Quarterman receives Google Data Center Community AI Fellowship

Courtney Quarterman, a data science Ph.D. student at Meharry Medical College School of Applied Computational Sciences, has received a Google Data Center Community AI Fellowship.

The Watson Institute manages the fully funded program designed to help promising community leaders scale local solutions in Google data center communities. Quarterman, who represents Austell, Georgia, is among about 75 fellows who are participating from Sept. 1, 2026, to Jan. 14, 2027. She was also selected as one of four fellows featured in a Meet the Fellows showcase hosted by Google’s Economic and Community Development team.

Through the fellowship, Quarterman is pursuing two community-centered AI and data science initiatives:

• Strengthening K-12 AI readiness and educator capacity, building family trust, protecting student privacy and expanding pathways to college, careers and emerging technology fields through QuantumBridge K12 Inc., an organization founded by Quarterman.
• Bringing together college and university students and faculty, entrepreneurs, community organizations and industry mentors to develop research concepts, prototypes and 90-day community pilots in collaboration with the Atlanta University Center Data Science

Quarterman also leads Innovation Bridge Corp, a nonprofit focused on breaking down barriers to innovation for schools internationally.

“I am strengthening my skills in AI and data science strategy, community-engaged research, partnership development, program design, responsible AI and translating ideas into actionable plans,” Quarterman said. “The experience directly supports my doctoral and professional interests in using computational science, AI and data to advance education, workforce pathways and community impact.”

According to the Watson Institute, the fellowship gives Quarterman entrepreneurship and AI skills training, guidance from technical mentors, access to Google’s AI tools and financial resources, and ongoing connections through a global network and long-term alumni support. Fellows extend that training to their communities by hosting workshops, called Basecamps, for local leaders.