Exploring the Future of Research at the 2025 MS-CC Annual Meeting with Talitha Washington

Closing Keynote at the MS-CC Annual Meeting

The 2025 Annual Meeting for the MS-CC is set to be an inspirational gathering, featuring a notable keynote address from Talitha Washington, the executive director of Howard University's Center for Applied Data Science and Analytics. Scheduled to take place from May 28-30 in Nashville, Tennessee, the event promises engaging discussions on the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and cyberinfrastructure in institutional research.

Talitha Washington: A Trailblazer in Data Science

Talitha Washington's keynote presentation, titled "Unlock Discoveries and Opportunities through AI and Cyberinfrastructure," aims to inspire and challenge attendees to rethink traditional research methodologies. Drawing from her extensive experience, Washington will emphasize how institutional frameworks can leverage AI and cyberinfrastructure to bolster innovation and facilitate discovery across various academic disciplines.

As a mathematics professor and holder of the Sean McCleese Endowed Chair at Howard University, Washington has made significant contributions to the realm of data science. Her tenure as president of the Association for Women in Mathematics further underscores her commitment to advancing women in STEM. Her research interests are varied, covering applied mathematics, dynamical systems, and data science methodologies that bridge the gap between theory and application.

A Platform for Collaboration and Engagement

The MS-CC Annual Meeting serves as a vital platform for professionals across Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). These gatherings foster collaboration among peers, practitioners, advocates, and leaders, creating a community that aims to enhance campus-level IT capabilities for education and research.

This year, the annual meeting is particularly focused on equipping institutions with the tools necessary for data-intensive education, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of research.

Recognition and Contributions

Washington’s scholarly work has not gone unnoticed; she is an elected member of esteemed organizations including Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Xi, Kappa Mu Epsilon, and Pi Mu Epsilon. Her accolades include the prestigious BEYA STEM Innovator Award in 2019 and a National Science Foundation Director's Award for Superior Accomplishment in 2020. Additionally, her position as a fellow of multiple scientific societies highlights her influence and leadership in the field.

Driving the Future of Research

As institutions increasingly embrace data-driven approaches to research, Washington's insights at the MS-CC Annual Meeting are timely. Participants can expect to engage in discussions regarding strategies for leveraging AI and cyberinfrastructure effectively, thereby supporting broader educational advancements and interdisciplinary collaboration.

With the support of funding from the National Science Foundation, this annual meeting embodies the collective ambition to bridge the gap between education and research, fostering environments where innovation can thrive.

As the closing keynote approaches, Washington's reputation as a thought leader renders this session a highlight not only for attendees of the annual meeting but for the broader educational and research communities interested in the application of AI and cyberinfrastructure.

Mark your calendars for May 30 at 11:45 a.m. CT, and join us at Loews Nashville at Vanderbilt Plaza for an inspiring exploration of possibilities that lie ahead in the intersection of technology and research.