Vanderbilt鈥檚 new Computing Catalyst Working Group will gather input from faculty and staff leaders on how to strategically expand the university鈥檚 computing resources and shape the university鈥檚 future in computing, AI and data science. 听
The working group will focus on identifying computing resources such as hardware and software, staffing and personnel, and programs and services needed to spur a new wave of discovery and innovation powered by AI and computing at Vanderbilt.听听
鈥淐omputing resources are as important for the success of the College of Connected Computing as are other research resources such as lab space. I am confident that the Computing Catalyst Working Group will optimize this key form of investment, paving the way for Vanderbilt faculty members鈥� pathbreaking research and teaching.鈥�听
By leveraging existing resources and partnerships on campus, the group aims to foster a connected computing community that spans all schools and colleges.听
鈥淔aculty needs continue to increase for sophisticated computing infrastructure along with 鈥榖ilingual鈥� experts who can help them catalyze research outcomes by leveraging AI and data science,鈥� Vice Provost for Research and Innovation Padma Raghavan said. 鈥淭he insights from our working group will guide us in strategically enhancing and aligning our resources to empower the entire university community.鈥�听
The working group is a complement of the that will focus on specific details about the new college, including its departments, degree programs and research infrastructure.听听
The working group鈥檚 membership consists of computing and data experts from several Vanderbilt schools and colleges, reflecting the interdisciplinary approach Provost C. Cybele Raver is taking toward expanding connected computing capabilities across the university.听
The working group members are:听
- Brett Byram 鈥� co-chair
Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Hoy Family Faculty Fellow - Sonya Sterba 鈥� co-chair听
Professor of Psychology and Human Development听 - Alex Christensen
Assistant Professor of Psychology and Human Development - Emily Hodges
Assistant Professor of Biochemistry听
- Kelly Holley-Bockelmann
Professor of Astronomy, Stevenson Chair in Physics and Astronomy, Director of the Fisk-Vanderbilt Master鈥檚-to-Ph.D. Bridge Program听 - Olivia Kew-Fickus
Chief Data Officer and Executive Director of Data and Strategic Analytics听 - Bennett Landman
Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Professor of Electrical and Computing Engineering, Stevenson Chair, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Professor of Computer Science, Professor of Neurology, Associate Professor of Biomedical Informatics, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Associate Professor of Radiology and Radiological Sciences - Hassane Mchaourab
Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Louise B. McGavock Chair, Professor of Chemistry听
- Christian Presley
Executive Director of the Advanced Computing Center for Research and Education
Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation听 - Jon Shaw
Vanderbilt University Librarian听 - Matthew Shotwell
Associate Professor of Biostatistics, Associate Professor of Anesthesiology听 - Jesse Spencer-Smith
Interim Director and Chief Data Scientist of the Data Science Institute, Professor of the Practice of Computer Science, Adjunct Professor of Psychology听
- Shanmuga Sundaram
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Finance, Information Technology听听 - Steven Wernke
Chair of the Department of Anthropology, Associate Professor of Anthropology听 - Richard Willis 鈥� ex officio
Associate Provost for Research and Innovation, Senior Associate Dean for the Faculty, Professor of Accounting, Anne Marie and Thomas B. Walker Jr. Chair 听 - Padma Raghavan 鈥� ex officio
Vice Provost for Research and Innovation, Senior Advisor to the Chancellor, Distinguished Professor of Computer Science