Happy New Year, IAIER Supporters! 

As we begin 2026, we extend our sincere wishes for prosperity, purpose, and continued well-being. We are excited to share Volume 3 of the IAIER Newsletter and officially welcome you to our Spring 2026 “drop”—a semester filled with thought leadership, hands-on learning, and meaningful connection. 

This spring, the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research continues to advance its mission at the intersection of artificial intelligence, education, and innovation. We invite you to join us at one—or many—of our upcoming programs, including featured sessions with Anthropic, LinkedIn Learning, and the return of our IAIER Book Club, designed to foster dialogue, insight, and community engagement around emerging technologies. 

As always, we welcome opportunities for collaboration, partnership, sponsorship, and philanthropic support. If you are interested in engaging with IAIER or exploring ways to support our work, we would love to hear from you at [email protected]. 

Thank you for being part of the IAIER community. We look forward to soaring to new heights together in 2026. 

Warm regards, 

🔹 Howard University Graduate School Board of Visitors

Dr. Siobahn Day Grady has been invited to serve on the Howard University Graduate School Board of Visitors, an advisory body that supports strategic priorities across graduate education, research, and institutional growth. The appointment reflects her national leadership in higher education and her continued commitment to strengthening academic excellence across institutions.

🔹 Conference on Society-Centered AI — Duke University

Dr. Grady has also been invited to serve as a panelist at the upcoming Conference on Society-Centered AI, contributing to a discussion on “AI in the Community.” The panel will explore how AI research translates into practice for public good, bringing together academic and industry leaders from across the region.

♦️ Presentation at Winston-Salem State University AI Workshop Series

Dr. Siobahn Day Grady led an interactive session on integrating generative AI into teaching, learning, and course design as part of WSSU’s Re-imagining AI for the College Classroom workshop series. The session focused on practical approaches to student engagement, learning workflows, and academic integrity in AI-enabled classrooms.

♦️ Presentation at South Carolina State University Faculty Development Institute

As we observe the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we’re reminded that progress is not measured by advancement alone, but by how intentionally that advancement serves humanity. 

Dr. King challenged the world to pair vision with responsibility, urging society to ensure that growth never outpaces conscience. In today’s era of rapid technological change, that message remains as relevant as ever. 

At IAIER, we view artificial intelligence not simply as a tool for innovation, but as a responsibility. As an institute rooted in an HBCU tradition, we are committed to advancing AI in ways that reflect ethical leadership, thoughtful design, and a deep respect for human dignity. 

Dr. King once reminded us that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” As we begin a new year, we honor his legacy by helping shape a future where technology supports learning, strengthens communities, and advances progress with purpose. 

Advancing Clinical Research with AI

Led by Dr. Tracie Locklear, this IAIER-supported research explores how artificial intelligence can simplify how clinical trial recruiters and participants access and understand biomedical information.

The project, Developing a Dual-Mode RAG-Supported AI Prototype System for Clinical Trial Recruiters and Participants, focuses on building AI-powered tools that analyze large volumes of medical literature and deliver clear, relevant insights—supporting recruitment, training, and decision-making in clinical research.

Members of the research team recently presented this work at the AIHealth2025 International Symposium in Basel, Switzerland, where it generated strong interest among global researchers focused on trustworthy AI in healthcare.

SLIS Spotlight: AI Literacy in Public Libraries

The poster “AI Literacy in Public Libraries: Preparing Communities for the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” authored by Dr. Agnes Pearcy and Dr. Erezi Ogbo-Gebhardt, has been accepted for the Educators Poster Session at the American Library Association 2026 Annual Conference & Exhibition in Chicago.

The work highlights findings from the IAIER-funded project Assessing the Role of Public Libraries in Bridging the AI Literacy Gap, examining how public libraries can help communities better navigate emerging AI technologies and evolving information needs.

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.

Black Excellence in Science — Museum of Life and Science
📅 Feb. 7, 2026 | 🕙 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. | 📍 Durham, NC
A community celebration highlighting Black scientists and STEAM professionals making an impact across the Triangle, featuring hands-on activities, exhibits, and free admission for Durham residents.
🔗 View event flyer