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SJSU iSchool Donates Books to Cherkasy Regional Library in Ukraine

February 18th, 2025 by Elaine Hall

The College of IDS celebrates the School of Information (iSchool) and its unwavering commitment to global literacy and community support. In a continued effort to foster international collaboration, the iSchool recently sent approximately ten boxes of books to the Cherkasy Universal Regional Library, named after Taras Shevchenko in Ukraine.

Library director Liudmula Diadyk shared her appreciation, noting that the books are a valuable addition to children’s collections and a stunning representation of the U.S. publishing industry. Given their popularity among Ukrainian children, graphic novels and picture books were especially welcomed. The books will be distributed to children’s libraries across Cherkasy and its surrounding regions.

Since 2022, the SJSU iSchool has partnered with Cherkasy libraries on children’s programming, strengthening educational and cultural ties. Among its initiatives is the Children’s Traveling Art Exhibit, currently on display at the University of South Florida, where a special event will take place on February 24th to mark the three-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine.

This initiative is another testament to iSchool’s dedication to literacy, education, and international support, ensuring that Ukrainian children can access engaging and enriching books during these challenging times.

Dr. Mehrdad Aliasgari Named New Dean of SJSU College of Information, Data and Society

February 5th, 2025 by Elaine Hall

Dr. Mehrdad AliasgariSan José State University’s College of Information, Data and Society (IDS) proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Mehrdad Aliasgari as its new Dean, effective June 2, 2025. Dr. Aliasgari’s appointment comes during a transformative period for the college as it continues to enhance its influence in applied data science, library and information science, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

Dr. Aliasgari will be joining SJSU from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), where he has served as Chair of the Computer Engineering and Computer Science department since 2019. With a distinguished research portfolio spanning cybersecurity and machine learning and a proven track record in academic leadership, Dr. Aliasgari brings a wealth of experience to help shape the College of IDS as it moves forward into its next phase of growth and innovation. His arrival in June marks a significant moment for the college as it continues to expand its impact in key technological and societal domains. 

“Dr. Aliasgari’s appointment is a significant milestone for the College of IDS,” said Dr. Simon Shim, Chair of the Department of Applied Data Science. “His leadership will drive innovation in applied data science education, research, and industry collaboration. With rapid advancements in AI and data intelligence, we look forward to expanding opportunities for our students and faculty, strengthening our impact in Silicon Valley and beyond.”

Interim Dean Michael Meth, who has been guiding the college through this transition, also expressed enthusiasm for Dr. Aliasgari’s leadership: 

“The College of IDS is at a defining moment, and Dr. Aliasgari’s expertise and vision will be instrumental in shaping its future. His dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration, student success and inclusive excellence aligns perfectly with our mission to develop the next generation of information and data leaders.” 

 Dr. Aliasgari is deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in computing. At CSULB, he led initiatives that increased the recruitment and retention of women and historically underrepresented students, resulting in significant enrollment growth. Under his leadership, CSULB also established an interdisciplinary B.S. in Applied Data Science, focusing on real-world applications in areas such as health analytics and computational linguistics.

Reflecting on his new role, Dr. Aliasgari shared his excitement about joining the College of IDS at such a pivotal time: 

“I am so excited and honored to be joining the College of Information, Data and Society, a truly innovative, dynamic, and talented community. The College of IDS fosters a diverse and inclusive community of interdisciplinary scholars and practitioners, preparing our graduates to lead with responsible, equitable solutions for societal challenges. I look forward to working together to propel our college as a global leader in shaping a just, equitable, and thriving society through ethical and human-centered innovation in information, data, and AI.

Dr. Anthony Chow, the Director of the SJSU School of Information, also expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, emphasizing the opportunities that lie ahead. 

“Dr. Aliasgari’s leadership will bring new perspectives and help the College of IDS and the School of Information forge new partnerships, enhance research initiatives, and ensure our students are prepared to lead in a data-driven world.” 

With Dr. Aliasgari’s leadership, the College of IDS is poised to strengthen its role as a leader in interdisciplinary education, research, and industry collaboration. His appointment signals a new era of innovation and excellence for the college and the broader SJSU community. Please join us as we welcome Dr. Aliasgari to the College of Information, Data and Society. 

2025 Online Student Research Conference: Showcasing Innovation and Fostering Connections

January 29th, 2025 by Elaine Hall

2025 Online Student Research Conference Banner

The 2025 College of Information, Data and Society (IDS) Online Student Research Conference is scheduled for March 4 to 6, 2025. This virtual event offers an engaging platform for students to present their academic and professional work. It promotes interdisciplinary collaboration while strengthening the College of IDS community. Open to everyone, the conference features pre-recorded student presentations from the SJSU School of Information (iSchool) and the Department of Applied Data Science (ADS), as well as live keynote sessions from thought leaders in artificial intelligence and digital humanities. 

“By presenting their research in a professional setting, students gain valuable experience communicating their ideas while building connections with peers and experts in the field. — Virginia Tucker, Associate Professor, iSchool, and Conference Chair, College of IDS Online Student Research Conference

Attendees can explore and comment on pre-recorded student presentations throughout the conference, which will be available with abstracts and captioned video recordings on the official conference website, https://blogs.sjsu.edu/cids/ . These presentations showcase research and innovation in information science, data analytics, artificial intelligence, digital curation, library and archival studies, and more. By sharing their work with a wider audience, students emphasize their contributions to the evolving fields of information, data and society while gaining visibility for their research.

“This conference highlights the depth of innovation emerging from the SJSU School of Information and the Department of Applied Data Science, reinforcing our commitment to fostering the next generation of information and data professionals.”  — Sandra Hirsh, Associate Dean, Academics, College of Information Data and Society. 

Engaging Live Keynote Sessions

In addition to student presentations, the conference features live opening and closing keynote sessions via Zoom, offering valuable insights from distinguished experts.

Opening Session

 Dr. Leo LoThriving in an AI-Driven Professional Environment: Skills for Success in a Changing World
Date/Time: March 4, 2025, 12–1 PM (Pacific)
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Leo Lo

Discover how to harness the power of AI to enhance your career and research. Dr. Leo Lo will explore the essential skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven workplace, from leveraging AI tools for innovation to addressing ethical challenges. This session will empower you with practical strategies and insights to stay competitive, adaptable and ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Closing Session

Public Art Offers Digital Humanities a Chance to Be Part of the Resistance
Date/Time: March 6, 2025, 12–1 PM (Pacific)
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Katherine D. Harris

Public art is woven throughout downtown San Jose, yet many pieces go unnoticed despite their deep ties to diverse communities resisting Silicon Valley assimilation. To preserve these narratives, faculty and students from SJSU’s College of Humanities & the Arts launched the Public Art as Resistance in San José project, highlighting 12 significant works through a community-engaged walking tour. Given the challenges of wavering funding and preservation, the project integrates Digital Humanities strategies to ensure a sustainable digital record while respecting data privacy and intellectual property rights. This initiative safeguards the stories behind these artworks and positions Digital Humanities as a force of resistance, countering the idea that public art is ephemeral in the face of urban development.

Building Community and Inspiring Innovation

The 2025 College of IDS Online Student Research Conference is more than a research showcase—it celebrates student achievements from the iSchool and the Department of ADS. Through student presentations and keynote discussions, the conference emphasizes the power of collaboration, innovation and knowledge-sharing in shaping the future of information, data and society.

Join the Event

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn and be inspired by students, faculty, and industry leaders at the 2025 CIDS Online Student Research Conference!

Dr. Vishnu S. Pendyala Calls for Urgent Regulation to Address Bias, Misinformation and the Environmental Impact of AI

January 9th, 2025 by Elaine Hall
Bay Area Innovators with Vishnu Pendyala

Vishnu Pendyala explores the pressing need for AI regulation with Bay Area Innovators on January 8, 2025.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and societies worldwide, but as its influence grows, so do the risks. In a compelling discussion on a recent episode of Bay Area Innovators, Dr. Vishnu S. Pendyala, a Faculty Member in the Department of Applied Data Science at San José State University, emphasized the urgent need for regulations to mitigate AI’s potential harms. 

Dr. Pendyala highlighted a fundamental flaw in generative AI systems: 

“These models hallucinate and produce misinformation. They are also used to create deliberate misinformation, such as deepfakes and fraud.” 

The professor’s stark warning comes at a time when the rapid deployment of AI technologies often outpaces the ethical and legal frameworks needed to control them. 

To learn more about Dr. Pendyala’s insights, watch the full episode of Bay Area Innovators here.

San José State University Earns Prestigious National Designation in Cybersecurity

December 29th, 2024 by Elaine Hall

National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity logo

December 29, 2024— San José State University has received the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation through 2029. This designation underscores the university’s leadership, excellence in cybersecurity education, and alignment with national priorities. Institutions receiving the CAE-CD designation are recognized for meeting rigorous standards in cybersecurity education, demonstrating competency development for students and faculty, and engaging in meaningful community outreach and workforce development initiatives.

Benefits of the Designation

The designation significantly benefits SJSU’s students, programs, and community. According to Dr. Tonia San Nicolas-Rocca, Co-Director of SJSU’s Silicon Valley Center for Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity (CAIC) and Associate Professor in the School of Information

“For students, it ensures they receive a comprehensive and robust cybersecurity education that meets NSA and DHS standards, preparing them for successful careers in the cybersecurity field. For the SJSU community, it reflects a university-wide commitment to cybersecurity awareness, the development of skilled cybersecurity professionals, and fosters stronger partnerships with government and industry.”

Dr. Simon Shim, Chair and Professor of the Department of Applied Data Science and CAIC Co-Director, emphasized the designation’s alignment with the College of Information, Data and Society’s mission: 

“It ensures students gain rigorous, NSA- and DHS-approved cybersecurity education, demonstrates CAIC’s leadership in national cybersecurity priorities, and fosters partnerships that advance the workforce and protect our digital future.”

About CAIC

SJSU’s Silicon Valley Center for Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity is at the foundation of this work. Established in 2014, the CAIC is a hub of multidisciplinary collaboration within SJSU. With nearly 20 full-time and adjunct faculty members, CAIC operates at the forefront of artificial intelligence, big data and cybersecurity research and education, addressing some of the digital world’s most pressing challenges.

Advancing Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Development

The CAE-CD designation recognizes the quality and relevance of SJSU’s cybersecurity programs and strengthens its ability to build connections with government and industry leaders. It also positions SJSU as a leader in preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals to address evolving threats in an increasingly digital world.

With this recognition, SJSU stands as a leading institution for innovation and research in Silicon Valley, empowering students with the knowledge and skills needed to safeguard our digital future.

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