HBCUs play a leading role in research in AI and related technologies

Seven students at Southern University and A&M College have received IBM Masters Fellowships in support of their research in AI and related technologies. The students were recognized at the Southern University System Board of Supervisors meeting on May 16.

This year, IBM is awarding $11,000 each to 18 master's degree students at 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Recipients will also have the opportunity to work with IBM experts, particularly those specializing in AI, to receive guidance on their research.

Most of this year's fellowship awardees are working on AI projects, including studies on how AI could enhance transportation, air quality, natural resources, materials science, civic governance, and hiring.

Norfolk State University recently hosted its 2024 Research and Innovation Symposium and Exhibition for Undergraduate and Graduate Students (RISE).

The keynote speaker was Dr. Nicol Turner Lee, a senior fellow and director of the Center for Technology Innovation at the Brookings Institution and the founder of the AI Equity Lab.

In her presentation, Dr. Turner Lee discussed AI, research, and HBCUs, highlighting both the advantages and disadvantages of AI and its potential harm to minority communities. She stressed the need for public awareness and education, especially within the black community, on how AI is becoming integrated into everyday life and its potential negative impact.

Tennessee State University hosted the AI FOR ALL: Open Education Summit starting June 5.

The summit aims to showcase how artificial intelligence is accessible to everyone and will feature discussions on Ethics and Policies for AI, AI tools for Every Stage of Education, AI for Educational Equity, and innovative pedagogy with AI.

The event included the participation of industry leaders such as Google, Apple, Oracle, T-Mobile, Comcast, Amazon, and Microsoft.

Dr. Robbie Melton, the interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, played a key role in the summit and has recently been appointed to the Southern Regional Education Board Commission (SREB) on Artificial Intelligence in Education, solidifying TSU's leading role in artificial intelligence.