NC Central University AI Institute

What a beautiful moment for our IAIER family. 💫

The Emerging Scholars and Leaders Showcase was a true celebration—honoring our first cohort and all they’ve accomplished this year.

From project presentations to certificate recognitions, every moment reflected growth, hard work, and community. We were especially proud to celebrate our graduating scholars, who received honor cords to represent their journey as IAIER Emerging Scholars.

So much joy, so much pride, and such a strong start to something special.

Another successful workshop in the books! 👏🏾

In partnership with AWS, we hosted an Amazon Bedrock Agents Workshop where participants got hands-on experience building their own AI agents—no coding required!

From learning how AI “thinks” to connecting with real-world data, the room was full of curiosity, engagement, and great questions.

Thank you to everyone who showed up ready to learn and explore!

Now THIS is what it looks like when educators lean in. 👏🏾

Dr. Siobahn Day Grady brought the energy to Carolina Canvas Connect, speaking to a full room of educators, administrators, and instructional designers ready to explore what AI means for teaching and learning.

From real strategies to real conversations, this session had people thinking, asking questions, and engaging every step of the way.

Spaces like this remind us—AI in education isn’t just about tools… it’s about people, purpose, and preparing students for what’s next.

North Carolina Central University and IAIER are proud to be part of the movement pushing this work forward.

Curious about AI but not sure where to start?

Join us for a hands-on Amazon Bedrock Agents workshop and learn how to build your own AI tools—no coding required!

This beginner-friendly session will walk you through how AI agents work and how they connect to real-world data.

💻 Just bring your laptop and come ready to learn!

📅 April 17, 2026
⏰ 10AM–12PM
📍 NCCU Student Center

Register through our Linktree! https://linktr.ee/iaier

We’ve been in the room—and in the work. 👏🏾

From student engagement and research to major conversations shaping the future of AI, this issue of IAIER Pulse gives a look at what’s been happening across IAIER.

Tap in and see what we’ve been building 👇🏾
🔗 iaierpulse.beehiiv.com

Dr. Siobahn Day Grady recently spoke at the 2026 NC News & Information Summit, joining a panel for the keynote conversation: “NC’s AI Crossroads: Innovation, Investigation & the Public Interest.”

During the discussion, she shared insights on responsible AI, the role of human bias, and the importance of being thoughtful and reflective as we engage with new technologies.

She also challenged the audience to move beyond fear and ask deeper questions—how can we better understand AI, and how can it be used to improve our lives and communities?

Conversations like this continue to shape how we think about AI and its role in our everyday lives.

Another powerful moment for North Carolina Central University and the AI Institute!

Dr. Siobahn Day Grady spoke today at the North Carolina AI and Cybersecurity Symposium, joining leaders from across the state to discuss the future of learning and the role AI will play in shaping it.

During the session, she highlighted how AI is transforming education while reminding us that human creativity, empathy, and critical thinking remain essential.

We’re proud to see NCCU represented in spaces where important conversations about AI, education, and innovation are happening.

| 2026 Research Week is officially in motion… and we kicked it off the right way! 🚀

AI Symposium: Research Remix brought the NCCU community together for a day full of innovation, collaboration, and real conversations around how AI is shaping the way we learn, work, and create.

From student, faculty, and staff lightning talks to a powerful keynote from Dr. Siobahn Day Grady and a faculty spotlight from Dr. Penny Carroll—this was a full experience.

Special shoutout to Mr. NCCU, Christopher Thorns, for keeping the energy high as our emcee all day. 👏🏾

💡 Ideas were shared
🤝 Connections were made
🎯 And the future? Yeah… we’re building it in real time.

Shoutout to our prize winners:
🏆 Shantel Reddick – Meta VR Headset
🏆 Victoria Lightfoot – Claude Subscription
🏆 Arlena Nwosu – Masterclass Subscription

And this is just the beginning.

What a great start to the IBM AI Hackathon at NCCU!

Day 1 brought out an amazing crowd of students ready to learn, connect, and dive into real-world challenges in healthcare, education, and semiconductor manufacturing using AI.

We’re excited to see our students working alongside IBM mentors, building their skills, and competing for a share of $10,000 in prizes.

This is just the beginning—can’t wait to see what comes next!

📬 Issue 5 of the IAIER Pulse is here!

This edition, Shaping What’s Next, highlights the people, ideas, and opportunities helping move AI conversations forward—from national panels and new research pathways to creative ways our Emerging Leaders are using AI.

If you want a quick look at what’s been happening across the IAIER community, this one’s for you.

👉 Read the latest issue: iaierpulse.beehiiv.com

Big opportunity for students interested in artificial intelligence!

The AI Hackathon at NCCU, sponsored by IBM SkillsBuild, is a 24-hour on-campus competition where students can collaborate, learn from experts, and build innovative AI projects.

Participants will receive mentorship from IBM and NCCU professionals, earn digital credentials, and compete for a $10,000 prize pool.

Students from NCCU and surrounding universities are welcome to join.

Register today:
https://ibmskillsbuild-nccuhack.bemyapp.com