Echoes and Algorithms, a Spelman College Podcast

What happens when the most creative minds at an HBCU get access to cutting-edge technology — and the freedom to use it on their own terms? In this episode of "Echoes and Algorithms," Dr. Mark Lee steps inside Spelman's Arthur Blank Innovation Lab — where students and faculty aren't just learning about the future, they're building it. Meet the team behind PlantGPT, using sensors and AI to revolutionize how we care for plants. Hear about the "Context of Curls," groundbreaking research exposing how AI gets Black hair wrong. Discover how Spelman students are partnering with Nourish + Bloom Market — the first autonomous grocery store with robotic delivery in the United States and the first African American owned autonomous grocery store in the world. And find out how a national HBCU Game Jam is putting Spelman women at the center of gaming culture. From AI literacy to augmented reality, from CodeHouse mentorship to inclusive design that actually includes us — this is what innovation looks like when Black girls lead. In this episode, you'll hear about: PlantGPT — AI-powered, sensor-driven plant care Context of Curls — research challenging how AI represents Black hair Nourish + Bloom Market — a historic, first-of-its-kind autonomous grocery store The HBCU Game Jam — Spelman women shaping the future of gaming CodeHouse — mentorship that turns curiosity into careers Guests: Jaycee Holmes, C'2016, co-director of the Spelman Innovation Lab Blanca Burch, C'2022, Spelman College's inaugural AI Innovation Scholar Temple Dees, C'2027, computer science major / interactive media minor "Echoes and Algorithms" is Spelman College's signature podcast series hosted by Dr. Mark Lee, provost and senior vice president of Academic Affairs. Spelman isn't just keeping up with the tech revolution. She's shaping it.

The discussion at Spelman College focused on integrating AI and technology into liberal arts education to enhance pedagogy and social justice. Dr. Nicole Taylor emphasized AI's role in teacher certification programs, aiming to prepare future educators for diverse learning environments. Dr. Michelle Hite highlighted the importance of digital humanities in reclaiming black women's stories, particularly Dr. Joyce Johnson's narrative. Dr. Cynthia Neal Spence discussed the social justice implications of AI, advocating for intersectional lenses in technology applications. The panel underscored the need for HBCUs to lead in AI education, ensuring it benefits marginalized communities and aligns with their mission of social justice and community impact.

Spelman College's John Wagner Givens, DPhil, associate professor of international studies and Lauren Chase Dent, C'2026, explore the resurgence of the Model UN team at Spelman and its intersection with AI. From surveillance technology in China to data centers threatening Global South communities, they discuss who truly benefits from AI advancement. Dent shares how Model UN skills translated to her success at Goldman Sachs, while Givens examines AI's role in teaching and diplomacy for the next generation of leaders. Retired professor Jean Meadows is honored for her role in establishing the Model UN program. Learn more about the Echoes and Algorithms podcast series here: https://www.spelman.edu/academics/echoes-and-algorithms-podcast/index.html

Who really benefits from artificial intelligence — and at what cost? In this episode of “Echoes and Algorithms, Spelman College Provost Mark Lee, Ph.D. sits down with John Wagner Givens, DPhil, associate professor of international studies and Georgia Governor’s Teaching Fellow, alongside Lauren Chase Dent, C’2026, president of Spelman’s Model United Nations team, for a timely conversation at the intersection of AI, global power, and social justice. Drawing on Dr. Givens’ expertise in China, surveillance technologies, and global AI governance, the discussion examines how artificial intelligence is being deployed across the world—from state-led surveillance systems exported to the Global South to the environmental and human costs of AI infrastructure. Dent brings a student-led, policy-driven perspective shaped by Model UN competition, international diplomacy, and her experience working on AI regulation in global finance. Together, they explore: Competing global approaches to AI governance The environmental justice implications of data centers Surveillance, race, and algorithmic bias How HBCUs are preparing students to navigate ethical technology leadership This episode highlights how Spelman students and faculty are engaging some of the most urgent questions of our time — proving that innovation without equity is incomplete. Watch the full conversation on "Echoes and Algorithms."