Bowie State Hosts Inaugural AI and Data Science Conference

Innovation and Cybersecurity Spotlighted

 

MEDIA CONTACT: media@bowiestate.edu

(BOWIE, Md.)—Bowie State University held its first-ever AI and Data Science Conference, bringing together leading voices from academia, industry and government to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, data science and cybersecurity. The daylong event marked a significant step in Bowie State’s growing role as a hub for technological innovation and education. 

Organized by the Department of Computer Science, the conference welcomed students, faculty and tech professionals for a day filled with keynote speeches, panel discussions and hands-on workshops. With a strong focus on ethical considerations and real-world applications, the event provided a collaborative platform to discuss the fast-evolving role of AI in protecting and analyzing critical systems. 

The conference opened with a keynote address by Tina Williams Koroma, CEO of TCecure, setting the tone for a day centered on leadership, innovation and emerging technologies. She was joined by keynote speakers Dr. Tian Lan of George Washington University, Dr. Kun Sun of George Mason University, and representatives from Booz Allen Hamilton, including Dr. Sean Guillory and Bahirah Adewunmi. 

Attendees engaged with a series of talks and panels covering a wide array of topics, including machine learning, natural language processing and AI-guided solutions for cybersecurity threats. One panel examined the essential hands-on skills needed in today’s AI and data science careers, while another tackled the growing complexity of cybersecurity challenges in an AI-driven world. 

Dr. Md Kamruzzaman Sarker, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science and the lead organizer of the event, emphasized the importance of creating a space for collaboration across sectors. 

“Another reason for hosting this conference was to bring in external people so that we could share our ideas,” he said. “We had people from industry, academia and government. It was a pretty good and diverse group. Some CEOs came and shared their insights with our students, which made a huge impact.” 

A practical workshop offered participants the chance to deepen their technical expertise in AI model development and data engineering. A student-led poster session showcased fresh research from early-career scientists, creating an interactive space for feedback and idea exchange. 

As Maryland’s first historically Black university, Bowie State is further cementing its role as a regional leader in preparing students for the evolving demands of science, technology and cybersecurity. 

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the ‘Research College and University’ designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.