Greetings IAIER Supporters, 

February has begun on a powerful and inspiring note. We kicked off the month by hosting FICO on campus for an informational session on the FICO Analytics Challenge, highlighted by a keynote from their Chief Analytics Officer, Scott Zoldi. The engagement offered our students direct exposure to real-world analytics challenges and career pathways in data and AI. 

We also continued our commitment to community engagement by partnering with the Museum of Life and Science for their Black Excellence in Science event. Our students volunteered and introduced children to computational thinking through an interactive activity I developed several years ago, Get in the Game. It was energizing to see the next generation engage with foundational AI concepts in a hands-on, accessible way. 

In addition, we hosted our fifth IAIER Book Club session and are looking ahead to closing out the month with an all-day engagement on February 26 in partnership with CDW. From industry insights to community programming, February has reflected the breadth of IAIER’s impact. 

Tomorrow, on Valentine’s Day, I will join colleagues at Duke University for a panel discussion on “AI in the Community.” Conversations like these continue to elevate NCCU’s leadership in ensuring that AI innovation remains grounded in access, education, and real-world application. 

Whether you are new to AI or deeply engaged in advancing it, IAIER offers programming, partnerships, and pathways designed to meet you where you are. We invite you to join us. 

As always, we welcome opportunities for collaboration, partnership, and philanthropic support. Thank you for being part of the IAIER community—we look forward to seeing you at our next event. 

🔘 Conference on Society-Centered AI

Dr. Siobahn Day Grady will serve as a panelist tomorrow for “AI in the Community” at Duke University’s Conference on Society-Centered AI, contributing to a national dialogue on responsible AI, education, and community impact. Her engagement reflects IAIER’s continued leadership in shaping how AI is discussed and applied beyond the lab.

🔘 UNC System Dean of Students Meeting
Dr. Grady will speak at the UNC System Dean of Students meeting on February 16 at Winston-Salem State University, highlighting AI technology and campus-wide initiatives at NCCU.

🔘 TRIO STEM Student Workshop – “What Does Your Heart Desire?”
On February 18, Dr. Grady will join NCCU TRIO STEM Success and the Office of Health Promotion and Education as a featured panelist, sharing her professional journey and engaging students in interactive networking conversations.

🔘 Statewide Advisory Board Appointment
Dr. Grady has been invited to serve on a select advisory board alongside North Carolina leaders advancing responsible AI strategy. Her participation will help shape statewide and national conversations on AI development and governance.

🔹 FICO Lunch and Learn

IAIER welcomed Dr. Scott Zoldi, Chief Analytics Officer at FICO, for a Lunch & Learn exploring the latest AI developments in financial services. Faculty, staff, and students engaged in a dynamic discussion on fraud detection, applied data science, and the evolving role of analytics in today’s workforce. 

🔹 Black Excellence in Science — Museum of Life and Science

IAIER partnered with the Museum of Life and Science for the annual Black Excellence in Science event, celebrating scientists and STEAM professionals making an impact across the Triangle. The day brought together families, educators, and community members for hands-on activities, interactive learning, and joyful exploration. 

IAIER hosted an activity table featuring computational thinking games and educational coloring activities highlighting historic African American figures in science and innovation. Student volunteers, including NCCU McNair Scholars, helped make the event a meaningful community engagement opportunity that reflected IAIER’s commitment to education and outreach beyond campus. 

🔹 Book Club | Genesis: Artificial Intelligence, Hope, and the Human Spirit

Yesterday’s AI Book Club discussion of Genesis: AI, Hope, and the Human Spirit sparked a thoughtful conversation about how rapidly AI is reshaping society—and what it means to guide that change responsibly. Participants wrestled with the tension between hope and caution, exploring themes of ethics, accountability, and what we seek to preserve about the human experience as AI becomes more embedded in everyday life. The “heavy hitter” discussion questions pushed the group beyond surface-level takes, leaving attendees with fresh perspectives, new questions, and a renewed commitment to staying curious and critically engaged.

February is Black History Month, and it offers an opportunity to reflect on a long tradition of technical innovation that continues to shape today’s AI landscape. Pioneers such as Mark Dean, a co-inventor of the IBM PC architecture, and Marian Croak, whose work helped advance Voice over IP technology, contributed to the digital foundations that make modern artificial intelligence possible. At the same time, HBCUs have long cultivated engineers, mathematicians, and systems thinkers prepared to lead in emerging fields. At NCCU and through IAIER, that legacy continues—connecting mentorship, research, and workforce development to ensure the next generation helps shape how AI is built, applied, and understood.

Since our last issue, IAIER has continued building engagement across campus and the broader community. Through events including the FICO Lunch & Learn, the Black Excellence in Science celebration, the AI Book Club, and campus workshops, participation has grown to 312 total participants this semester—reflecting strong engagement from students, faculty, staff, and community partners alike. As the semester continues, we expect this momentum to accelerate.

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.

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.

IAIER Emerging Scholars & Leaders Program – Applications Now Open

This program supports motivated NCCU students, faculty, and staff who are ready to grow as future leaders in AI and emerging research through mentorship, professional development, and meaningful engagement with IAIER initiatives. Scholars and Leaders gain hands-on experience, expand their professional networks, and contribute to projects shaping AI across campus and beyond. If you’re ready to strengthen your skills and be part of what’s next, apply now.

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

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).