A Special Message From Dean David T. Ma.
As we reflect on the past year, it’s clear that 2023 was an exceptional year for the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Our faculty have truly distinguished themselves, making remarkable strides in their research fields and pushing the boundaries of science, engineering, and innovation. A testament to their efforts is the significant external funding they have secured. Notably, this year marked a milestone with our faculty winning funding from the USDOT through the University Transportation Center competition — a remarkable achievement that led to a $10 million grant to establish a consortium focusing on cybersecurity in transportation systems. Moreover, our faculty reached new heights with a record number of publications, including three featured in prestigious journals. Importantly, the majority of these works included contributions from our students, reflecting our deep commitment to enhancing the student experience and fostering academic success.
Our students have given us numerous reasons to be proud as they showcase exceptional academic prowess. From securing a top five ranking in the IEEE Region 5 competition to Marina Vicens-Miquel winning the Outstanding Student Presentation award at the AGU Annual Meeting Conference in Chicago, their accomplishments have been remarkable.
Furthermore, as we intensify our efforts to foster stronger ties with industry partners, our graduates are making their mark in the professional world. They are securing positions with major companies and prestigious national labs like Tesla, Kiewit, Cheniere, Meta, and Los Alamos National Laboratory, to name a few. This success is a testament to the relevance and quality of the Island University’s educational programs and our commitment to preparing students for impactful careers.
As we look toward 2024, I am filled with anticipation for the new opportunities that await us. We have embarked on a strategic planning process that promises to be pivotal in guiding us toward our vision of becoming a national beacon of exceptional engineering education, particularly for first-generation and low-income students.
I am incredibly proud of our collective accomplishments and am eager to see the continued growth and success of our college in the upcoming year. I sincerely invite you to join us to contribute to a brighter future for our community.