North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has appointed Siobahn Day Grady, Ph.D.,’09, as the inaugural director of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Equity Research (IAIER), effective January 7, 2025. Reporting to Ontario Wooden, Ph.D., provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, Grady will lead efforts to position NCCU as a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) innovation in higher education.
In her new role, Grady will oversee transformative initiatives aimed at engaging more than 200 students within two years. She will forge partnerships with organizations including OpenAI, FICO, Anthropic, the Museum of Life and Science and Google. Her priorities include workforce development, faculty support, and community engagement, ensuring the institute promotes ethical AI practices and addresses societal challenges in the field. Grady will also collaborate with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) nationwide to prepare the next generation of AI leaders.
Under Grady’s leadership, the institute will focus on key research areas such as developing ethical AI frameworks, addressing algorithmic bias and advancing equity in automated decision-making systems.
Grady brings a proven track record in securing significant funding, having obtained more than $4.5 million in grant funding from prestigious organizations, enabling transformative projects in AI, equity and STEM education. This accomplishment highlights her ability to lead the institute in securing resources to advance its mission and impact.
A recognized leader in AI and STEM, Grady has received national and international acclaim, including features in museums across the country that honor her work. She is a vocal advocate for increasing the representation of women and minorities in computer science and STEM. As an American Association for the Advancement of Science IF/THEN Ambassador alumna, she inspires others through hands-on research and community outreach. Grady has also established six merit-based STEM scholarships across all HBCUs in the University of North Carolina system to support the next generation of STEM professionals.
Her dedication to excellence is reflected in her certifications through Quality Matters, as well as her service in advisory and board roles. Grady is an active member of the Alpha Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Junior League of Durham and Orange Counties, and is a life member of both the Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) and NCCU alumni associations.
Grady earned her bachelor’s degree in computer science from WSSU, a master’s in information science from NCCU and a Ph.D. in computer science from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, where she became the first woman to earn the degree.
To learn more about the IAIER, please visit here or contact [email protected].
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Siobahn Day Grady on her new role!
