Events

Innovate. Research. Advance. — Graduate Internship & Fellowship Opportunities Webinar

Join the Meharry School of Applied Computational Sciences (SACS) and the South Big Data Hub for Innovate. Research. Advance., a virtual webinar focused on graduate internship and fellowship opportunities. Hear directly from students who have participated in funded opportunities with NASA, NIH, Google, and other organizations as they share their experiences and advice for pursuing similar opportunities.

The webinar will take place on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 3:30–4:30 p.m. EST (2:30–3:30 p.m. CST). Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from students who have successfully navigated internship and fellowship programs and gain insights to help you pursue your own.

Black students receive real-world experience with FICO challenge

Discover how Black students are gaining invaluable real-world experience through the FICO Challenge. This initiative empowers students with hands-on learning in data science and analytics, preparing them for impactful careers in the field.

Drake State and Alabama A&M join FICO Analytics Challenge

Learn how Drake State and Alabama A&M are making strides in data science education by participating in the FICO Analytics Challenge. This collaboration offers students an opportunity to tackle real-world problems and enhance their skills in analytics and innovation.

Developing The Next Generation Of Data Scientists

Discover insights from Dr. Scott Zoldi on nurturing future data scientists. Learn about the essential skills and innovative approaches shaping the next generation.

HBCU-DSC September 2026 Salon Salon Speaker Series: Casey Ariel Diké

Casey Ariel Diké, Founder and CEO of Blaze Group®, joined us for a powerful conversation on how HBCUs can drive opportunity, research, and workforce development through data‑driven financial innovation. Casey brought deep experience in global finance and inclusive fintech, shaping how data and capital flow through underserved communities.

This virtual session was held on September 11, 2026 on Zoom.

HBCU DSC November 2025 Salon AI, Health Innovation, and Funding Opportunities.

Join us on November 14, 2025, for a focused virtual session in our Salon Speaker Series exploring AI, Health Innovation, and Funding Opportunities.

Our featured speaker, Mike Brizek of VentureWell, will provide expert insights on turning your AI research into high-impact, fundable projects. Learn what reviewers and investors are looking for in successful health tech proposals.

HBCU DSC November 2024 Salon Immersive Futures: The Power of VR and Data in Community Design

Jeremy Lawson, Co-Founder and CEO of Salynt Inc, will share insights on the VR experience Salynt has been working on and how it connects with data science and urban planning.

HBCU DSC June 2024 Salon Where to Start with Data Education Pillar

Join us for our summer salon session, where Mr. Walter Shields will be the guest speaker. Mr. Shields talk will focus on data science education. Walter Shields is the founder of the Walter Shields Data Academy. This session is free and held virtually.

HBCU DSC December 2022 Salon Building Academic Partnerships and Engaging with the National Security Agency

Steven D. Cook is a Research Directorate Academic Partnership Advocate/Protagonist. Steven D. Cook has over 40 years of experience in the National Security Agency’s (NSA) primary functional area, enabling a competitive advantage for the Nation and our allies technically and analytically. He is a proud alum of North Carolina A&T State University and a Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated life member.

Karen D. Presley is the Deputy Director of the Office of Research and Technology Applications at the National Security Agency (NSA) where she leads a team of technology transfer (T2) professionals that create partnerships to accelerate the exchange of expertise between NSA and other government agencies, academia, and industry.