Momentum
The Data Science and AI Academy's quarterly newsletter
March 16, 2026
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News and Highlights
Data Science and AI Education Share Fair Highlights Student Practice Across Disciplines
At the third annual Data Science and AI Education Share Fair, students from across majors shared projects developed through Data Science and AI Academy courses, examining how real data, thoughtful analysis and interdisciplinary perspectives shape learning in practice.
DSA Courses: Fall 2026 Listings Now Available
Students from across NC State can now explore Fall 2026 courses from the NC State Data Science and AI Academy. Open to students from any major, these one-credit, project-based classes help build practical skills in data science and artificial intelligence through hands-on work with real data.
Topics range from coding and visualization to AI ethics, machine learning and applied data science across disciplines. Browse the full course list and plan your fall schedule using Class Search with DSA as the subject.
AI Hot Topics: Beyond Prediction
Industry and academic experts from SAS and NC State explored synthetic data, agentic intelligence and quantum computing—and what these technologies signal for the next phase of artificial intelligence.
AI Hot Topics: AI in Textile and Apparel
Recently, the NC State Data Science and AI Academy hosted its monthly AI Hot Topics forum in collaboration with the Wilson College of Textiles, bringing together industry professionals, faculty, staff and students to examine how AI is being applied in practice and how it should be used thoughtfully and responsibly.
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
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
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.
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.
- April 7, 2026 | 8:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. | Designing with Intelligence: The Future of Human–AI Collaboration in Creative Practice
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:
- 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
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 – 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
Join the NC State Data Science Club for ASA DataFest
The NC State Data Science Club hosted two successful teams at ASA DataFest last year, made up of club members and student leaders, and we’re planning to do the same again this year. If you’re interested in participating in DataFest but don’t have a team yet, consider joining one of ours.
On March 25, the club will also host a DataFest prep session featuring Lincoln Groves, Senior Manager of Analytical Education at SAS. The session will include pizza and a hands-on introduction to SAS Viya to help students prepare for the competition.
Date: Wednesday, March 25
Time: 4:00–5:15 PM (during the Data Science Club meeting)
Location: DH Hill Library, East Wing, Data Science and AI Academy Suite 2144
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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