The Triangle AI Summit will be a dynamic gathering of faculty, staff, and community members from across the region designed to engage with the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. As a hub for AI research and innovation, Duke University invites participants to explore the transformative potential of AI while critically examining its ethical, social, humanitarian and environmental implications.
Rooted in Duke’s AI Framework, which emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical responsibility, and cutting-edge research, the Triangle AI Summit will foster a balanced approach to AI—one that maximizes its benefits while addressing its challenges. Through meaningful dialogue and an engaging showcase of classroom AI applications, this summit will serve as a catalyst for deeper engagement and informed leadership in AI across the Triangle region.
There is no registration fee to attend the Summit, and is open to all. Though registration is currently full, we encourage you to register and join the waitlist.
(NetID Required)
Triangle AI Summit Schedule
*Schedule is subject to change
8:15 – 9:00 AM | Check-in & Continental Breakfast
9:00 – 9:15 AM | Host’s Welcome by Provost Alec Gallimore
Host’s Welcome by Provost Alec Gallimore
Provost Alec Gallimore will open the Summit with a brief welcome, setting the stage for a day of invigorating exploration and conversation.
9:15 – 10:00AM | Opening Keynote – TBA
8:15 – 9:00 AM | Break
10:15 – 11:15 AM | Parallel Sessions I
Trustworthy and Responsible AI Panel
This panel focuses on high-quality, ethical, transparent, and accountable AI systems to address societal concerns. Discussions will explore the future of responsible and trustworthy AI in health and other sectors, emphasizing the critical role of interdisciplinary expertise in advancing research and applications that foster trustworthy AI.
Moderator
Nicoleta Economou-Zavlanos
Director, AI Evaluation and Governance, Director, Algorithm-Based Clinical Decision Support (ABCDS) Oversight initiative, Duke Health
Robert Califf, MD
Adjunct Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiology, Duke University
Nita Farahany
Robinson O. Everett Distinguished Professor of Law, Duke Law School
Steve Kearney
Global Medical Director, SAS
Advancing Discovery with AI Panel
This panel focuses on leveraging AI to accelerate scientific discoveries, from developing and applying AI algorithms to analyze large datasets, uncovering hidden patterns, to predicting future trends. Experts will discuss how AI can drive innovation across various scientific fields and how researchers can begin to approach questions from new angles.
Moderator
Joseph Salem
Rita DiGiallonardo Holloway University Librarian,
Duke University
Ricardo Henao
Associate Professor of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics School of Medicine, Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Co-Director, AI Health Community of Practice, Duke University
Andrew Pace
Executive Director, Association of Research Libraries
Geeta Swamy, MD
Associate Vice President for Research, Haywood Brown, MD Distinguished Professor of Women’s Health, Vice Dean for Scientific Integrity, Duke University
11:15 – 11:30 AM | Break
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Parallel Sessions II
Life with AI Panel
This panel explores AI’s impact on society, education, workforce, and daily life. Topics include teaching and learning, the future of work, the meaning of knowledge and humanity, AI’s influence on democratic systems, human-AI partnerships, and AI’s role in social media. Experts will discuss how AI reshapes our world and the ethical considerations involved.
Moderator
Yakut Gazi
Vice Provost for Learning Innovation and Digital Education, Duke University
Chris Bail
Professor of Sociology & Director of the Society-Centered AI Initiative, Duke University
Tiffany Barnes
Distinguished Professor of Computer Science, North Carolina State University
Brinnae Bent
Executive in Residence in the Engineering Graduate and Professional Programs, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University
Sustainability in AI Panel
This panel examines the environmental impact of AI and the development of sustainable AI tools and frameworks while maintaining and increasing computational capacity. Topics include quantum computing, energy uses, “green AI”, and the potential to enhance environmentally responsible AI practices and minimizing AI’s environmental footprint.
Moderator
Charley Kneifel
Chief Technology Officer, Duke University
Casey Collins
Director, Utility & Energy Services, Duke University
Aldo Dagnino
Director of Applied AI, College of Engineering, North Carolina State University
Marc Hoit
Vice Chancellor for Information Technology, Chief Information Officer, North Carolina State University
Hai Li
Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Marie Foote Reel E’46 Distinguished Professor, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University
12:30 – 1:30 PM | Lunch
1:30 – 3:00 PM | Parallel Sessions III
Teaching with AI Showcase
Location: Presidents Gallery and Hallway
The Teaching with AI Showcase is a gallery of over 20 live demos selected through a CFP process. Presenters will demonstrate their use of AI applications in classrooms or other teaching venues, and their impact on student learning or academic administrative efficiency. Attendees will be able to circulate, observe demos of interest to them, and speak informally with demo presenters.
Workshop: From Chatbot to Assistant: AI Agents in 2025
Location: Ambassadors Ballroom
Led by Matthew Hirschey (Duke Center for Computational Thinking & Duke Health) and Jon Reifschneider (Duke School of Engineering)
This interactive workshop explores how AI has evolved from simple chatbots to powerful, task-oriented assistants that can help with a wide range of activities. In the first 30 minutes, all participants will learn about the current landscape of AI agents, see real-world examples, and understand the key differences between basic chatbots and more sophisticated AI assistants. There will be a separate registration process for this workshop; information will be available soon.
Track A (50 spots)
“Using AI Agents Today” (Beginner-Friendly) Perfect for those new to AI or with limited technical background. You’ll get hands-on experience with existing AI assistants, learn practical applications for everyday tasks, and design simple workflows that could help in your work. No coding experience required.
Track B (50 spots)
“Building Custom Agents” (Advanced) Designed for participants with some programming experience and familiarity with AI concepts. You’ll learn how to customize and extend AI agents for specific purposes, work with development templates, and participate in a guided coding session. Basic knowledge of Python is recommended.
3:00 – 3:15 PM | Break
3:15 – 4:00 PM | Student Voices Panel
4:00-4:30 pm | Guided reflection & Next Steps