brought thoughtful questions to the discussion! 

🔹 Book Club | Imagination: A Manifesto

Our AI Book Club recently discussed Imagination: A Manifesto by Ruha Benjamin, exploring what “innovation” really means, how imagination shapes our daily lives, and what meaningful participation looks like beyond surface-level representation. We also reflected on the power of generational histories to help us “remember otherwise,” and weighed the promises—and risks—of emerging virtual worlds like the metaverse. 

🔹 AI Workforce Development Roundtable

IAIER, in partnership with the NCCU Graduate Student Association, co-hosted an AI Workforce Development & Innovation Roundtable on January 23, 2026, at the NCCU Student Center, convened by AI Commission Co-Chairs Congresswoman Valerie Foushee and Congressman Ted Lieu. 

The discussion brought together government officials, university leaders, industry partners, faculty, and students to explore responsible AI workforce development, with a focus on preparing students for AI-enabled careers through education, collaboration, and ethical use of emerging technologies. IAIER Emerging Scholars and Emerging Leaders contributed student perspectives to the conversation. 

This marked NCCU’s first AI roundtable at this level with government officials, reinforcing IAIER’s role as a convener at the intersection of AI, education, and workforce innovation. 

January is National Mentoring Month—a time to recognize the relationships that shape growth, leadership, and opportunity. At IAIER, mentorship is central to how we approach innovation, research, and learning, especially within an HBCU tradition that values guidance, community, and shared responsibility.

As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into education and professional spaces, we view AI not as a replacement for mentorship, but as a tool that can support it—expanding learning pathways to knowledge while reinforcing the importance of human connection, ethical leadership, and lived experience.

Progress is strongest when technology and mentorship move forward together.

74 participants engaged across IAIER’s first three Spring 2026 programs, including the Anthropic lecture, AI Book Club discussion of Imagination: A Manifesto, and a LinkedIn Learning Lunch & Learn.

Early 2026 is already shaping up to be a high-impact season at IAIER. Below are a few upcoming moments to have on your radar — with more ahead.

Curated events and opportunities we’re watching across the region.

Black Excellence in Science — Museum of Life and Science
📅 Feb. 7, 2026 | 🕙 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. | 📍 Durham, NC
A community celebration highlighting Black scientists and STEAM professionals making an impact across the Triangle, featuring hands-on activities, exhibits, and free admission for Durham residents.
🔗 View event flyer

Tech Night at the Durham Bulls — Hosted by RapidScale 📅 Sept. 9, 2026 | ⏰ Gates open at 5:30 p.m. | 📍 Durham Bulls Athletic Park RapidScale will once again host a tech-focused student picnic at the Durham Bulls, featuring a private party deck, ballpark fare, and an evening of networking and community following last year’s successful event. Registration details will be shared later this spring. More details coming soon.

Programs, resources, and experiences designed to help you learn, grow, and engage beyond the classroom.

LinkedIn Premium + Microsoft 365 (12 Months Free)
College students can receive 12 months of LinkedIn Premium and Microsoft 365 Premium, including Copilot (AI), using a valid college email address. Offer available through February 28, 2026 (while quantities last).
🔗 Learn more & apply

Duke Machine Learning Spring School: Health AI
📅 March 9–11, 2026 | 📍 Duke University (In Person)
A three-day immersive program focused on generative AI methods and applications in health, including hands-on sessions with large language models. Discounted student registration and limited scholarships available.
🔗 Learn more & register