Carnegie Mellon University Hosts Inaugural AI and Data Analytics Summit

Carnegie Mellon University’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning partnered with Computing Services to host the university's first AI and Data Analytics Summit on June 3, 2026. The event, themed 'Intelligence at Scale: Driving a Human-Centered Future with AI and Data Analytics,' focused on the transformative role of data-informed decision-making in higher education. This summit highlights a growing trend of academic institutions formalizing internal data strategies to optimize institutional effectiveness and foster a collaborative data community.

The summit featured several high-profile presentations and technical demonstrations led by the IE&P team. Matt Hoolsema, Director of Data Science and Advanced Analytics, co-led the 'Summit Cup,' a competition designed to showcase innovative applications of AI and data storytelling. Hoolsema also demonstrated a new university-wide Chatbot in the Makerspace Sandbox, a collaborative project between IE&P and Computing Services aimed at enhancing campus-wide digital interaction.

Technical breakout sessions provided deep dives into specific tools and methodologies currently being deployed at CMU. One session featured Malak Alseaf, Papion Guice, and Doug Stouch, who presented a Power BI Showcase to illustrate how advanced data visualization can empower users to derive actionable insights. Another session, led by Shannon Foster, Kirby Livingston, and Madison Speck, explored the use of Generative AI tools like Notebook LM to analyze and interpret complex assessment findings for stakeholders.

The event concluded with the announcement of the inaugural AI and Data Analytics Summit Cup winners, which included IE&P staff member Doug Stouch. The competition emphasized the importance of analytical expertise and creative storytelling in uncovering institutional insights. Assistant Vice Provost Melissa Baker served as the event's emcee, underscoring the university's commitment to building a robust data community and scaling human-centered intelligence throughout its administrative and academic operations.