2016 From the Dean

This year’s issue features some of our faculty who are working on research in the biomedical field of study. While the School of Engineering & Computer Science has three traditional departments – Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering – many of our faculty are engaged in research that directly affects our health and wellbeing. Partnering with outside medical doctors, researchers, and schools, our faculty are on the frontlines of medical advancements.

Inside, you’ll read about Dr. Rylander’s collaboration with local orthopedic surgeons to improve the rehabilitation of patients after hip replacement surgery; Dr. Schubert’s collaborative research on proton tomography with medical doctors from Loma Linda Medical School in California; Dr. Poor’s research on improving gesture-based interaction for users with chronic pain-related diseases and conditions; and Dr. Baker’s and Dr. Cho’s work in bioinformatics, where algorithms, mathematics and “machine learning” are being used to develop and prescribe treatments based on an individual’s unique genetic background. 

In addition, you’ll learn about our involvement with other universities in the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN) over the past eight years. This valuable partnership allows us to incorporate more entrepreneurship-based curriculum into our undergraduate courses, and you’ll read a first-hand account of the benefit from ECS alumni, Travvis Scott, who has put entrepreneurship into practice through a creative business venture.

Lastly, we will introduce you to three new faculty members in this issue. Our faculty numbers have continued to grow to meet the needs of expanding undergraduate and graduate programs, and our new faculty members add expertise in cutting-edge areas such as quantum mechanics, molecular computing, photonics, semiconductor laser devices, electronic materials, and polymers. 

I hope you enjoy this issue of Synergy magazine, and please stop by when you visit campus. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Dr. Dennis O'Neal
Dean of the School of
Engineering and Computer Science