This fall, Drexel's College of Computing & Informatics (CCI) welcomed seven new faculty members who bring a wealth of research and professional expertise in areas such as cybersecurity, data science, human-centered computing, human-computer interaction and user experience, social informatics & computing, artificial intelligence and machine learning, software engineering, computer science (CS) and CS education. We sat down with these new faculty members to learn more about what inspires them and what they're looking forward to during the 2022-23 academic year. Continue reading below to learn more!
Michael S. Cordano, PhD - Assistant Professor
Why did you decide to join Drexel?
The caliber of Drexel graduates and the real-world experience that the co-op program provides.
What are you passionate about?
Traveling — from road-trips to across-the-globe trips.
What are your goals for this academic year?
To become a mentor to students interested in cybersecurity and technology.
What is something about you (special talents, experience, hobbies) that might surprise students?
My interests range from music production to building IoT-based automated gardens and everything in between. You could say my hobby is learning new hobbies.
What's your favorite thing about Philadelphia?
The history, sports, music, art and food.
Afsaneh Razi, PhD - Assistant Professor
Why did you decide to join Drexel?
One of the main reasons I decided to join Drexel was because of the excellence of faculty in the IS department and the quality of the education here. I knew many IS faculty from top conferences in human-computer interaction (HCI) such as CHI and CSCW, so it is a pleasure to join the excellent researchers in our field. Meeting with the students and seeing their enthusiasm during the interview also helped me with my decision.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about making a positive impact in the world. Especially with the ubiquitous technology use and the great impact it has on people’s lives, it becomes more important than ever to study the effects of technology on people to improve their experiences.
What are your goals for this academic year?
I am looking forward to establishing my research group, working with motivated students, and teaching the human-computer interaction course.
What is something about you that might surprise students?
I love art, painting and playing basketball. I was a rollerblade coach.
Brian Mitchell, PhD - Teaching Professor
Why did you decide to join Drexel?
Drexel feels like it has always been my home. I received my BS, MS and PhD degrees from Drexel. During my industry career I enjoyed staying closely connected with Drexel as an adjunct professor and working with the Computer Science Department on curriculum improvements. Moving over to a full-time career in academia has been a lifelong dream — now that dream has come true.
What are you passionate about?
I am very curious by nature and am passionate about continuous learning. That not only relates to my areas of teaching and research expertise, but it also includes my various hobbies as well.
What are your goals for this academic year?
For the past several years I have been teaching graduate courses in software engineering as an adjunct. This year I am looking forward to getting more involved teaching undergraduate courses, specifically ones that are in my areas of expertise that require some updating and modernization. I am also looking forward to having the time to work on research in software engineering, software architecture and cloud native computing.
What is something about you that might surprise students?
I really enjoy working with my hands and would consider myself a proficient carpenter. I have built furniture, constructed multiple decks, done fine finish work, and all aspects of several significant house remodels. Building IoT devices is also one of my more technical hobbies. Taking up welding is next on the bucket list.
What's your favorite thing about Philadelphia?
I never get tired of visiting the historical attractions in Philadelphia.
Sean Grimes, PhD - Assistant Teaching Professor
Why did you decide to join Drexel?
Drexel University has been a part of my family since my grandfather attended ~70 years ago, and my father after him. While I completed my undergraduate degree elsewhere, I was pulled back to Drexel by the people at CCI, and in particular the Computer Science department. I have the privilege of an excellent PhD advisor who has allowed me to explore different research paths and has provided constant support, and great mentors in both research and teaching throughout the department. The support from leadership across the Department, College and University has been excellent during both my PhD experience and now transitioning into teaching. the co-op program attracts hard working, intelligent and thoughtful students who are great to work with and teach.
What are you passionate about?
Research and teaching, and in particular getting students excited about doing things and working on things they don’t think are possible. My undergrad experience had nothing to do with computers, majoring in neuroscience, and coming into CCI, I had an open mind about what I could make computers do. Having the support to explore these areas, even when previous work didn’t provide confidence in these approaches, has been instrumental to my experience at Drexel. Giving other students the opportunity to explore these areas without any negative preconceived notions is really exciting to watch and be a part of.
What are your goals for this academic year?
I want to get settled in and learn as much as I can to make the classroom experience a positive one for students taking some very challenging courses.
What is something about you that might surprise students?
I love fast cars; I love driving cars fast. Taking a car to a racetrack and really learning just what they can do and what you can make them do is something everybody should have an opportunity to experience. I’ve been driving an 800hp car daily for five years now and while it breaks more than I’d like, it’s always been worth the trouble — except when it snows.
What's your favorite thing about Philadelphia?
The people here. The passion and pride Philadelphia has for Philadelphia comes out in so many different ways.
Daniel Moix, Associate Teaching Professor (Joint appointment with the School of Education)
Why did you decide to join Drexel?
I am excited for my joint appointment between the College of Computing & Informatics and the School of Education. I look forward to finding innovative ways to grow the number of computer science teachers in Pennsylvania!
What are you passionate about?
Like any educator, my favorite thing is "light bulb moments." Whether in class or in a hallway conversation, I love it when an idea "clicks" for someone.
What is something about you that might surprise students?
I love traveling and seeing other countries — the land, the people, the FOOD!
What's your favorite thing about Philadelphia?
By far, it's the public transit system. I love that I can get where I want to go without using a car!
John Seberger, PhD - Assistant Professor
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about highlighting the humanity of "users." I am an ally and a feminist, and I believe strongly in promoting the success and dignity of my colleagues and students.
What is something about you that might surprise students?
I play several instruments, love films from the New Hollywood era, and almost always have jazz playing in my office.