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From the Director’s Desk:
Greetings IAIER Supporters,
We’re halfway through October, and the excitement of the fall season is in full swing!
This month began with incredible momentum—our AWS session was well attended, and our October Book Club sparked insightful discussion and engagement across campus. Next week marks one of our favorite times of year—NCCU Homecoming! We’re looking forward to celebrating and reconnecting with fellow Eagles. You may even catch me showing a little pink and green spirit at the Old School Greek Stroll Off!
IAIER will also be joining the celebration by welcoming alumni home with a special event - The Ultimate Homecoming Experience Chicken Wednesday! We have a few surprises planned and can’t wait to see you there.
As always, I invite you to reach out if you’d like to explore partnerships, collaborations, or funding opportunities with the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research (IAIER).
Together, we’re creating pathways that ensure all students have access to the future of AI.
Siobahn Day Grady, Ph.D.
In the Spotlight: Featured in The Campus Echo
Dr. Siobahn Day Grady was recently featured in The Campus Echo, NCCU’s student newspaper, for her leadership in building the future of artificial intelligence at NCCU.
The article, “Building a Future of Artificial Intelligence at NCCU,” highlights Dr. Grady’s vision for institutionalizing AI education across the university—creating an ecosystem where students, faculty, and community partners can collaborate, innovate, and explore the ethical use of technology.
In the piece, Dr. Grady emphasizes that AI at NCCU is about more than data and algorithms—it’s about people. She encourages students to stay curious, ask questions, and use technology not just to participate in the field, but to stand out in it.
📍 Read the full feature: Campus Echo – Building a Future of Artificial Intelligence at NCCU
Contributing to the Future of AI Education
Dr. Siobahn Day Grady was recognized as a contributor to the Computing Research Association’s latest national report, “Developing Strategies to Increase Capacity in AI Education.” The report, informed by roundtable discussions with more than 200 experts across the U.S., outlines strategies for advancing AI education, improving access, and building institutional capacity nationwide.
Dr. Grady’s participation reflects NCCU and IAIER’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that AI education is accessible, ethical, and far-reaching—and that HBCUs have a seat at the table in shaping how AI is taught and used across higher education.
📘 Read the full report from the Computing Research Association → Developing Strategies to Increase Capacity in AI Education
The Future Speaks, and So Does She
Prof. Joan Bullock, Dr. Siobahn Grady, Prof. Keith Robinson, & Prof. Margaret Hu
Dr. Siobahn Day Grady represented NCCU and the Institute as a panelist at the 2025 NCCU Law and Technology Symposium and Summit on Friday, October 17th.
She joined leading experts for the panel “AI Policy for the Public Good,” exploring how AI can be guided by policies that promote accountability, access, and innovation. Dr. Grady shared how IAIER’s work is shaping national conversations on AI ethics, education, and the responsible use of technology to serve the public interest.
Dr. Grady will travel to San Francisco, California, to speak at OpenAI’s Higher Education Guild Forum, a gathering of leading university innovators shaping the role of AI in teaching and research.
Her presentation, “From Vision to Practice: Embedding AI Across the University Ecosystem,” will spotlight how NCCU and IAIER are turning ideas into impact—integrating AI across classrooms, programs, and campus initiatives. As educators and leaders convene to exchange insights and co-create practical strategies, Dr. Grady’s voice ensures that HBCUs remain part of the national dialogue driving AI’s future in higher education.
Welcome Baby Micah, Our First IAIER Baby! 🍼
Big news from the IAIER family — our very own Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr. Clinton Griffin, welcomed a new bundle of brilliance into the world last month! Baby Micah has officially claimed the title of our first IAIER baby, and we’re convinced he’s already dreaming in code.
We couldn’t be happier for Dr. Griffin and his family as they step into this new chapter. Around here, we believe innovation starts early — and if AI is for everyone, it’s safe to say it starts in the womb! 🍼🤖💫
Monthly Heritage & Awareness Spotlights
🔐 Cybersecurity & World Mental Health Day
October is a month of awareness, reflection, and care. Alongside Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we also recognize World Mental Health Day (Oct. 10th)—a reminder that well-being and innovation go hand in hand.
At IAIER, we know that technology works best when people do, too. As we continue shaping the future of AI, we remain mindful of the people behind the progress—because emotional wellness, empathy, and connection are as essential to innovation as code itself.
🧠 AI and Mental Health: Tools for Support and Awareness
AI is emerging as a valuable ally in supporting emotional wellness—but like any technology, it must be used safely, ethically, and with care. Here are a few ways AI is helping create new pathways for mental health support:
💬 Early Detection: AI models can help identify early signs of anxiety or depression by analyzing speech patterns, writing tone, or behavior changes—helping professionals reach those in need sooner.
🌐 Access to Support: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can offer first-step guidance or connect individuals to licensed counselors and local resources, expanding access to mental health support.
📱 Personalized Wellness Tools: From mindfulness apps to mood trackers, AI helps tailor exercises and coping strategies to an individual’s needs and habits.
📊 Research and Awareness: AI-driven data analysis helps researchers better understand trends, risk factors, and treatment outcomes—leading to more informed public health initiatives.
⚠️ Reminder: AI can support, but never replace, human connection and professional care. Always seek guidance from qualified mental health providers when needed.
Bedrock Brilliance: A Workshop That Delivered
AWS Bedrock Agents Workshop
More than 60 attendees—including NCCU students, faculty, staff, and community members—packed two rooms for a hands-on workshop exploring AWS Bedrock Agents.
This hands-on, beginner-friendly session demystified generative AI by guiding participants through the process of building intelligent AI agents using Amazon Bedrock.
Attendees explored how these agents “think” and solve problems, learned how to connect agents to real-world data and tools, and experimented with creating agents capable of following instructions and performing multi-step tasks.
Participants didn’t just listen—they built, tested, and collaborated in real time. The workshop’s energy was electric, and attendees left ready for what’s next in the growing series of IAIER learning experiences.
📍 NCCU Student Center | October 3, 2025
Beyond the Metrics: Impact You Can Feel
Since its launch, the Institute has engaged more than 1,100 students, faculty, and community members through events focused on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. With participation spanning across 16 events—from the IAIER x OpenAI Academy Summit to Book Club gatherings, AWS Cloud Quest trainings, and more—IAIER continues to be a driving force for innovation and access at NCCU and beyond.
📊 By the Numbers:
•368 students empowered with AI tools and insights
•427 faculty and staff engaged in research and training
•333 community members reached through outreach and public programming
This growing momentum reflects IAIER’s commitment to building an AI future that is community-informed and rooted in HBCU excellence.
📧 Want to partner or get involved? Contact us at [email protected]
Closing the Digital Gap: DELP’s Lasting Impact in Durham
The Digital Empowerment Leadership Program (DELP) has officially wrapped, marking a major milestone in NCCU’s work to expand digital access across Durham. Funded by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Connecting Minority Communities Program, DELP brought together partners including Kramden Institute, Durham Public Schools Foundation, Momentum Learning, the Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center, and Digital Durham to connect residents with technology, training, and opportunity.
More than 500 residents received digital or workforce training, 400+ laptops were distributed, and 27 Digital Navigators were certified to provide one-on-one community coaching. From basic computer literacy and cybersecurity training to advanced web development courses, participants left more confident, connected, and career-ready.
What began as a multi-year initiative to bridge the digital gap has grown into a model of collaboration and lasting community impact—proof that when access meets education, transformation follows.
IAIER Book Club 📚
Participants join the October IAIER Book Club discussion of “Invisible Women.”
The IAIER Book Club recently gathered for an engaging virtual discussion of Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez. The conversation sparked meaningful dialogue about how data shapes our daily experiences and highlighted the importance of mindful innovation in technology.
Up next: The Tech That Comes Next by Amy Sample Ward and Afua Bruce. Join us on November 11 at 10:40 AM in the James E. Shepard Memorial Library (2nd floor) or via Zoom for another thought-provoking conversation about the future of technology and community impact.
Artificial intelligence isn't just about code — it's about people, power, and possibility. This book club is a collaborative effort with the James E. Shepard Memorial Library and the Office of Alumni Relations. To learn more and participate, register here.
What’s Ahead at IAIER
Homecoming Chicken Wednesday: IAIER x McNair
IAIER is teaming up with the NCCU McNair Scholars Program for one of the most iconic campus traditions—Fried Chicken Wednesday! Join us in the Pearson Café on October 22nd at 11 AM to learn more about IAIER, connect with our team, and take part in our AI-themed scavenger hunt for some major prizes.
🥇 1st Place: Apple Watch Series 11
🥈 2nd Place: AirPods 4
🥉 3rd Place: Anker MagGo Power Bank Wireless Charger
We’re bringing AI Eagle pride to Homecoming—so stop by, say hi, and get in on the fun. You never know… the next big win might be yours!
AI Futures with Dell: Digital Humans, Infrastructure, & Prompt Engineering
Join Dell Technologies and IAIER for a day of exploration and insight into the future of artificial intelligence. This interactive event will feature a keynote address, expert panel, and a hands-on workshop where participants can earn a certificate in Prompt Engineering.
Discover how Dell is advancing AI infrastructure and supporting scalable, ethical innovation across technology, education, and the workforce. Network with professionals, students, and industry leaders shaping the next era of AI.
📅 Date: November 5, 2025
🕛 Time: 12–3 PM
📍 Location: NCCU Student Center, Room 2201
The Future’s Loading…
October and November are packed with energy at IAIER—new events, new ideas, and plenty of ways to get involved. Explore what’s ahead and register through our Linktree. Here are a few highlights from the calendar:
IAIER x Homecoming Fried Chicken Wednesday
📅 Oct. 22nd | ⏰ 11 AM | 📍 NCCU
The IAIER team is partnering with the NCCU McNair Scholars ProgramIBM AI for Impact: Responsible AI in Higher Education
📅 Oct. 24th | ⏰ 9 AM | 📍 New York, NY
Along with other experts, Dr. Grady will be speaking at this event on integrating AI in higher education curricula and operations. Invite only!MetLife TTX 2025 - Agility Unleashed
📅 Oct. 28-29th | ⏰ 9 AM -12 PM | 📍 Virtual
Hosted by MetLife, this premier regional conference will bring together leaders, innovators, and students to explore the future of technology, digital transformation, and AI. Register here 👉 [MetLife TTX 2025]🎃 AI Fright Fest (Date TBA)
📍 NCCU
The IAIER Emerging Scholars are cooking up a creative Halloween-inspired event—complete with a pumpkin decorating contest powered by AI-generated themes and a scary movie night to top it off. Expect treats, creativity, and just the right amount of fright. 👻💻 AI Futures with Dell: Digital Humans, Infrastructure & Prompt Engineering
📅 Nov. 5th | 🕐 12–3 PM | 📍 NCCU Student Center 2201
Join Dell Technologies and IAIER for a day of insight, innovation, and hands-on learning. Participate in workshops, earn a Prompt Engineering certificate, and connect with industry leaders driving the next era of AI infrastructure.🔥 IAIER Fireside Chat: Trustworthy Leadership in an AI-Driven World
📅 Nov. 12th | 🕛 12 PM (Noon) | 📍 NCCU Student Center, Rooms 2201–2202
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on leadership, trust, and innovation with Dr. Tasha Austin, Executive Director of Deloitte’s AI Institute for Government. This event will explore how ethical decision-making and emerging technology intersect to shape the future of AI.
Lock in and join us! View the PDF of our calendar of events, featuring clickable event titles that direct you to flyers and more information. Stay connected with us on our social media, which you can also find on our Linktree.
