Greetings IAIER Supporters,

February has been a month defined by community engagement, dynamic programming, and meaningful opportunity. We concluded the month with an engaging workshop in partnership with CDW, who generously raffled a Microsoft Surface Book to one of our outstanding students (congratulations Blake!). Moments like these reinforce the power of partnership and the tangible impact of industry engagement on our campus.

This month, we also launched our call for faculty proposals for the IAIER Seed Grant Program and opened applications for our signature initiatives—the AI Emerging Scholars Program and the AI Emerging Leaders Program. These programs are central to our mission of expanding AI literacy, research, and leadership across NCCU. Application deadlines and details are available on our website.

As we look ahead to March, there is even more in store:

If you have not yet registered for our March events, I strongly encourage you to do so—these are experiences you will not want to miss.

As always, thank you for your continued support of IAIER. If you see opportunities to collaborate, partner, or provide philanthropic support, we welcome the conversation. Together, we continue positioning NCCU at the forefront of accessible and transformative AI innovation.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Warm Regards,

🔘 Duke University: Conference on Society-Centered AI

🔘 Winston Salem State University: Dean of Students UNC System Workshop 

At the quarterly UNC System Deans of Students convening hosted by Winston-Salem State University, Dr. Grady led a workshop exploring the growing impact of AI in higher education. Bringing together all 17 Deans of Students across the UNC System, along with representatives from the System Office and Presidential Fellows, the session focused on three real-world case studies involving AI’s influence on student life and institutional decision-making. The workshop encouraged leaders to collaboratively examine where policies may need to evolve and how proactive protocols can be developed to thoughtfully navigate AI’s presence on campus. 

🔘 Museum of Life and Science Teen Cafe Leader Series 

As part of the Teen Café Leader Series at the Museum of Life and Science, Dr. Grady engaged teens ages 13–17 in an interactive exploration of how AI can influence college admissions. Participants stepped into the role of an AI system, using applicant profile cards to build decision-making rules and determine admissions outcomes based on data patterns. Throughout the activity, students were prompted with “alert” cards when their selections revealed unintended bias — sparking thoughtful discussion about fairness and how algorithmic decisions can impact real lives. 

🔘 What Does Your Heart Desire Panel 

Hosted by NCCU’s Office of Health Promotion and Education in partnership with TRIO STEM Success, the What Does Your Heart Desire panel provided students with an opportunity to learn from campus leaders through meaningful dialogue and speed networking. In a fireside chat-style conversation, Dr. Grady shared reflections on her professional journey, career decisions, and the evolving path that led her to leadership in AI. The session created space for students to ask candid questions, gain insight, and consider how their own passions and purpose can shape their futures. 

🔘 Jack and Jill STEM Exploration Lab 

During a STEM Exploration Lab with Jack and Jill students in grades 3–5, Dr. Grady introduced young learners to the foundational idea that AI works by recognizing patterns. Through hands-on activities, students completed pattern challenges, guided robots along the “best” paths, designed their own smart robots, and identified the types of information AI uses to make decisions. The session blended creativity and critical thinking, helping students begin to understand AI not as magic, but as a tool that learns from data. 

🔘 Duke Black Policy Conference: AI, Environmental Justice & Governance 

Dr. Clinton Griffin, Postdoctoral Researcher with IAIER, recently served as a panelist at the 3rd Annual Duke Black Policy Conference. During the Environmental Justice session, “Emerging Challenges: AI, Water Quality & Heat Resilience,” Dr. Griffin joined interdisciplinary experts to examine the intersection of digital infrastructure, environmental stress, and technological governance. 

The discussion explored how AI systems, energy demands, and climate resilience strategies must be shaped by transparent policy frameworks and strong community engagement. His participation highlights IAIER’s growing role in conversations connecting artificial intelligence, public policy, and environmental impact. 

🔹 CDW x IAIER Copilot Training

IAIER partnered with CDW to host a hands-on Microsoft Copilot training designed to help faculty, staff, and students integrate AI more effectively into learning, teaching, research, and campus operations. Participants engaged in guided practice sessions focused on prompt crafting, workflow optimization, and practical classroom and administrative applications. 

The session sparked thoughtful questions and dynamic discussion, reinforcing IAIER’s commitment to equipping the NCCU community with tools that translate AI from theory into everyday impact. 

🔷 Federal Support for HBCU-Led AI Innovation Gains Momentum with Congresswoman Foushee

Read about it here.

Black history is not only something we reflect on — it is something we continue to build. At NCCU and across the UNC System, leaders are expanding what representation in higher education and technology looks like in practice. 

Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon made history as the first permanent woman to lead two UNC System institutions across both HBCUs and predominantly white institutions, marking a significant milestone in university leadership across the state. Her leadership reflects the evolving landscape of higher education and the expanding presence of Black women in executive roles. 

Similarly, Dr. Siobahn Day Grady, Founding Director of IAIER, was the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in Computer Science from North Carolina A&T State University — a distinction that underscores both academic excellence and the growing presence of women in advanced computing fields. Together, these milestones represent more than personal achievements; they signal progress in shaping who leads, researches, and defines the future of technology and education. 

IAIER’s spring engagement continues to grow across campus and throughout the broader community. With recent events including the CDW Copilot Training and the Teen Science Café in partnership with the Museum of Life and Science, participation now stands at 385 total participants this semester. 

That includes: 
• 113 students 
• 116 faculty and staff 
• 156 community members 

As programming expands across learning, research, and public engagement, the numbers reflect sustained interest and growing impact across all audiences. 

Dr. Siobahn Day Grady is a co-author on a newly accepted article in JMIR Medical Informatics, a leading peer-reviewed journal in health informatics. The study explores how MedlinePlus can improve health information access for patients and caregivers, contributing to broader conversations about digital health literacy and responsible technology integration in healthcare.

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).