Demystifying AI: Bias, Truth, and Ethical Safeguards in the Age of Algorithms

Dr. Siobahn Day Grady is an Associate Professor in the School of Library and Information Sciences at North Carolina Central University and the Founding Director of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research (IAIER). In 2018, she became the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in Computer Science from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University—a pioneering milestone that continues to shape her commitment to expanding opportunity and advancing innovation in computing and higher education.

As Founding Director of IAIER, Dr. Grady leads initiatives that connect artificial intelligence, digital education, and workforce readiness. Within the institute’s first year, she secured national partnerships with major technology organizations, launched a campus-wide seed grant program, and hosted public engagement events that deepened trust, technical capacity, and institutional agility. IAIER’s approach reflects her belief that emerging technologies should be accessible, human-centered, and responsive to the needs of all learners and communities.

Dr. Grady’s research focuses on artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, algorithmic bias, and creating effective systems that meet the needs of all humanity. She applies machine learning to address real-world challenges—including misinformation, autonomous systems, and healthcare bias—and explores how public understanding of AI shapes its adoption and impact.

She serves as the Faculty Fellow Lead Partner for e-Learning Excellence at NCCU and also holds multiple Quality Matters certifications, including Master Reviewer, Peer Reviewer, and Facilitator, and is widely recognized for her leadership in digital pedagogy, instructional design, and institutional change.

Dr. Grady is an alumna of the AAAS IF/THEN Ambassador initiative, and her statue—originally part of the largest exhibit of women’s statues in the U.S.—is now permanently housed at North Carolina A&T State University’s College of Engineering, honoring her enduring legacy. In 2025, she was inducted into the NC A&T Graduate College Hall of Fame, recognizing her contributions to STEM, education, and national academic leadership.

A dedicated advocate for student access and success, she has established six merit-based, STEM-focused endowed scholarships across every HBCU in the University of North Carolina System. She serves on several advisory boards, including the Winston-Salem State University Foundation and the National Girls Collaborative Project, and is a life member of both the NCCU and WSSU alumni associations. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Zeta Omega Chapter.

With a leadership philosophy rooted in innovation, service, and strategic collaboration, Dr. Grady continues to build systems and institutions that prepare learners for a just, technologically empowered future.