NC State Data Science and AI Academy

Your Guide to Data Science and AI Week – Oct 6–10, 2025

Data Science and AI Week is almost here! From hands-on demos with Google Gemini to workshops, lightning talks, research forums and performances, there’s something for students, faculty, and staff every day.

Highlights Include:
Mon, Oct 6 – Google Gemini Pop-Up + Faculty Lunch & Learn | Google

Tue, Oct 7 – Trustworthy AI Workshop + Lightning Research Talks + University Honors Forum | NC State University Libraries, NC State University Honors Program

Wed, Oct 8 – IEEE VL/HCC Symposium + Genes & Society Kickoff | NC State Computer Science, NC State Genetics and Genomics Academy, Genetic Engineering and Society (GES) Center, NC State University

Thu, Oct 9 – Wellness in the Age of AI + LaunchPad Lunch (Students Only) + Radical Softness Exhibition | Gregg Museum of Art & Design

Fri, Oct 10 – Faculty Focus on AI (Faculty Only)+ Lenovo: AI Automation in Tech Services | Lenovo

👉 Explore the full schedule and register (link in bio)

Curious what a data science and AI class might look like?

For the students in DSA 295: Humanistic Data Applications, taught by Kelsey Virginia Dufresne, class involves visits to our NC State University Libraries DH Hill Makerspace. In the Makerspace, students can engage in free hands-on data-making practices to produce various data physicalizations and visualizations.

From Perler beads to 3D printing and weaving, what shape does your data take?

NC State’s Data Science and AI Academy (DSA) is building global ties in Denmark!

Program Coordinator Chanel Carrell traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark, with support from NC State’s Office of University Interdisciplinary Programs (OUIP).

At the University of Copenhagen’s Natural History Museum, she shared DSA’s work in data science and citizen science—and learned how Danish researchers engage the public through the national platform http://ncst.at/WUNu50WZohz.

Chanel reflected: “Citizen science enhances NC State’s view of the world outside the university and gives the public an opportunity to collaborate locally and globally.”

Full story at the link in bio!

Get Ready: Data Science and AI Week is almost here!

Join us October 6–10, 2025, for a weeklong celebration of North Carolina State University's leadership in data science and AI. The Data Science and AI Academy (DSA) will host signature events and spotlight programs organized by units across campus.

✨ DSA Event Highlights
Google Campus Visit (Oct. 6) — Hands-on sessions with Gemini + NotebookLM for faculty and students at Talley Student Union. Learn more and register: http://ncst.at/TEKt50WXHv0

Daily Speaker Series — (Oct. 6-10) Leaders from academia and industry on real-world applications, research breakthroughs and career pathways. Register: http://ncst.at/aq1C50WXHuZ

Launchpad Lunch — Students can connect with academic industry professionals over lunch to learn about careers in and data science and AI. Register: http://ncst.at/6zRz50WXHuY

📅 Explore the full schedule: http://ncst.at/hnN350WXHv1

Now Live: K–12 Data Literacy & Data Science Learning Progressions

The new website — http://ncst.at/qRZR50WX3Ii is officially launched! It provides educators, curriculum teams and districts with a framework for teaching data literacy and data science across grade levels.

Highlights include:

-A website with opportunities for educators to share classroom examples

-A detailed Read Me with vocabulary alignment, authorship credit, and state/district guidance

-Monthly blog posts, starting with Data Investigation Cycles in September

This project reflects the expertise of a national writing committee and partners. We’re proud that North Carolina State University hosted the original convening that helped make this work possible, and shout out to our partners at Data Science 4 Everyone for their work as coalition co-organizers with The Concord Consortium.

🎙️ Register for the upcoming media briefing: Tuesday, September 16 | 3:00–4:00 PM ET: http://ncst.at/icX150WX3Ih

Register now for Data and AI at Work: Curriculum Innovation and Strategy through Workforce Analytics

Led by Dr. Huiling Ding (NC State), this applied course equips North Carolina State University academic units to use workforce analytics to shape curriculum and credential strategy.

Through four hands-on virtual workshops, teams will:
-Map instructional programs (CIP codes) to job outcomes (SOC codes, titles)
-Examine job trends (postings, salaries, education requirements)
-Analyze in-demand and emerging skills
-Assess job titles and career pathways

Outcomes: Teams will leave with actionable, data-driven insights to inform new courses, credentials, and strategies that prepare students for evolving careers.

Dates: Oct 3, Nov 7, Jan 9, Feb 27 (2025–26)
Teams: 3–5 (2–4 members)
Cost: $750 (team provides analyst) | $1,500 (DSA-provided grad analyst)
Registration deadline: Sept 26, 2025

👉 Register today: http://ncst.at/4Eae50WVMGl

For more information about registration, contact [email protected]

We are honored to share that Barbara Prillaman has established the first legacy endowment for the Data Science and AI Academy (DSA). Her $100,000 planned gift will empower DSA to meet student needs and expand programming for years to come.

Barb has been a valued partner at DSA since its early years, developing and teaching a data communication course that helps students share their work in impactful ways.

“I realized I had these other pieces covered, but one area that’s become very important to me was missing,” said Prillaman. “It was a sense of symmetry and completion that inspired the DSA endowment.”

“Her student-centered, community-minded, active approach to teaching and learning represents core values of DSA,” said Rachel Levy, DSA Executive Director. “We are honored and delighted to receive our very first endowment from such an integral member of our team.”

Please join us in celebrating Barb’s generosity and vision for the future of data science and AI at North Carolina State University.

Read more: http://ncst.at/jryJ50WTs52

Join the Data Science and AI Academy for the next session in our AI Hot Topics @ NC State Series, a monthly forum for dialogue and collaboration on the evolving field of AI. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a curious scholar, or just beginning your AI journey, this is your space to connect, learn and exchange ideas.

📅 Monday, September 22, 2025
🕗 8:45 – 9:45 AM
📍 Raleigh Founded, Centennial Campus (1017 Main Campus Dr., Raleigh, NC 27606)

This month’s theme: Ethical and Responsible AI in the Wild
As AI moves from labs into everyday life, how do we ensure it operates ethically, transparently and responsibly? Our expert panel will explore what “responsible AI” means for developers, industries and society.

Featuring:
Veljko Dubljevic, Professor at North Carolina State University; Editor in Chief, American Journal of Bioethics – Neuroscience
Sherard Griffin, Senior Director, AI Engineering, Red Hat
Grant Glass, Ph.D Glass, Senior Data & Applied Scientist, NetApp
Irina Mikhalevich, Professor at North Carolina State University, Philosopher & Ethicist

👉 Register Today: http://ncst.at/tfQh50WPyAI

Let’s unpack how AI is reshaping social expectations and what it means to build systems we can trust.

Two big ways for North Carolina State University students to connect with AI this September!

The Data Science and AI Academy is teaming up with IBM and Your Big Year® to bring AI Campus Connect with IBM SkillsBuild to students at two upcoming events:

📍 POP Back 2025
📅 Thursday, September 4 | 4–8 PM
📌 Oval Lawn, NC State Centennial Campus
Kick off the semester at NC State’s biggest Centennial welcome-back event, complete with live music, food trucks, games, giveaways and more. Visit the IBM SkillsBuild team at POP Back to explore hands-on AI activities and connect with opportunities for free AI credentials.

📍 AI Campus Connect
📅 Tuesday, September 9 | 10:30 AM–2:30 PM
📌 Stafford Commons Cobblestone
Meet IBM onsite for interactive AI activities, free treats, IBM swag, and a chance to build future-ready skills with IBM SkillsBuild.

Both events are designed to help students explore how AI is shaping careers and industries, while having fun and connecting with their peers.

Big news for NC classrooms.

The NC State Data Science and AI Academy has received a $130,000 gift from COMAP to expand K–12 data science and mathematical modeling education.

This effort is a true collaboration, bringing together COMAP, DSA, the NC Department of Public Instruction, the NC State College of Education and the NC School of Science and Mathematics.

✨ What this means:
– Expanded teacher training and support
– Innovative curriculum for NC’s CS30: Introduction to Data Science course
– Hands-on modeling activities that connect math with real-world problem solving

“This gift will help us build a strong community of educators who feel prepared and supported to bring data science and modeling into their classrooms,” said Taryn Shelton, DSA K–12 Program Coordinator.

This partnership strengthens NC education and creates a model for the nation.

Read more: http://ncst.at/f2nP50WNHIp