As the Interim Head of the School of Applied and Creative Computing (ACC), my primary mission is to stabilize, unify, and set a clear, forward-looking vision for our new school. I lead with a proactive, transparent, and collaborative style, grounded in a deep commitment to faculty-driven governance and building a unified "one school" culture that honors our distinct histories while forging a new, shared identity.
My vision for ACC is clear: we are the engine of applied impact within the Purdue Computes initiative. Our motto, "Applied intelligence and creative impact," guides this mission, positioning our 2,200 students and world-class faculty at the critical intersection of technical innovation and human-centered design.
As a leader, my focus is on execution. We have launched six new faculty searches with a new level of rigor to attract the best talent. We are actively building our "one school" community through faculty-driven working groups and inclusive events that foster a vibrant, family-first culture. We are championing a broad and inclusive definition of research, celebrating both our world-class scientific achievements and our deep industry partnerships, which secured approximately $6 million in research awards last year.
As a faculty member at Purdue, I have a deep and personal commitment to the success of our students and our institution. My own research in cybersecurity and AI has always been at the intersection of theory and application, which gives me a unique appreciation for ACC's vital role.
The foundation for ACC is strong, and the opportunity ahead is immense. I am honored to lead this school during this pivotal time and am fully committed to building a future where ACC is recognized as a global leader in applied and creative computing.
