Engineering Departments to Combine, Expand Opportunities for Students and Faculty

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Professor Jia Di, head of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

The U of A Department of Electrical Engineering and Department of Computer Science and Computer Engineering are joining forces to form a single, integrated department to be named the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

The restructuring will bring numerous benefits for students, particularly in the expansion of educational opportunities, said Jia Di, who has been head of computer science and computer engineering since January 2021, and will be the head of this new department.

"Students currently enrolled in the program will gain access to a broader range of technical electives previously unavailable to them,” Di said.

For instance, electrical engineering students will have the chance to delve into cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning and cybersecurity. This will allow them to apply these skills to control systems and power engineering. Computer science and computer engineering students will be able to apply their theoretical computing knowledge to areas in electrical engineering such as power systems and control systems. 

“This cross-disciplinary exposure will enrich their knowledge base and equip graduates with an attractive and diverse skill set," Di said.

Another important change is the introduction of multidisciplinary capstone projects. Students will collaborate with peers from different disciplines, thereby enhancing their communication, teamwork and adaptability. These skills are highly valued by employers and will significantly benefit students in their future careers, Di said.

The new structure will also facilitate seamless transitions between electrical engineering, computer engineering and computer science programs. 

“Students who wish to switch from one program to another will find it much easier, as many credits will be transferable within the department. This flexibility saves time and money but also facilitates the recruitment process for prospective students," Di said.

The change is supported by Juan Balda, University Professor and head of the electrical engineering department, who led the department for more than 13 years and is retiring in July after 34 years at U of A.

“The re-organization will be beneficial to students in both departments due to the availability of more technical electives and opportunities for undergraduate research. Students will be able to have a broader knowledge of electrical and computer engineering,” he said.

College of Engineering Dean Kim Needy said she’s excited about the possibilities to shape the future of education in technology and engineering. 

"The combination of these two successful departments heralds a new era of opportunity for our students and our faculty,” said Kim Needy, dean of the College of Engineering. “These changes will also enhance our ability to secure external funding, attract pre-eminent researchers and scholars, and establish ourselves as the destination of choice for discovery and development of cutting-edge technological advancements.”

Interim Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation Margaret Sova McCabe concurred with Needy and Di’s assessment of the potential to boost research productivity as the result of the restructuring, saying “This evolution will enhance not only the student experience, but also the collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas amongst researchers that catalyze competitive and forward-thinking funding proposals. I believe this supports our continued enhancement of the university’s research excellence.”

Increased cooperation between faculty members from different disciplines is expected to yield a significant boost in research productivity. Bringing together computing and electrical engineering expertise will unlock new research possibilities and facilitate innovative solutions to complex problems. Di believes this will amplify the department's research output, leading to a surge in academic achievements.

Existing synergies between the two departments, particularly in the areas of cybersecurity, cyber-physical systems and electronics will only become stronger, Di said. Collaborative projects in these domains have yielded fruitful results and will continue to thrive under the combined department. The fusion of computing and electrical engineering perspectives in research will facilitate the development of novel technologies and their practical application across various domains.

Regarding future research initiatives, Di envisions an environment that encourages faculty members to interact and exchange ideas freely. He is confident that the department will actively foster an atmosphere conducive to innovative research.

"Through facilitated discussions and collaborations, new research areas and projects are bound to emerge,” Di said. 

Ultimately, Di's vision for the combined department revolves around empowering students with a well-rounded education and preparing them for the dynamic demands of the industry. 

"I aspire to see every graduate, regardless of their major, possess a broad knowledge base encompassing both electrical engineering and computing. This interdisciplinary approach will equip students with valuable skills that bridge the gap between different fields, allowing them to apply their expertise across diverse domains," he said. 

Moreover, Di stresses the importance of soft skills, such as effective communication and teamwork, which students will cultivate through multidisciplinary collaboration.

The newly combined department will begin operations on Aug. 15.