NCCU's AI Future with Siobahn Day Grady

NCCU's AI Vision

Siobahn Day Grady, the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in computer science from N.C. Agricultural and Technical State University, is now making her mark as director of N.C. Central University’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research. Her focus is on expanding the impact of AI, with a vision to develop an AI hub at NCCU. This hub would be a collaborative space for students, faculty, and community partners to work together and explore the ethical dimensions of the technology.

Grady emphasizes the importance of making AI an integral and enduring part of NCCU. She believes that the future of AI is about people, not just algorithms and data. At NCCU, this means providing students with the resources, mentorship, and practical experience they need to succeed in an AI-driven world.

Encouraging Inquiry and Lifelong Learning

Grady encourages her students to question the technological and AI systems they interact with daily. She wants them to stay curious and adopt a lifelong learning approach. She advises them to not hesitate to question these systems and everything happening in the AI and technology fields, and to remain inquisitive.

Expanding AI Opportunities at NCCU

Grady aims to ensure that NCCU students are not left behind in the current technological advancements. To achieve this, she is establishing an AI-focused book club, a new AI minor offering different concentrations, and practical workshops providing access to companies like IBM, Amazon, and OpenAI. She mentions the potential for internship opportunities, highlighting that jobs in the field are not limited to IT majors.

Through the IAIER programs, Grady hopes that students will be inspired to become leaders in AI. The AI Emerging Scholars and Leaders Program annually selects ten students for hands-on training, mentorship, a stipend, and a certificate upon completion. David Goins, an information technology student and program participant, received two job offers through connections made in the cohort. Goins is using his experience in the program, where he worked with teachers to design K-12 curricula, to help him reach his goal of building a digital library that makes AI accessible to children.

Grady states that AI is changing every industry and that now is the time to see yourself in AI and discover how to use it to differentiate yourself.