NSU Horizons Fall 2010

Q & A For Leo Irakliotis , technology is much more than just the bits and bytes that comprise the latest must-have gadget or digital super toy. As NSU’s new dean of the Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences (GSCIS), Irakliotis is on the frontline of a field that is transforming daily, changing the way we learn, interact, and communicate. Irakliotis joined NSU in February 2010, after building successful programs at MCI Telecommunications; IBM; GBI- China; and CCC Information Services, Inc. Most recently, he served as director of professional programs, a founding fellow of the Computation Institute, and associate chairman in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Chicago. He succeeds Dean Emeri- tus Edward Lieblein, Ph.D., who retired after serving the school for 16 years. Horizons recently spoke with Irakliotis. What attracted you to NSU and its GSCIS? NSU is a young, vibrant university at a pivotal point, transitioning from academic adolescence to maturity. NSU is also supportive of growth. Here, I am part of a team that is creating tradition, rather than following a prescribed one. How do you hope to address challenges? First, we need to reassess the school’s role within the tri- county region and the state. We need to better understand the job market and economic growth needs and how we can sup- port them by educating outstanding professionals in computing technologies. We are reaching out to numerous regional busi- ness leaders. I am establishing good working relationships with colleagues at other schools, and we are trying to recruit faculty members who can support our outreach mission. Then we will have to take a better look at our education models and practices. Information technology was a discipline that didn’t exist 50–60 years ago, and grew so fast, we never had a chance, as scholars, to reflect on how we educate in our disci- pline. What does it mean to have a master’s degree in computer science versus one in information systems? How do we deal with emerging disciplines in information technologies? How does the school prepare its graduates? We have to teach the skills to adapt and persevere. The idea is not how to teach people to be database experts, but how to stay experts in the field. I would like to see us consider a model where you get a degree from our school and maintenance on top of that for the next five or more years. How did you get so passionate about information technology? I was your typical geek as a kid, and to this day, I’m thrilled with technology. It is making our society more transparent and democratic, enabling us to evolve from passive consumers of information to active reviewers and producers of it. Do you have any favorite inventions or technology- related hobbies? I am fascinated with the iPad because it ushers in a new paradigm of interacting with information—the innovation is in the interaction and not just the device. My favorite gadget, however, remains the scuba regulator: a simple valve that has enabled humanity to enter a whole new world and explore a valuable part of our ecosystem. For more information, visit http://scis.nova.edu/ . n Computer Science Dean Embraces the Transformational Power of Technology By Andra Liwag 13 horizons