Table of Contents
From the Director’s Desk:
Greetings IAIER Supporters,
As the semester begins to wind down and the holidays draw near, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your continued support of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research (IAIER).
This has been an exciting and impactful semester—one filled with innovation, collaboration, and community. We’ve successfully hosted more than 12 events, from hands-on workshops to engaging campus experiences that continue to expand AI literacy and access across NCCU and beyond.
While our formal events for the semester have concluded, we’re not slowing down yet! In this issue, you’ll find highlights from our recent activities, updates on the launch of our External Advisory Board, and a preview of upcoming events to look forward to next semester.
As always, if you’re interested in donating, collaborating, or partnering with us, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your support helps us continue our mission to ensure that AI is for everyone.
With gratitude,
Siobahn Day Grady, Ph.D.
Founding Director, Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research (IAIER) North Carolina Central University
Heels on the Ground: Leadership in Motion
NC AI Leadership Council
November 5 — Leading the Statewide AI Conversation
Dr. Siobahn Day Grady joined North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and the North Carolina AI Leadership Council, where she serves as a council member. The group discussed the state’s future in artificial intelligence and how strategic collaboration can help North Carolina lead responsibly in AI innovation.
November 10 — RTP Evolve: “Digital Tech as a Catalyst, Not Just a Tool”
At RTP Frontier, Dr. Siobahn Day Grady joined fellow innovators for the FDW Exec Symposium: RTP Evolve, where she spoke on the panel “Digital Tech as a Catalyst, Not Just a Tool.” She shared insights on how IAIER is re-imagining workflows, unlocking new learning experiences, and driving sustainable growth through AI.
Dr. Grady and panel at RTP
Dr. Siobahn Day Grady
November 12 — 2025 NACDRAO Annual Conference, North Carolina A&T State University
At the North Carolina A&T State University–hosted NACDRAO Annual Conference, Dr. Siobahn Day Grady delivered a powerful plenary address titled “AI’s Potential in Higher Education: Transforming Admissions, Records, Student Success, and Retention.” Her talk explored how artificial intelligence can streamline academic operations, enhance the student experience, and empower institutions to better serve every learner. The address was exceptionally well received, earning praise from colleagues and attendees for its clarity, innovation, and vision for the future of AI in higher education.
November 13 — Women Lead NC Conference at the Raleigh Convention Center
Dr. Siobahn Day Grady took the stage in Raleigh at the Women Lead NC conference, joining a breakout session titled “Women, Work & AI: Thriving in the Age of Intelligent Innovation.” Held at the Raleigh Convention Center, this session focused on how AI is reshaping the workplace and opening new opportunities for women to lead, grow, and thrive. Dr. Grady challenged attendees to use AI to build confidence, own their strengths, and shape their own career paths.
Women Lead NC
In the Headlines: IAIER Featured in NCCU Now
IAIER’s groundbreaking partnership with OpenAI was spotlighted in the Fall 2025 edition of NCCU Now magazine. The article, “NCCU Partners with OpenAI to Lead AI Literacy and Innovation,” highlights how IAIER is helping students, faculty, and the community develop real-world AI skills through hands-on workshops and collaboration.
In the feature, Dr. Siobahn Day Grady shares how the partnership is breaking barriers and ensuring access to AI’s transformative potential. The story also includes insights from OpenAI Chief Economist Ronnie Chatterji, who joined NCCU leaders for a fireside chat on AI’s role in education and workforce development.
📖 Read more in the Fall 2025 issue of NCCU Now magazine.
IAIER In Motion
AI Futures with Dell
November 5 — AI Futures with Dell: Digital Humans, Infrastructure & Prompt Engineering
IAIER hosted “AI Futures” in partnership with Dell Technologies and NVIDIA, a high-energy and forward-focused event. The forum brought together students, faculty, and industry leaders for an immersive exploration of how artificial intelligence is redefining human connection, financial literacy, and the workforce of tomorrow. Nearly 300 participants filled the NCCU Student Center for this powerhouse event hosted by Dell Technologies and IAIER. Students met with industry professionals, explored AI infrastructure, and experienced a live demonstration of digital human technology. The turnout and energy proved just how eager our students are to connect innovation with opportunity.
A dynamic panel discussion followed, moderated by Dr. Grady and featuring Briana Faulk, Senior Technical Support Engineer, and Daikerra Sweat, HR Generalist from Dell, alongside our own Emerging Leader, Dr. Selena Judon Monk. The panel explored key themes, including AI bias, evolving skill sets, and the intersection of technology and representation. Their candid discussion challenged attendees to consider how artificial intelligence can both transform and humanize the workplace while shaping a more comprehensive future for innovation.
Panelists with Dr. Grady
(L-R) Author Afua Bruce, Dr. Grady, Haley Hickman, Drs. Danielle & Sean Colbert-Lewis, Dr. Kuwahara, & Dr. Griffin
November 14 — IAIER Book Club with Author Afua Bruce
This morning’s AI Book Club was a standout session, featuring the brilliant and deeply experienced Afua Bruce, who captivated the room with insights from The Tech That Comes Next and her work in national tech policy. Faculty from across campus were highly engaged, sparking lively discussion around HBCU representation in government, the importance of AI centers of excellence, and how human-centered, trustworthy technology can shape stronger communities. Afua’s real-world examples, thoughtful storytelling, and warm presence made the conversation both accessible and inspiring. We closed with great questions, shared reflections, and a group photo that captured the energy of an exceptional morning with an exceptional speaker.
Monthly Heritage & Awareness Spotlights
🎖️ National Veterans & Military Families Month: Service, Strength, and Forward Momentum
November is a time to honor the immense sacrifices, resilience, and leadership of our nation’s veterans and the families who support them. National Veterans & Military Families Month reminds us that dedication to service, learning, and collective advancement doesn’t end when the uniform comes off - it evolves.
At IAIER, we recognize that emerging technologies like AI play a powerful role in supporting veterans’ wellbeing, expanding career pathways, and strengthening the communities built around military service. As we push innovation forward, we reflect on the values veterans embody: discipline, adaptability, teamwork, and mission-focused leadership.
🌐 Technology in Service: How AI Supports Veterans & Military Families
AI is helping transform the way we support, empower, and engage with veterans. Here are some ways innovation and service intersect:
🧠 Mental Health & Wellness Support: AI-powered tools are helping expand access to mental health resources - offering early screening, crisis support, and personalized care pathways for veterans and their families.
🎓 Career Transition & Upskilling: AI-driven learning platforms are helping veterans translate their skills, identify new career opportunities, and gain personalized training to enter high-growth fields, including tech and cybersecurity.
🏥 Healthcare Innovation: Machine learning is improving early detection of service-related health issues, enhancing rehabilitation tools, and supporting more precise, personalized care for veterans across the country.
📚 Benefits Navigation: Intelligent assistants and automated systems are helping streamline the complex process of accessing VA benefits, educational support, housing resources, and family services.
🤝 Community Strengthening: AI can help connect veterans with local support networks, peer mentors, and community programs - ensuring no one navigates transition or hardship alone.
Innovation is not just about advancing technology - it’s about using that technology to uplift those who have dedicated their lives to service. This month, and every month, we honor veterans and military families whose courage continues to inspire stronger, smarter, and more connected communities.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Shantel Reddick for her service in the United States Army. Your dedication, courage, and leadership continue to inspire our community. Thank you for all you’ve given - and all you contribute to IAIER each day.
Measured Momentum: Check The Numbers
IAIER Surpasses 1,475 Lives Impacted!
From the AI Futures with Dell event and our final IAIER Book Club of the semester featuring author Afua Bruce, IAIER continues to expand its impact—reaching 1,479 students, faculty, and community members through hands-on learning, innovation, and collaboration.
By The Numbers 📊
687 students inspired and empowered through applied AI experiences
446 faculty and staff engaged in research, teaching, and professional development
346 community members connected through conversations on technology, creativity, and access
From campus classrooms to national conference stages, IAIER is proving that progress starts with people—and every connection creates new opportunities for discovery.
💡 Want to collaborate or get involved? Contact us at [email protected]
External Advisory Board
We’re thrilled to welcome the newest leaders joining the IAIER External Advisory Board—an incredible group of innovators, analysts, founders, strategists, and builders shaping what’s possible in AI today. Their expertise spans industry, research, education, policy, and emerging technology, and they’ll play a key role in guiding IAIER’s growth as we expand programs, partnerships, and opportunities across NCCU.
Get to know the leaders helping us chart the path forward.
Ashley Johnson
Senior Customer Success Manager, Amazon
Ashley Johnson, an NCCU alumna (B.B.A. ’17), is a Senior Customer Success Manager at Amazon, where she supports strategic brands in driving growth and innovation. She also serves as a leader in Amazon’s Black Employee Network and has played a major role in strengthening Amazon’s partnership with NCCU through scholarships, career pathways, and student engagement. A committed mentor and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Ashley is passionate about expanding access to education and opportunity. She joins the IAIER External Advisory Board to help connect industry innovation with the next generation of Eagle talent.
Kevin Moore
Solutions Architect, Dell Technologies
Kevin Moore is a technology leader and first-generation college graduate from Delaware with a B.S. in Computer Science from NC A&T. A longtime Solutions Architect at Dell Technologies, he has driven innovation for more than 13 years and was recognized as Dell’s first Impact Innovator for his community and education work. Moore launched NCAT’s Generative AI pilot program in 2024, helping more than 200 students earn Dell GenAI certifications and enhancing campus engagement through workshops, mentoring, and student success initiatives. With 17 industry certifications and experience as an adjunct professor, he is dedicated to expanding access to tech education and empowering the next generation of innovators.
Dr. Scott Zoldi
Chief Analytics Officer, FICO
Dr. Scott Zoldi is the Chief Analytics Officer at FICO, where he leads AI and analytic innovation across global product lines. A pioneering voice in responsible AI, GenAI, and AI governance, he is the inventor on more than 150 patents and is widely recognized for advancing focused language models and blockchain-based AI development governance. His thought leadership has earned numerous industry honors, including the AI150, MachineCon AI100, and multiple technology innovation awards. Scott is regarded as a leading visionary shaping the future of trustworthy, high-impact AI.
A.J. Guedouar
Higher Education Partnerships, Superhuman (formerly Grammarly for Education)
A.J. Guedouar is a higher-education leader and Responsible AI advocate who helps colleges and universities strengthen writing, communication, and AI literacy through his work at Superhuman. With nearly a decade of experience in ed-tech and university partnerships—including his time at Modern Campus—he bridges academia and industry to support effective, ethical use of technology in learning environments. A frequent presenter on AI literacy and academic integrity, A.J. focuses on empowering educators and students with practical, human-centered approaches to emerging tools. He holds a degree in Communications and Public Relations from Roger Williams University and is based in Charlotte, NC.
Jarrod Sealey
Operations Manager, Amazon
Jarrod Sealey is an accomplished Operations Manager at Amazon with academic training in Criminal Justice and Psychology. With eight years of experience at leading global companies, he is known for his strong operational leadership, high performance standards, and commitment to developing his team. Recognized by peers for being deeply customer-focused, Jarrod manages a group of salaried leaders and drives results through accountability, consistency, and a people-first approach.
Dr. Corey Hendricks
Vice President & Chief Engineer, Commercial & International Sector, Leidos
Dr. Corey Hendricks is a seasoned engineering leader with more than two decades of experience developing advanced technologies within the defense industrial base. As Vice President and Chief Engineer at Leidos, he oversees global teams designing and delivering complex hardware and software systems, including large-scale AI- and machine learning–enabled solutions. His previous roles span Improbable US Defense & National Security and multiple technical leadership positions at Raytheon. Dr. Hendricks holds a Doctor of Engineering from George Washington University, an M.S. in Modeling and Simulation from the University of Central Florida, and two degrees from North Carolina Central University.
Valinda Scarbro Kennedy
AI Midwest Program Manager, IBM SkillsBuild
Valinda Scarbro Kennedy is the AI Midwest Program Manager for IBM SkillsBuild, where she partners with higher education leaders to expand access to industry resources in AI, data science, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. Now in her 38th year at IBM, she has held roles spanning engineering, sales, services, academic initiatives, and executive leadership. Through SkillsBuild, Valinda helps faculty and students gain no-cost access to cutting-edge tools—from AI and quantum computing to IoT and blockchain—ensuring institutions can prepare learners for high-demand career pathways through industry-aligned skills development.
Anthony Jenkins
Higher Education Account Strategy, Dell Technologies
Anthony Jenkins has been with Dell Technologies since 1996, bringing decades of expertise in sales performance, account strategy, and higher education partnerships. A proud North Carolina A&T graduate, he earned his B.S. in Computer Science as part of the university’s first cohort in 1986. At Dell, he leads a team focused on building senior-level relationships and supporting institutions across all lines of business.
IAIER Innovators
This issue, we’re celebrating one of our IAIER Emerging Leaders who continues to demonstrate creativity, leadership, and drive in advancing AI innovation at NCCU. Their work reflects IAIER’s mission to prepare students for the future of technology—empowering them to turn ideas into impact.
Innovating Social Work Education Through AI, VR and Simulation-Based Technology - ASPIRE Lab
Principal Investigator: Dr. Penny Carroll
The ASPIRE Lab (Advancing Simulation, Practice, Innovation, Research, and Education) in the Department of Social Work is advancing transformative innovation in social work education through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and simulation-based learning. Key accomplishments to date include securing dedicated lab space in the Miller-Morgan Building, establishing the ASPIRE Lab’s visual identity and brand, and engaging national vendors to evaluate AI software and immersive VR simulation platforms. In addition, a pilot elective course and a national journal article has been proposed, both focused on AI in Social Work and Interprofessional Education (IPE).
The next milestone centers on redesigning and preparing the lab space, including painting, furnishing, and acquiring immersive AI-VR equipment. These efforts will create a cutting-edge simulation environment, support the development of student-centered training modules, and position the lab for future research, practice and technology expansion.
Apply Now: NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Collegiate Award
The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) is accepting applications for the Aspirations in Computing Collegiate Award, which honors undergraduate and graduate students who have made technical contributions through research, coursework, or individual projects.
Winners receive $7,500, with additional prizes for finalists and honorable mentions, along with access to the NCWIT network and AiC Community - connecting them with mentors, resources, and career opportunities in computing and technology.
Applications close November 18, 2025, so we encourage students and peers to apply today!
The Future’s Loading…
As we wrap up our final events of the semester, we’re closing out the fall with incredible momentum - thanks to the energy, curiosity, and collaboration of our IAIER community. While this marks the end of our 2025 event lineup, we’re already gearing up for a full and exciting calendar next semester. From hands-on workshops to national guest speakers, AI learning experiences, and campus-wide programs, there’s plenty to look forward to.
Lock in and join us! View the PDF preview of our calendar of events, save teh dates, and stay tuned for more information! Stay connected with us on our social media, which you can also find on our Linktree.
Let’s Connect the Right Way
IAIER and Dr. Siobahn Day Grady are busier than ever—and we love it! To help manage requests efficiently and ensure timely responses, we’ve streamlined the way to connect with us.
Whether you’re requesting a meeting, interview, partnership, or speaking engagement, please use our official request forms available at 👉🏽 nccu.edu/iaier.
This helps us keep communication flowing smoothly and makes sure every inquiry gets the attention it deserves.
✅ Pro tip: Bookmark the link. The forms are quick, easy, and go straight to the right team—no more email pileups!