Why You Should Attend Highlights & Speakers View the Program (pdf)
AI and Data Science Conference
Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Cybersecurity
- Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
- Time: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Location: Student Center (#20 on the Campus Map - free parking except for reserved or disabled spots)
- Contact: Dr. Md Kamruzzaman Sarker - msarker@bowiestate.edu | 301-860-4501
Register for the AI & Data Science Conference
The second Bowie State University AI and Data Science Conference will take place on April 28, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the theme Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Cybersecurity. This event will bring together experts, faculty members, staff, and students to discuss and explore the latest advancements and challenges in AI and data science.
The conference will feature workshops, invited talks, and panel discussions led by distinguished experts from academia, industry, and government. These sessions will delve into cutting-edge research, practical applications, and ethical considerations at the intersection of AI and data science, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and fostering collaboration among attendees.
The program will begin with an opening keynote speech, followed by two workshops and a panel discussion titled “Think Before You Prompt: Ethics in the AI Era”. The first workshop provides participants with a hands-on opportunity to fly and interact with drones, giving them first-hand exposure to autonomous and intelligent systems. The second workshop focuses on practical, hands-on exposure to commonly used AI tools that can support everyday tasks.
Why You Should Attend
This conference offers a unique opportunity to gain insights from leading experts while also developing practical, hands-on skills. In addition to thought-provoking talks and panels, this year introduces a strong focus on experiential learning, including:
- Drone Experience Workshop – Interact with and fly drones to explore autonomous and intelligent systems in action
- Hands-on AI Tools Workshop – Learn how to effectively use AI tools for teaching, content creation, assessment, and productivity
Attendees will benefit from valuable networking opportunities, exposure to innovative research and technologies, and guidance on academic and career pathways. Whether you are a student, educator, researcher, or professional, the conference provides both knowledge and practical experience to help you stay ahead in the AI-driven landscape.
Register for the AI & Data Science Conference
About the Conference Host
Bowie State University, Maryland’s first historically Black college and university, is proud to host this inaugural event. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, innovation and community impact, Bowie State is a leader in preparing students for careers in technology, science and beyond. The university’s Department of Computer Science continues to advance research and education in artificial intelligence, data science and cybersecurity, making it an ideal venue for fostering dialogue on these critical topics. Conveniently located in Bowie, Maryland, the university is situated between Washington, D.C. (17 miles) and Baltimore (25 miles), providing easy access to both metropolitan areas.
Conference Highlights
Keynote Speeches
Gain insights from influential leaders across academia, industry, and government as they discuss transformative advancements in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data-driven decision-making, and intelligent systems.
Hands-on Workshops
Participate in interactive workshops designed to build real-world skills in areas such as generative AI, data science workflows, cybersecurity analytics, and emerging AI tools. Attendees will collaborate in teams to produce solutions and present their outcomes during the showcase session.
Workshop Concepts
- Experience flying a drone: This workshop component provides participants with a hands-on opportunity to fly and interact with drones, giving them first-hand exposure to autonomous and intelligent systems. For K–12 and undergraduate students, the experience is designed to spark curiosity and excitement, helping them visualize how concepts from computer science, AI, and robotics translate into real-world technologies and career pathways. For graduate and doctoral students, the activity serves as a motivating entry point to explore advanced research challenges in areas such as autonomy, perception, control, and AI-driven decision-making.
- Hands-on Experience with AI Tools: This workshop component focuses on practical, hands-on exposure to commonly used AI tools that can support everyday tasks. It is primarily aimed at staff and educators, especially school and college teachers to help them effectively use AI for lesson preparation, content creation, assessment support, and administrative efficiency. By demystifying AI and emphasizing responsible and productive use, the workshop empowers educators to confidently integrate AI tools into their daily professional activities.
Student Exhibit
The Student AI Innovation Showcase is being developed as a curated, interactive component of the conference that highlights student-led work in artificial intelligence and data science & analytics. The showcase will feature approximately 7 student teams presenting at interactive demo tables and up to 10 poster presentations, creating a balanced environment for both applied projects and research-focused work. In addition to the exhibit, selected participants will have the opportunity to engage in an AI Innovation Pitch competition, where they will present their work to a panel of judges for feedback and awards recognizing innovation, social impact, and audience engagement.
Panel Discussion
Engage with a diverse group of experts as they explore the evolving AI and cybersecurity landscape—covering workforce needs, responsible innovation, and the rapidly growing impact of automation and intelligent technologies.
Poster Session
Explore innovative ideas and research in our poster session, where students and early-career researchers showcase their latest projects and receive feedback from conference attendees and experts. This session offers a dynamic opportunity to engage with emerging research and exchange ideas in an interactive setting.
Workshop Outcome Showcase
Teams will present their hands-on project results to peers, faculty, and industry reviewers—celebrating creativity, technical skills, and applied learning.
Awards & Recognition
Outstanding workshop achievements and participant contributions will be recognized during the award ceremony, highlighting excellence in innovation, teamwork, and AI-driven problem solving.
