Greetings IAIER Supporters,

What a semester it has been. As we approach the close of the academic year, I would like to wish all of our students continued success on their final examinations and encourage you to finish strong. To the Class of 2026, congratulations on a job well done. Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and I look forward to celebrating and cheering you on at graduation next week. 

April has been a busy and impactful month for IAIER. Since our last newsletter, we have hosted three events designed to empower and engage our campus community. We concluded the semester with our AI Emerging Programs Showcase, one of our signature events, where students, faculty, and staff shared their AI projects, teaching innovations, and applied work from the 2025–2026 academic year. 

We are also excited to share that the next cohort of AI Emerging Scholars and Leaders for the 2026–2027 academic year has been selected, with more details to come soon. In addition, our 2026–2027 Seed Grant and FRAP awardees will be notified in the coming weeks. 

While the semester is coming to a close, innovation at IAIER continues. We are building momentum into the summer as we finalize upcoming programs, partnerships, and new opportunities that we look forward to sharing with you. 

As we close out this semester’s newsletter series, we look forward to reconnecting with you in the fall. The work of IAIER continues throughout the summer as we advance new initiatives, strengthen partnerships, and prepare for another impactful year ahead. 

Thank you for being part of the IAIER community. As always, we welcome opportunities for collaboration, partnership, and philanthropic support. 

Warm Regards,

🔘 💻 Carolinas Canvas Connect

Dr. Siobahn Day Grady brought energy and insight to the stage at Carolina Canvas Connect, where she delivered a keynote on Teaching in the Age of Intelligence: Empowering K–20 Learning with AI and Canvas. 

Speaking to a room full of educators and academic leaders, she explored how institutions can move from uncertainty to confidence in integrating AI into teaching and learning. Her session emphasized practical strategies, critical thinking, and the role of faculty in guiding students through an evolving digital landscape. The conversation didn’t stop at the stage—attendees engaged deeply, asking thoughtful questions, sharing ideas, and leaning into how AI can be meaningfully applied across classrooms and campuses. 

🔘 🌍 Ellucian Live 2026 – HBCU Luncheon

Dr. Grady served as a featured panelist at the HBCU Luncheon during Ellucian Live 2026, contributing to a discussion on artificial intelligence in higher education. The conversation highlighted the rapid growth of AI across HBCUs and the need for stronger institutional strategy, training, and thoughtful implementation. Dr. Grady brought a faculty and research perspective, emphasizing alignment between innovation, student success, and institutional mission.

🔘 🔬 Girl Scouts STEM Empowerment Day

Dr. Grady connected with young learners during a Girl Scouts STEM Empowerment Day, introducing the fundamentals of artificial intelligence through engaging and interactive discussion. Her session made complex ideas approachable, encouraging curiosity and confidence while helping students see how AI shows up in their everyday lives.

🔘 🧪 American Chemical Society (ACS) Bridge Webinar

Dr. Grady presented during an ACS Bridge Webinar, offering an introduction to artificial intelligence and machine learning for students and faculty. The session helped demystify key concepts and highlighted how AI is influencing research across disciplines, including the chemical sciences.

🔘 🏥 UNC System – Counseling & Student Health Leadership

Dr. Grady led a session with Counseling Directors and Student Health Center Directors from across the UNC System, focusing on the growing role of AI in student support services. Through case studies and discussion, she explored how AI is influencing counseling, health services, and decision-making, while emphasizing the need for clear policy, responsible use, and cross-institution collaboration.

🔘 ⚡ NC Black Summit 2026

Dr. Grady served as a panelist at the NC Black Summit 2026, contributing to a session on the growth and impact of AI data centers. The discussion examined both the opportunities and challenges tied to expanding AI infrastructure, including environmental, economic, and community considerations. Dr. Grady emphasized the importance of thoughtful development and long-term impact.

🔘 🛠 National Apprenticeship Week – Workforce Development Session

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, Dr. Grady spoke on the role of artificial intelligence in workforce development and training programs. She highlighted how AI can support skills development and prepare learners for evolving industry demands, while underscoring the importance of intentional and practical implementation.

🔹 👩🏼‍💼👨🏽‍💼 NCCU AI Faculty Roundtable  

North Carolina Central University recently hosted an AI Faculty Roundtable, bringing faculty and campus partners together to explore how AI is being used across teaching, learning, research, and productivity. Led by Dr. Grady, the session was held in collaboration with the NCCU Office of E-Learning and the Office of Faculty Professional Development. 

The roundtable offered an overview of AI-related resources available to faculty, staff, and students while creating space for open dialogue around instructional use, support needs, and emerging opportunities. The conversation emphasized practical application, cross-campus collaboration, and responsible AI use aligned with NCCU’s mission. 

🔹 ☁️ AWS Bedrock Agent Workshop 
The AWS Bedrock Agent Workshop brought high energy and hands-on learning to campus, introducing participants to the fundamentals of building intelligent AI agents. 

From understanding how AI agents “think” to connecting them with real-world tools and data, attendees explored practical ways to bring ideas to life—no advanced coding required. With strong participation and engagement throughout, participants left with new skills, fresh perspective, and the confidence to start building. 

🔷 🎓 Emerging Scholars + Leaders Showcase 

The inaugural Emerging Scholars and Leaders Showcase marked a powerful milestone as the first cohort completed the program. 

The room was filled with celebration, connection, and pride as scholars and leaders gathered to reflect on their journey and share select AI projects developed throughout the experience. Dr. Siobahn Day Grady presented certificates to all participants, with graduating scholars also receiving honor cords recognizing them as IAIER Emerging Scholars. 

From fellowship and laughter to meaningful presentations, the showcase captured the spirit of what this program is building—community, growth, and the next generation of leaders ready to move the work forward. 

🌸 Black Women’s History Month: Legacy, Leadership, and Lasting Impact 

April offers a meaningful opportunity to recognize the leadership, creativity, and contributions of Black women across education, technology, research, and community life. 

At IAIER, that recognition connects directly to the future of artificial intelligence. As AI continues to influence how we learn, work, and solve problems, Black women are contributing important perspectives to conversations around trust, accountability, education, and responsible use. 

Their work reminds us that innovation is strongest when it is guided by purpose, lived experience, and a commitment to serving people well. 

The numbers tell the story—and this semester, the impact is clear. 

Across events, programs, and community engagement, IAIER has connected with 1,070 participants this semester, reflecting growing interest and sustained engagement in how artificial intelligence is being explored across campus and beyond. 

From hands-on workshops to faculty conversations and community-centered events, the work continues to bring people together in meaningful ways. 

That includes: 
• 382 students 
• 363 faculty and staff 
• 325 community members 

🎓 Vaniah Russell Approaches Graduation Milestone 

IAIER Graduate Assistant Vaniah Russell is set to graduate this May with her Master of Information Science degree from North Carolina Central University. Her journey has been marked by growth, resilience, and a deepened commitment to using technology and information to create meaningful impact. 

During her time with IAIER, Vaniah contributed to work centered on innovation, research, and expanding opportunities for others—an experience that further strengthened her passion for using technology to support and uplift communities. 

As she prepares to step into her next chapter, Vaniah carries forward a strong foundation built on perseverance, purpose, and a desire to make a lasting difference. We celebrate Vaniah and look forward to all that she will continue to accomplish! 

As the semester comes to a close, the work doesn’t stop. Here’s a look at what’s ahead as IAIER continues building into the summer and beyond.

🌱 IAIER x Leidos Summer Immersion Program

📅 July 13–17, 2026
👥 11th–12th Grade Students

IAIER is partnering with Leidos to launch a Summer Immersion Program designed to introduce high school students to hands-on learning in STEM-related fields. Participants will explore topics like biotechnology, career readiness, and real-world applications through interactive experiences and engagement with professionals.

Structured as a day camp, the program offers an opportunity to begin building the next generation of innovators through early exposure and practical learning.

👉🏾 Learn more here.

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

⚙️ AWS x BIT AI Workshop

📅 May 4, 2026 | ⏰ 6:00 – 8:00 PM | 📍Raleigh-Durham, NC
🎟️ Free Admission

A hands-on workshop introducing participants to AWS tools and real-world AI applications. Ideal for those looking to build practical skills and explore how AI can be applied across projects and workflows.

👉🏾 Learn more: https://awsxbitworkshop.cfd/

North Carolina Technology Day 2026 Celebration

📅 May 14, 2026 | ⏰ 7:45 AM | 📍 Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC
🎟️ Complimentary Registration

Dr. Grady will join leaders from Lenovo, AMD, SAS, Cisco, and state technology leadership for a morning conversation on how AI is moving from concept into real-world application across government, enterprise, and education.

👉🏾 Register here.

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 host a tech-focused student picnic at the Durham Bulls, bringing students together for an evening of networking, connection, and community. Additional details and registration information will be shared later this spring.

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

🚀 HBCUFI Better Futures Pitch Competition 
Applications are now open for the Fourth Annual Better Futures Pitch Competition, offering HBCU founders the chance to compete for up to $25,000 in non-dilutive funding. 

Selected semi-finalists will receive pitch coaching and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., where they’ll present their ventures to investors, mentors, and industry leaders during a two-day summit this June. 

This is a strong opportunity for founders ready to take their ideas to the next level and gain national exposure. Applications close May 1st at 11:59 PM EST. 

👉 Click here to learn more and apply. 

💡 Technical Venture Builder Program (NCCU x AWS) 
NCCU students have the opportunity to step into real-world innovation through a six-month Technical Venture Builder program focused on tackling challenges like food insecurity and behavioral health. 

Participants will work alongside AWS technical specialists and venture mentors to design, prototype, and build real products, gaining hands-on experience with cloud technologies, generative AI tools, and startup development. 

This is a strong fit for students ready to move beyond theory and into building—while developing skills in full-stack development, data, and AI-powered solutions. 

👉 Click here to view the flyer and apply. 

What We Do
Advance responsible AI education, research, and workforce readiness across NCCU.

How We Show Up
• Faculty research and seed grant support
• Student learning pathways and leadership development
• Campus and community engagement
• Strategic industry and institutional partnerships

What We’re Not
An IT help desk or one-off consulting service. IAIER focuses on scalable, university-wide impact.

Want a deeper look? View the full IAIER overview (PDF).