Welcome from Valerie Taylor, Department HeadDear Friends, More than six years ago when I was invited here by Aggie Women in Computer Science, both the significant research by the faculty and the beauty of this campus stuck with me. Texas A&M University is not just a physical place but also an idea. This year, 2008, marks the fifth anniversary of when I happily became a part of all this. Computer science celebrates twenty-five years as a department in the Dwight Look College of Engineering at Texas A&M. Its degree program goes back to the presentation of the first masters degree in 1964 when computer science was an established division of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Our department has a foundation of quality in education and research instituted by its founders and continued by my predecessors. As head of the Department of Computer Science, I look forward to carrying on this tradition of excellence. Currently, we have 36 tenure-track faculty members. Our newer faculty hires bring with them international academic reputations in object-oriented and generic programming techniques, multimedia human-computer interaction, wireless networks and communications, data processing and gas sensor instrumentation for machine olfaction, and the application of computers to biological research. Our computer science and computer engineering faculty members are well recognized for contributions to their fields. Faculty members hold well over 60 important and influential professional positions, including editorial positions for scientific journals and general chairs of technical conferences. Their research in computer science and computer engineering is well known throughout both the international academic community and global industry. Nine faculty members have been presented with PYI/NYI/CAREER awards by the National Science Foundation in recognition of their potential as young stars in science and engineering. Students, faculty, and staff in computer science are continuing to work together to build an even stronger department. Of particular relevance to our department is the support of diversity. To benefit from academics, students must live in an open, accepting, and compassionate community that encourages the exploration of ideas. We are a department that prides itself as a home for high quality education and research, and, as always, a home for our students, alumni, and friends. I want to encourage our alumni and friends, especially those in industry, to take an active part in the expansion of our commitment to excellence and diversity. Nationally, we face challenges that are complex and urgent. Alumni and industry are crucial to the continued growth of education and research through time spent mentoring students and faculty who are involved in providing solutions to those challenges. I look forward to this year and its opportunities. The Department of Computer Science has the power to shape a bright future for our students and the ability to create a high quality of life for those living and working in our global community. Sincerely, |
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