iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
Nikhil Yadav has been appointed as the new Chair of the Computer Science department at the University of San Diego’s (USD) Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering.
His stint started on January 1, 2025.
This promotion comes shortly after Dr. Yadav joined USD as an associate professor in Fall 2024, bringing expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science, the university said.
“Throughout my academic career, I have witnessed first hand the positive impact of strong leadership on faculty development, student engagement and curriculum evolution. I was inspired to take on this role as an opportunity to drive this forward by empowering my colleagues, supporting innovation, collaborative teaching and research. It is also inspiring to be a part of the student academic journey, ensuring that they are equipped for challenges in the real world while receiving a world-class education,” he told the university during an interview.
“My vision for the department is to elevate our national footprint and reputation in computer science education and innovation. This can be achieved through experiential learning experiences and strategic industry partnerships. I would like to help us achieve this by promoting a culture of inclusivity and academic programs with a long-term vision on what the future of work will demand of graduating computer science professionals. A goal towards meeting this would be to create an environment of agile adaptability for faculty and students to thrive in the rapidly evolving knowledge landscape in our field,” Yadav said.
Asked about his plan to address the rapidly evolving nature of computer science in the department’s curriculum, the Indian-origin educator said, “Being dynamic and quick to respond to the needs of the evolution in this field will be of paramount importance. Employing continuous curriculum evaluations would go a long way in identifying emerging trends in AI, cybersecurity, quantum computing and other cutting-edge technologies. In this changing landscape, the process, guided by industry needs, will ensure that our students graduate with relevant and in-demand skills.
“Additionally, building on more project-based experiential learning experiences in coursework, while encouraging students to work on real-world problems through internships and capstones will better prepare them for both academia and industry roles. Finally, the future of computing is going to be increasingly cross domain. Interdisciplinary collaborations with fields like data science, business, life sciences, etc. will go a long way in exploring joint programs allowing students to apply their knowledge across fields,” he added.
Talking about Yadav’s appointment, Dean Chell Roberts stated, “In the rapidly evolving landscape of computer science, we need a leader who not only understands what it is to be on the cutting edge, but someone who helps to shape it. Nikhil has an immense ability to bridge theoretical foundations with practical applications, inspiring both students and colleagues alike. With him at the helm, I’m confident we’ll continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in this digital age.”
(Photo courtesy: www.sandiego.edu)
