TDAI is celebrating Dr. Krishna Chaitanya Rao Kathala, our Program Director who leads interdisciplinary research and oversees the Master of Translational Data Analytics Institute (MTDA), whose presentation has been accepted for the 2026 AAC&U Conference on AI and Higher Education.

The national conference, held October 28-30^th, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia and online, brings together higher education leaders to discuss the future of AI, including AI governance, policy, and responsible implementation in institutions.

Dr. Kathala’s will co-present “Data Governance Theory Meets AI Practice” with Dr. Muhammad Hanif of Örebro University in Sweden. Their session examines how universities can translate data governance frameworks into practical strategies that support the responsible adoption of AI. Drawing on insights from their international collaboration, the presentation will provide a roadmap for aligning AI innovation with institutional values, accountability and effective governance.

The presentation was selected through a highly competitive proposal process, recognizing the importance of this work as colleges and universities continue to navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI.

Learn more here: https://www.aacu.org/event/conference-on-ai-and-higher-education