WSSU Adobe Bash Faculty Festival 2025 "Back to the Future with AI"

It's that time of year again! WSSU Faculty Festival sponsored by Adobe, which we hold each spring to engage in transformative and innovative teaching and learning practices for our faculty at Winston-Salem State University.

Keynote Speaker and Guest Workshop Facilitator on Artificial Intelligence- Dr. Siobahn D. Grady

Dr. Siobahn Grady's remarkable journey began as the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in Computer Science from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 2018. Currently, she serves as an Assistant Professor and Program Director of Information Science/Systems at the School of Library and Information Sciences at North Carolina Central University. Notably, she heads the Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence and Equity Research (LAIER), co-directs the Center for Data Equity (CODE), and holds the title of an Office e-Learning faculty fellow.

A passionate researcher, Dr. Grady delves deep into the application of machine learning, targeting misinformation on social media and enhancing fault detection in autonomous vehicles. However, her pursuits are not confined to academic corridors; she is a vocal advocate for bolstering the representation of women and minorities in computer science. Recognizing the pronounced gender and racial disparities in STEM, she aspires to foster confidence in these groups, aiding them in sculpting a robust STEM identity. As an esteemed AAAS IF/THEN ambassador, Dr. Grady is at the forefront of instigating change, both through hands-on research and community outreach.

Her accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. Dr. Grady's insights have illuminated national and international conferences, and her legacy is immortalized in the world's largest exhibit of women's statues. Furthermore, museums across the country have celebrated her contributions. Her vision for an inclusive future in technology is realized by promoting educational opportunities across multiple platforms – from community organizations to academic research and philanthropic endeavors. Demonstrating her commitment to the future of STEM, Dr. Grady has established four merit-based, STEM-centric endowed scholarships at prominent HBCUs within the University of North Carolina System, effectively easing the financial strain on deserving students.

Her unwavering commitment to excellence in education is evident in her array of Quality Matters Certifications and several Facilitator roles. Outside of academia, Dr. Grady's influence stretches to numerous board and advisory positions, including the Winston-Salem State University Foundation and the National Girls Collaborative Project. She also proudly associates with several esteemed organizations, like the Alpha Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and both the Winston Salem State University and North Carolina Central University National Alumni Associations as a life member.

A Special Thank you to our Sponsor, Adobe Foundation and Adobe.

Thank you to Chancellor Bonita Brown, Provost Mike McKenzie (interim), and Associate Provost Frank Ingram.

Thank you to our guest from ACUE, Mrs. Shannon Koss.

Thank you to the amazing CITI Team for all of your work in planning this event.

Highlights from WSSU Faculty Festival 2025