The College of Engineering and Computer Science has seven new faculty members, including five women, this academic year. Each brings a distinct area of expertise in such areas as machine learning, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, internet of things, geotechnical and earthquake engineering, and human-centered design — designing products, services and systems focused on the human perspective.
Due to the gender disparity in engineering and computer science classes and careers, the college strives to hire more female faculty members to serve as role models and mentors to female students, said Dean Susan Barua.
“Successful women role models are very important for the female students in the college. We all need someone we can identify with, and look up to,” Barua said. “Growing the number of female faculty members and funding programs, such as Women in Computer Science and Engineering, are ways in which we are creating communities of support.”
Additionally, the college’s goal is to increase the number of women pursuing engineering and computer science bachelor’s degrees by 40% by 2023.
Jaya Dofe
Assistant professor of computer engineering
Ph.D., M.S. in electrical engineering, University of New Hampshire
M.E. in electronics and telecommunication engineering, Savitribai Phule Pune University, India
B.E. in electronics and telecommunication engineering, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, India
Research interests: Addressing different security threats on modern hardware design and fabrication.
Most impactful academic or co-curricular experience as an undergraduate: I conducted an electrical engineering summer workshop for first- and second-grade students, and some of them mentioned that they want to be an engineer after they completed the session. I never thought that the session could inspire the young kids, but indeed it did.
Something you’d like others to know about you: I am a very open, social, friendly person, and I love helping others.
Favorite movie: “When They See Us” (web television miniseries)
Jangyoung (Chris) Kim
Assistant professor of computer science
Ph.D. in computer science and engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York
M.S. in computer science and engineering, Pennsylvania State University
M.S. in computer science, Binghamton University, State University of New York
B.S. in computer science, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
Previously taught at the University of Suwon, Korea
Research interests: Data-intensive computing, big data analytics, cloud computing and security, and computer network systems.
Most impactful academic or co-curricular experience as an undergraduate: Earning the Best Paper Award at an international conference for my research on “How GridFTP Pipelining, Parallelism and Concurrency Work: A guide for Optimizing Large Dataset Transfers.”
Favorite book: Books about artificial intelligence, big data, computer networking and security.
Shilpa Lakhanpal
Assistant professor of computer science
Ph.D., M.S. in computer science, Western Michigan University
Master of Computer Applications, B.Sc. in computer science, University of Delhi, India
Research interests: Data mining, machine learning, artificial intelligence and natural language processing.
Most impactful academic or co-curricular experience as an undergraduate: While studying a wide range of courses in computer science I became fascinated by this field. Computer science offers amazing possibilities to develop solutions to a wide array of problems. This has motivated me to pursue this field.
Something you’d like others to know about you: I love movies, all genres, and also music, most genres.
Favorite book: “The Hardy Boys” series by Franklin W. Dixon and “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” by Arthur Conan Doyle
Huda Munjy
Assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering
Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering-structural engineering, UC Irvine
B.S., M.S. in civil and environmental engineering, California State University, Fresno
Research interests: Earthquake engineering, loss estimation of buildings as a result of earthquakes and statistical tools used to assess earthquake-related loss of structures.
Most impactful academic or co-curricular experience as an undergraduate: I had the opportunity to work on a research project with a faculty member on retaining walls, which solidified my interest to pursue a doctorate.
Something you’d like others to know about you: As a California State University graduate, I am excited to be back at a sister CSU as an assistant professor.
Favorite books: “The Lord of the Rings” J. R. R. Tolkien and “Harry Potter” series by J. K. Rowling
Kanika Sood
Assistant professor of computer science
Ph.D., M.S. in computer science, University of Oregon
B.Tech in computer science, Mody Institute of Technology and Science, India
Systems engineer, IBM, India
Givens Associate, Argonne National Laboratory
Research interests: Works on selecting linear system solvers, using modeling techniques (machine learning) to automate solver selection (a solver “solves” a linear system); enhancing computer science education, STEM education, and teacher engagement to highlight problem-solving practices and applications of computational thinking across disciplines; and applying machine learning techniques for cancer prognosis.
Most impactful academic or co-curricular experience as an undergraduate: Mentoring first-generation high school students as an undergraduate college student.
Something you’d like others to know about you: Some of my favorite things to do include walking along the beach, baking cakes and poetry. I believe that positivity and passion are the two essential ingredients for success.
Favorite movie: “Hidden Figures”
Xenia Wirth
Assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering
Ph.D., M.S.,B.S. in civil engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
Research interests: Examining fundamental soil behavior, such as how changes in the microstructure and chemistry influences the behavior of soil systems. Current research focuses on the beneficial use and responsible disposal of coal and biomass combustion residuals.
Most impactful academic or co-curricular experience as an undergraduate: I met my graduate adviser, who was my professor and inspired me to pursue geotechnical engineering. She became my mentor, and eventually, my doctoral adviser. She has had the greatest impact on my career by far.
Something you’d like others to know about you: I have a twin sister who is pursuing a doctorate in criminology.
Favorite book: “Dracula” by Bram Stoker
Jin Woo Lee
Assistant professor of mechanical engineering
Ph.D., M.S. in mechanical engineering, University of Michigan
B.S. in mechanical engineering, Binghamton University, State University of New York
National Institutes of Health Fellow
Research interests: Design theory and methodology, product design, medical device design, creativity and innovation, front-end design processes and engineering education. Before pursuing an academic career, designed and manufactured automated packaging machines.
Most impactful academic or co-curricular experience as an undergraduate: I worked as a course assistant and had the opportunity to teach lab and discussion sessions. I loved working with students and this experience helped me to develop my passion for teaching and mentoring.
Something you’d like others to know about you: I came to CSUF to support students from diverse backgrounds. I faced many challenges finishing my bachelor’s degree. After my sophomore year, I went to work full time and was not sure if I was going to go back to school to finish my degree. Since I’ve had incredible mentors and friends who supported me at difficult times, I want to give back and mentor students at CSUF. I’m also a musician and perform at weddings, receptions and other events.