|
I am a Kenneth Von Behren Professor and Department Head of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Arizona. I received a B.S. degree in scientific instruments from Zhejiang University, China, in 1996, and an M.S. degree in electrical engineering and a Ph.D. degree in computer science from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo in 2000 and 2002, respectively. My current research focuses on security and privacy in intelligent computing and communication systems. I served as a PI or Co-PI for over 50 projects with more than $24M in funding from NSF, NSA, DOD, DOE, NATO, State governments, and industry partners. I published more than 160 technical articles in journals and conference proceedings and acquired a US patent. I chaired several conferences, including IEEE Infocom 2020. I sat on the editorial board of several journals, such as serving as a Lead Topic Editor of IEEE Transactions on Computers (2023-now), an Area Editor for IEEE Internet of Things Journal (2022-now), and an Associate Editor for IEEE IEEE Transactions on Cloud Computing (2023-now), IEEE Transactions on Computers (2022-now), IEEE Transactions on Mobile Computing (2018-now), IEEE Internet of Things Journal (2014-2018), and IEEE Transactions on Parallel and Distributed Systems (2013-2016). I received an NSF CAREER Award in 2004, UL Lafayette Distinguished Professor Award in 2011, and IEEE Percom Mark Weiser Best Paper Award in 2018. I am a Fellow of IEEE.
Q. What inspired you to take on the role of department chair?
A. Taking on the role of department head stems from years of academic experience, a deep passion for the field, a drive to contribute to organizational leadership for positive change, and a commitment to enhancing the department. It is also because I enjoy fostering collaboration among colleagues, seeing young faculty to grow, engaging with students, shaping the department's direction, and contributing to its overall success.
Q. In your role as department chair, what did you find to be the most surprising or unexpected?
A. I was given a free, reserved parking lot :)
Q. What are your immediate prioritites and goals for your department?
A. This department boasts a robust legacy of over 110 years, marked by significant success and recognition in various fields. Given the ongoing evolution and increasing diversity within ECE, there is a pressing need to broaden the department's scope to encompass emerging critical areas. This expansion is vital to fortify our educational and research portfolio. As part of our strategic initiatives, we are actively growing our faculty and introducing a new Computer Science and Engineering program within the department. Looking ahead, my ambitious five-year goal is to double the department's size in terms of faculty, student population, and research productivity. This expansion aligns with our commitment to staying at the forefront of developments in ECE, ensuring that our department remains a leader in the field.
Q. What do you belive is the most essential trait for a department chair to possess, and how do you plan to cultivate that trait?
A. A department chair/head needs a clear and inspiring vision for the department's future, including its goals and priorities. This vision should be built through collaboration with faculty, staff, and students. It is important to foster an environment of open communication, trust, and respect where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. This involves active listening, conflict resolution skills, and a commitment to shared governance.
Q. What do you most look forwared to in participating as an ECEDHA member?
A. It is a great opportunity to engaging with other department heads, network, share insights, and establish professional connections. ECEDHA offers a platform for collaboration on research initiatives, curriculum development, and other academic projects with colleagues from different institutions. Being part of ECEDHA facilitates the exchange of best practices and successful strategies for addressing common challenges faced by department heads in electrical and computer engineering. Being part of ECEDHA also provides access to relevant information, research, and policy updates within the field, helping department heads stay informed about changes and advancements.
Q. What is a fun fact about yourself?
A. I take pleasure in outdoor activities such as hiking and running in the picturesque surroundings of Tucson. I participate in local marathon races every year.
| 
