Special to the AUCC
Earlier this year, students from the Atlanta University Center joined those from five different universities within the Atlanta and Nashville areas to compete in the second Un-Hackathon. The collaborative technology event allowed participants to develop ethical AI solutions and practices for real-world applications. The pioneering approach to engaging students in ethical AI development emerged through a partnership among the AUC Data Science Initiative of the Atlanta University Center Consortium, Vanderbilt University Data Science Institute, and the Morehouse Center for Broadening Participation in Computing.
With a selection of 80 students from over 150 applications, the event’s focus sought interdisciplinary teams from multiple institutions with various technical backgrounds – from beginner to advanced experience – to explore the ethical considerations and applications of AI at all industry levels.
“As a computer science major, I know tech is powerful, but it can also be harmful if we’re not careful,” said first-year Spelman student Mary Okumodi, who, along with other team members, took home first place, earning Top-Performing AUC Students & Intercollegiate Team. “I care about ethical AI because I’ve seen how systems can be biased against people who look like me.”
Competing against 10 teams, Okumodi teamed with additional Spelman students Shannon Burnette and Elikem Kalitsi, as well as Fisk University and Vanderbilt students for the win. Focusing on developing generative AI solutions, each team chose a problem to solve, with a suggested focus on healthcare. Teams then developed a Large Language Model (LLM)-based proof of concept, explaining the problem, its significance, and how AI offers the optimal solution.
“I saw [Un-Hackathon] as a way to step out of my comfort zone and represent Spelman with pride,” said Okumodi, who plans to get her master’s in artificial intelligence. “And to win first place? That just proved we belonged in that room.”
However, being in the tech room is just a surface scratch for Okumodi; she does not want to “just build things.” She wants to ensure that what she builds is fair, safe, and helpful.
“My major gives me the tools, but Spelman gives me the mindset to ask deeper questions, to think about impact, and to make sure I’m using tech to uplift, not harm,” she said.
After grad school, Okumodi’s goal is to become a cloud architect, product manager, or business analyst who makes decisions, leads teams, and brings ideas to life. Teammate Kalitsi, C’2025, a computer science major, is also pursuing graduate school. Her goal is to eventually launch a research lab in human-centered machine learning and speech technologies, allowing her to explore how language, sound, and emotion intersect in intelligent systems.
In addition to first place, other AUC students placed as well. The second-place team, which stood out for strong interdisciplinary collaboration, featured Spelman student Nina Simone Jenkins and second-year man of Morehouse, Tyler Barnes.
Happy with his team’s outcome, Barnes echoed the need for ethical use of the growing AI technology.
“It is important to consider that AI can be used in unethical means such as biases, privacy, academic integrity, and misinformation,” said the computer science major, who plans on becoming a software engineer. “I am interested in ethical AI practices since, in the future, I would love to help create technology that would benefit others’ lives. To do that using AI, it needs to be done ethically.”
Coming in third place for contributing outstanding leadership and insight to her team’s third-place success was Spelman 2025 computer science major Sky Brumfield, C’2025. Her classmate, computer science major Mariah Hicks, C’2027, helped her team receive the People’s Choice Award for their valuable insights.
Top-Performing AUC Students & Intercollegiate Teams:
1st Place – Team Mama Shield
Shannon Burnette, Mary Okumodi, and Elikem K. – Spelman College
Teamed up with Vanderbilt and Fisk students to take home the win!
2nd Place Team
Nina Simone Jenkins – Spelman College
Tyler J. Barnes – Morehouse College
Their team stood out for strong interdisciplinary collaboration.
3rd Place Team
Sky Brumfield – Spelman College
Contributed great leadership and insight to her team’s third-place success.
People’s Choice – Team Red Tape Radar
Mariah Hicks – Spelman College
For more information, contact:
Dr. Eboni Dotson, edotson@aucenter.edu
Assistant Director HBCU Engagement AUC Data Science Initiative
Jamal Ware, Jware@aucenter.edu
Program Coordinator for Student Development
Data Science Initiative
About the AUCC
The Atlanta University Center Consortium, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Georgia, formed in 1929 to operate on behalf of its member institutions–Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Spelman College—is the world’s oldest and largest association of historically Black colleges and universities. The Consortium is a vibrant intellectual community with a long tradition of scholarship, service, and community engagement.
