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.
Registration is now closed. Check out ai.duke.edu for future events.
Summit Location & Parking Information
The Washington Duke Inn is located at 3001 Cameron Boulevard, Durham NC, 27705 (driving directions). When you arrive, please proceed to the President’s Gallery for registration. Free parking is available on-site to all Summit attendees.
No longer able to attend the Summit?
Please update your RSVP using the link in your confirmation email so we may invite someone on the waitlist to attend. If you cannot find your confirmation email, send us a message at dukeai@duke.edu and we will update your registration accordingly.
The Triangle AI Summit is an initiative by Duke University Provost Alec Gallimore, and is organized by Duke Learning Innovation & Lifetime Education (LILE), Duke Libraries, Duke Community Affairs, and Duke School of Nursing.
Triangle AI Summit Schedule
*Schedule is subject to change
8:15 – 9:00 AM | Check-in & Continental Breakfast
9:00 – 9:15 AM | Kick-off by Provost 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.
Location: President’s Ballroom
9:15 – 10:00AM | Summit Keynote: Why AI Is Advancing So Quickly
Summit Keynote: Why AI Is Advancing So Quickly
Cade Metz is a technology reporter at The New York Times and the author of “Genius Makers: The Mavericks Who Brought A.I. to Google, Facebook, and The World,” the story of the people, ideas and companies behind the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. At the Times, he covers artificial intelligence, driverless cars, robotics, virtual reality and other emerging areas. He was previously a senior writer with Wired Magazine. He has a BA in English literature from Duke University, where he also studied math and computer science.
Location: President’s Ballroom
10:00 – 10:15 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.
Location: President’s Ballroom
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
Former Commissioner of Food and Drugs, FDA
Steve Kearney
Global Medical Director, SAS
Jun Yang
Bishop-MacDermott Family Professor of Computer Science, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences, Duke University
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.
Location: Ambassador’s Ballroom
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.
Location: President’s Ballroom
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
Jenny Maxwell
Head of Grammarly for Education
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.
Location: Ambassador’s Ballroom
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 (Buffet tables in Gallery, seating in Pres Ballroom and outside)
1:30 – 3:00 PM | Parallel Sessions III
Teaching with AI Showcase
Location: President’s 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: Ambassador’s 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 is a separate registration process for this workshop; information has been emailed to all registrants. If you missed this message, email us at dukeai@duke.edu for information regarding registration for this workshop.
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 (President’s Ballroom)
Student Voices
Location: President’s Ballroom
Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education
Professor of Political Science
Dara Ajiboy
Rising Sophomore
Code+ Participant
Muke Akume
Rising Sophomore
Code+ Participant
Ciaran Burr
Rising Junior
Code+ Participant
Roudy Mohamed
Rising Junior
Code+ Participant
4:00-4:30 pm | Closing
Closing
A short presentation by Tracy Futhey, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, will close out the Summit.
Location: President’s Ballroom