Dear colleagues, alumni and friends,
This past year has seen unprecedented changes in universities nationwide. As we begin a new year, we must look back at our struggles and successes and know we have become stronger as a community because of them.
The 2019-2020 academic year gave us much to be proud of at the University of Florida Department of Computer & Information Science & Engineering. We were redesignated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research, and UF Online, which houses the online computer science degree, among others, was ranked No. 4 among the nation’s best online bachelor’s programs. This summer, UF announced an artificial intelligence partnership with NVIDIA “that will catapult UF’s research strength to address some of the world’s most formidable challenges.”
Our students brought incredible successes to the department. This summer, two women made departmental history when they graduated: Stephanie Carnell was the first Native American woman to earn a Ph.D. in department history, and Brianna Posadas was the first Latina to earn a Ph.D. in department history. The UF Student Infosec Team (UF-SIT) took first place at New York University’s CSAW Competition and first place regionally in the CyberForce Competition (third nationally).
The department’s faculty celebrated many achievements. A handful received awards and recognitions, including an Innovator of the year award, a CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation, and a mentoring award. We also had a faculty member named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and one elected as a member of the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida.
With November quickly approaching in the midst of a global health crisis, it’s even more important to make sure everyone can vote safely and successfully, which is why I shared my research on voting security as I testified before a U.S. House Committee and why I created the inLine Ticketing System to lessen health risks while voting.
This past spring, all of our classes were moved into a virtual environment, with our staff and faculty working remotely, and continued to be online throughout the summer semester, which saw an increase in the number of student enrollments. As we progress through the fall and into the spring semester, we want to reiterate that our priority continues to be the health and safety of the UF community.
For the first time, our biannual CISE Career Fair, which provides students with the opportunity to network with companies for future jobs and internships, was held virtually. We felt it was essential to provide this networking opportunity for our students and corporate partners, while also keeping everyone as safe as possible. Our fall 2019 event saw the largest attendance of both companies and students, and we hope this virtual event was as beneficial and as successful.
Thank you for your continued support of our department.
Be well,
Juan E. Gilbert, Ph.D.
The Banks Family Preeminence Endowed Professor
Chair, Department of Computer & Information Science & Engineering
