Message from the Chair
As 2024 draws to a close, the Department of Computer Science has much to reflect on. It's been a year of significant change and adaptation, but also one of remarkable resilience and achievement.
My sincere thanks go out to all members of the department – faculty, staff, and students – for your hard work and dedication throughout the year. We've seen record enrolment in our undergraduate program, demonstrating the continued appeal of computer science and the strength of our offerings. It's also gratifying to see our graduates finding success in the workforce, a testament to the quality of education they receive here.
This year brought a wave of new faces to our department. We welcomed four new faculty members: Jaya Champati, with expertise in AI and networking; Ashery Mbilinyi, who will be leading new initiatives in the field of medical AI; Zhenjian Lu, who strengthens our theoretical foundations with his research; and Yu Yan, a dedicated teaching faculty member who brings innovative pedagogy. We also welcomed new staff members David Clark, Jessica Davis, and Aimee Coueslan to our administrative team. And while we said goodbye to most of our IT staff, we're pleased to have a new team in place, led by Barry Kent.
Looking ahead to 2025, opportunity waits. The government’s TechExpansion2.0 initiative presents a chance for us to expand our impact and contribute to the advancement of technology on a broader scale. We'll be conducting additional faculty searches in AI, Theory, and HCI, further strengthening our research and teaching capabilities in these critical areas. And we'll be embarking on a comprehensive curriculum revision, not only bringing our program up to the latest ACM standards but going beyond by integrating AI throughout, ensuring our students are equipped with the skills and knowledge that will define the future of the field.
While we acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead, we approach the future with optimism. We have a strong foundation, a talented and dedicated team, and a shared commitment to excellence. By working together, supporting one another, and embracing innovation, we can navigate these challenges and emerge even stronger.
Let's make 2025 a year where we empower our faculty and staff to thrive, provide our students with the best possible education, and continue to push the boundaries of computer science research. I am confident that, together, we can achieve great things.
Dr. Kevin StanleyProfessor and Chair