Targeted Infusion Project: Infusing Responsible Generative AI Education into Undergraduate Statistics and Data Science Curricula (AI4DS).

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP) through Targeted Infusion Projects supports the development, implementation, and study of evidence-based innovative models and approaches for improving the preparation and success of undergraduate students enrolled at HBCUs so that they may pursue science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) graduate programs and/or careers. The goal of this project is to enhance undergraduate students’ data science education at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University (NCA&T) by modernizing existing academic programs in science and engineering by integrating Generative Artificial Intelligence into core courses for degrees in data science. The project aims to accomplish this goal by 1) promoting AI literacy and ethical awareness among undergraduate STEM students, 2) equipping students with practical skills to integrate AI tools and enhance productivity in data science careers, and 3) training faculty and graduate teaching assistants in effective practices for leveraging AI in STEM education. This initiative will strengthen data science education at the institution, enrich ethical generative AI techniques, and enhance retention and graduate rates of students pursuing data science degrees. In addition, the research study is designed to embed generative artificial intelligence (AI) education within undergraduate statistics and data science curricula at NCA&T. This project will lead to the better preparation of students for careers in the competitive fields of data science and address the national need for skilled professionals in these fields. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.