“We have a significant responsibility to develop innovative ideas and programs in education, research, outreach, and service.”
By Rachel Robey
In July, Paul Barford, the Carl de Boor Professor of Computer Sciences, succeeded Steve Wright as chair of the Department of Computer Sciences. A researcher in computer networking and communications and Internet security, Barford’s work has been supported by the National Science Foundation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Army Research Office, Cisco, and Intel, among others. He worked in industry prior to his academic career —an experience that he said will shape his time and priorities as chair.
For Barford, the opportunity to lead researchers and educators at the top of their fields was most compelling. “I’m very fortunate to have colleagues who are both incredible scholars and highly dedicated to the department,” he said. “We’re in a very dynamic time with significant opportunities to move the department in new directions.”
Chasing impact across campus and the state
As he begins his three-year tenure, Barford has two primary objectives: “The first is to have impact. The second is to have a great workplace.”
Of the first, Barford sees a handful of ways to strive for excellence. Some are familiar, like published research papers and distinction in teaching, while others are areas of growth, like translational research, patents and entrepreneurship, workforce development, service to the state, and increased campus collaboration.
“I’m eager—and I think a lot of my colleagues are also eager—for our department to be seen as a great collaborator,” said Barford. “We are, after all, the land-grant institution for the state. We have a significant responsibility to develop innovative ideas and programs in education, research, outreach, and service.”
In Morgridge Hall, “pushing the boundaries of computing”
Morgridge Hall, the new home of Computer Sciences and its colleagues within the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences, the Data Science Institute, and Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, will be the site of this new innovation. The 343,000-square-foot education and research facility is a new chapter for faculty, staff, and students, who Barford said are already “making the most of it.”
“We’re extremely fortunate to have this new building,” he continued. “It’s an opportunity for us to push the boundaries of computing and communications.”
Even before classes began on Wednesday, September 3, Morgridge Hall was abuzz with faculty, staff, and students exploring all eight floors, making interdisciplinary connections, and working collaboratively on new endeavors.
“We need that interaction,” said Barford. “We want people to be inspired by what they see us doing here. That’s the vision. But we’ve got to take steps to make sure it happens.”