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The Data Science and AI Academy's quarterly newsletter
December 15, 2025
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News and Highlights
DSA Hosts Third Annual NC Data Science Education Summit
On October 24, 2025, educators, students and partners gathered at the William and Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation for the third annual NC Data Science Education Summit. Hosted by the NC State University Data Science and AI Academy (DSA) with support from the InSTEP Professional Learning platform and the Consortium for Mathematics and Its Applications (COMAP), the event advanced a statewide effort to make data literacy foundational in K–12 learning.
Reflections on Data Science and AI Week 2025
Data Science and AI Week 2025 invited NC State University—students, faculty, staff and partners—to explore how data science and AI are shaping teaching, learning, research and creative work.
“I’ve found that AI doesn’t stifle creativity; it enhances it.”
— Jeffery Robinson, Video Production Specialist, DELTA
Making a Difference with Data
At NC State, data science plays a key role in delivering the university’s land-grant mission of excellent teaching, the creation and application of knowledge, and engagement with public and private partners. The Data Science and AI Academy does this through courses and outreach, but also through coordinating with the outstanding SECU Public Fellows Internship program (State Employees Credit Union), run by the NC State Career Development Center.
“It is amazing to see the impact that these students and their use of data science have had on organizations that may not have had the resources to solve certain problems otherwise.”
Hangjie Ji
Director of Industry and Community-based Research and Education, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics
Building Industry–Faculty Research Partnerships
The Data Science and AI Academy’s Research Collaboration Program continues to bring NC State faculty and industry partners together to explore new approaches to cross-disciplinary research powered by data science and AI. This quarter’s workshops featured Sean Ekins, CEO of Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, Inc., who shared his path from grant writing to founding an AI-driven company, along with Tracey V. du Laney, Michelle Collins and Zach Zabarsky from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center (NCBiotech), who discussed funding strategies and partnership support. Together, these sessions created space for meaningful dialogue, idea sharing and future collaboration.
Interested in participating or learning more?
Contact Meredith Graham at mcgraha3@ncsu.edu.
DSA Connects Students and Industry Professionals
The DSA’s bi-weekly Launchpad Lunch series connects students with industry professionals for real-world insight into careers in data science and AI. At the inaugural session with Emily Surrell and DSA alum, Eric Warren of Resolution Economics, student Joanna John reflected on the pace of change in the field: “It’s changed so quickly, and people are starting to embrace it.”
Recent speakers Conner Cross and Adam Crouch of BHG Financial shared how AI-driven automation is improving fintech workflows, while Danny Castro, Gen AI Evangelist and AI Tinkerers co-organizer, emphasized the power of community: “Our communities are building this ecosystem where we’re sharing, we’re learning and we’re all thriving together.”
We also welcomed Emi Planchon, Fifth Third Bank data scientist and DSA alum, who spoke about applied AI engineering and how rapidly the field continues to evolve for today’s students.
AI Pioneer Turns Professor and Mentor
Today, AI is shaping everything—from virtual assistants to autonomous robots—and Addison isn’t just watching from the sidelines. He’s been at the forefront of the revolution for decades: founding startups, securing patents, and now, as a professor at NC State University, preparing the next generation of leaders to work in AI-powered workplaces.
Forty years ago, Ed Addison took his first artificial intelligence (AI) course at MIT. At the time, few had even heard of AI. “Back then, it was a niche curiosity,” Addison recalled. “Most people didn’t know it existed. It certainly wasn’t something that showed up in the headlines.”
ISE Welcomes New Faculty Driving AI Solutions
The ISE Department is excited to welcome Jake Peloquin and Gal Mendelson, who are using artificial intelligence (AI) to address some of engineering’s biggest challenges. Their work ranges from designing stronger materials to creating more sustainable energy systems. As a result, they highlight ISE’s leadership at the intersection of people, technology and impact.
Data Stories in the Classroom
Explore how North Carolina educators are enriching student learning with data science and AI. The Data Stories in the Classroom page highlights lesson plans, activities and resources submitted by teachers across the state—from analyzing weather patterns to visualizing environmental data. Educators are invited to share their own materials and be featured in this growing collection. Browse teaching resources, submit lessons or subscribe to the K-12 newsletter to stay connected.
Data Science Support for Research and Learning
Need data help? The NC State University Libraries, in partnership with the Data Science and AI Academy, offers one-on-one data science consulting to all NC State affiliates at no cost to them. The Data Science Consulting Program supports research and learning across disciplines, including help with coding, data cleaning, statistical analysis, machine learning, visualization and more. Appointments are available at Hill Library, Hunt Library or virtually via Zoom.
Have questions? Contact getdatahelp@ncsu.edu
NC State University Libraries Release Keenious: A New AI-Powered Library Tool
Keenious is an AI-powered tool that analyzes your writing to recommend related research articles. It helps identify topics, gaps, and keywords, and connects users to literature from our library databases. It doesn’t hallucinate or permanently retain uploaded text for training, like other AI tools. Keenious works best as a supplement—not a replacement—for traditional search tools. A Microsoft Word plugin is available; Google Docs support is coming soon.
Events
Explore cross-campus data science and AI events and follow DSA on the University Calendar so you’re always in the loop.
Upcoming DSA Events
Call for Projects and Attendees: 2026 DSA Share Fair
DSA students are invited to showcase final or in-progress projects at the 2026 Share Fair Conference on January 30, 2026, 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. at the Hunt Library Teaching and Visualization Lab. Proposals are due December 17, 2025.
The Share Fair is a student-led showcase of real-world data and AI projects rooted in DSA’s ADAPT project-based learning model. Students present digital posters, receive feedback and connect with the broader NC State data community.
Faculty, staff and industry partners are encouraged to attend to explore emerging talent, see applied data science in action and connect with students and instructors.
Why participate or attend
- Student showcases with real-world impact
- Employer visibility and networking
- Templates and 1-on-1 student support
Questions: datascienceacademy@ncsu.edu
AI Hot Topics at NC State: Join the Conversation
The AI Hot Topics Series brings together experts and industry leaders monthly to discuss emerging issues, opportunities and challenges in AI.
- January 15, 2026 | 8:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. | AI in Textile and Apparel
- February 11, 2026 | 8:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. | Data Strategy and Impact Sharing for Museums + Public Spaces
- March 12, 2025 | 8:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. | Beyond Prediction: Synthetic Data, Agentic Intelligence and Quantum Acceleration
- April 7, 2026 | 8:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. | Designing with Intelligence: The Future of Human–AI Collaboration in Creative Practice
ASA DataFest™ at NC State Returns March 27–29, 2026
Hosted by the NC State Data Science and AI Academy ASA DataFest™ is a fast-paced, hands-on weekend of real-world data analysis, collaboration and competition. Undergraduate teams tackle a complex mystery dataset and present their insights to judges from industry and academia.
Get involved:
- Students: Compete, build your portfolio and connect with employers
- Graduate students: Serve as mentors and guide teams through the weekend
- Industry and Faculty: Participate as judges or sponsors and engage directly with emerging talent
Learn more about how to sign up as a sponsor, mentor or judge at go.ncsu.edu/dsadatafest.
Join the Data Science and AI Education Research Forum
The NC State Data Science and AI Academy invites you to our next Data Science and AI Education Research Forum. Join us in the DSA Suite (D.H. Hill Jr. Library, 2nd Floor, East Wing, Room 2144) or via Zoom for a focused session on advancing research and practice in data science and AI education.
Upcoming Forum dates:
- Feb 6, 2026, 1p.m. -2 p.m.
- March 6, 2026, 1p.m. -2 p.m.
- April 10, 2026, 1p.m. -2 p.m.
Zoom link: https://ncsu.zoom.us/j/93341980959
Meeting ID: 933 4198 0959 | Passcode: 360379
Community Events
The University Sustainability Office Make-A-Thon
Celebrate student innovation at Make-A-Thon, NC State’s annual sustainability challenge. During this four-day challenge Jan. 22 – 25, student teams research, design, prototype and pitch a new solution that addresses a sustainability challenge. Campus and community experts will evaluate solutions and award cash prizes to the top teams.
Bring Data to Life in The Curiosity Cup
Registration is now open for The Curiosity Cup, a global SAS student competition. This event brings data to life as teams tackle real-world challenges using SAS technology. There’s no need to start from scratch—revisit and expand on past class or research projects to compete! Gain hands-on experience, earn digital badges and win prizes like an Apple iPad or Beats Studio Pro headphones.
Opportunities
Trainings, Courses and Workshops
Summer 2026 DSA Course (Session I)
Register for DSA 205 – Data Communication!
May 20–June 24 | MWF, 9:35–10:25 a.m. | In person
Knowing how to analyze data is only half the job—being able to clearly communicate your findings is just as essential. This course focuses on accessible communication for research and data-driven work, helping students reduce jargon, connect with diverse audiences and design clear, engaging writing, visuals and presentations.
This course is currently open for registration.
DELTA Workshop Series: AI Fluency for Instructors
Enhance your teaching with AI! DELTA’s AI Fluency for Instructors series returns this spring – starting Jan. 16 with “Prompting in Google Gemini for Instructors”. Each online workshop tackles real teaching challenges with practical AI tools—from crafting objectives and assessments to creating content and custom teaching bots. Explore the full lineup, including popular returning workshops and exciting new topics, on our AI Fluency flyer.
Student Opportunities
Teaching Assistant Opportunities with the ICPSR Summer Program
The Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) Summer Program in Quantitative Methods of Social Research is always looking for talented and motivated Teaching Assistants (TAs) to support our world-renowned instructors and contribute to a highly respected methods training program. Even when applications aren’t open, this page remains your year-round resource to learn about the position, meet past TAs, and sign up for updates on upcoming opportunities.
NC State Data Science Club
The Data Science Club offers a jumping-off point for students from any background to learn how to make use of data science in their particular fields. Regular meetings will feature domain-focused presentations on relevant data science concepts and skills; other common programming includes outreach events and data science competitions. Students can join as full members or just drop in to relevant activities as they please; any student with an interest in data science is encouraged to participate!
For more information, contact Data Science Club President, Kenzo Hubert, at kthubert@ncsu.edu
Data Science Related Internships Summer 2026
Community Engagement
NSDC – The Quantum Initiative
The Northeast Big Data Innovation Hub (NEBDHub) and National Student Data Corps (NSDC) are excited to invite you to join the newly launched NSDC Quantum Initiative (NSDC – QI)! Quantum computing is reshaping how we solve complex problems, opening new frontiers in science, industry and technology. Explore upcoming events, curated resources and collaboration opportunities for learners, researchers, educators and professionals who want to dive deeper into the world of quantum science and technology.
Introducing the Trust, Identity, Privacy, Protection, Safety and Security (TIPPSS) Framework
In September 2024, the new IEEE/UL 2933-2024 standard was published to establish a framework for Clinical Internet of Things (CloT) data and device interoperability with TIPPSS, focused on improving trust, identity, privacy, protection, safety and security in connected healthcare. Now, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) TIPPSS Roadmap Task Group is developing new standards efforts to bring TIPPSS to other cyberphysical systems, including clinical trials, the energy grid and research infrastructure. Visit the TIPPSS webpage to learn more about the standard and to join the IEEE TIPPSS Roadmap Task Group.
Portfolio and Network Building (PNB) Group
On September 19th, the PNB Group will host a Professional Communications Session for students and early career professionals. Join this free workshop to participate in cover letter reviews, adopt a “growth mindset” about your leadership and communication style and practice drafting effective communications, including written and oral presentations.
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