A Holiday Message From the Dean
As we wrap up Fall Quarter to celebrate the holiday season, I’d like to take this opportunity to share some reflections on our achievements in 2016 and thoughts on our enormous future potential as a College.
But first, as I am new to Drexel, I’d like to introduce myself. I am truly honored to serve as CCI’s new dean and Isaac L. Auerbach Professor. Before arriving at Drexel in September, I served as the dean of the College of Computing and Informatics at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte for about seven years. Before then, I was first the director and then the dean of the School of Computing and Information Sciences at Florida International University.
I came to Drexel because I believe that this University is a very unique and special place.
First, Drexel is one of the few US universities with a college that covers the broad areas of computing and informatics –and the important interplay between those fields – under one roof. We were pleased to expand our academic offerings this year with the introduction of a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science program and a Graduate Minor in Computer Science, allowing non-computer science majors and/or students without a computer science background to expand and obtain fundamental knowledge in the field to enhance their studies and careers. Additionally, we expanded our Bachelor of Science in Computing & Security Technology into a full-time, on-campus degree program, launched a new Bachelor of Science in Data Science degree program, as well as three new undergraduate minors in Data Science, Human Centered Computing and Security Technology.
Secondly, Drexel is a world-recognized catalyst for innovation in science, technology and design. Our faculty are at the vanguard of discoveries in
computing and information science; in 2016, CCI faculty investigated howour brains and bodies handle distractions; studied technology’simpact on health care; analyzed the value and extent of online privacy; enabled behavioral specialists to better track student progress; and helped textile manufacturers better anticipate challenges.
Through Drexel’s distinctive cooperative education programs, leading-edge applied research and experiential learning approach, our College is producing the world’s next leaders, innovators and solution makers to meet the dynamic, changing needs of our society. From developing a video game
for the visually impaired
to designing a smartphone app
to help breast cancer survivors
, it’s clear that CCI students are making an impact well before graduation.
Lastly, I believe that with our comprehensive format as a College, we are uniquely poised to meet these changing needs as well as underpin the rapidly growing, pervasive and transformational roles of information and technology in today’s economy. We know this because our students and alumni are highly sought-after by employers. Our students have earned coop positions and full-time opportunities at some of the top tech employers in the world, including Microsoft, Apple and Google. During our third annual Employer Fair and Networking Reception event this October, we connected over 190 CCI students and alumni with over 35 Philadelphia-area employers in the computing and informatics fields.
As I reflect on the College’s achievements during these past few months, I can see that we are only just scraping the surface of the truly expansive impact that we as a College can make. With our cutting-edge research and world-class academic programs, we are positioning ourselves as a pacesetter for innovation in computing and informatics education.
I am deeply grateful to the faculty, professional staff, students and alumni that have all made CCI the remarkable College that it is today, and look forward to celebrating more achievements in the coming year. I wish you and your loved ones a safe, healthy and joyous holiday season.
With warmest greetings and best wishes for the New Year,
Yi Deng, PhD
Dean & Isaac L. Auerbach Professor