I am pleased to share an overview of the progress that the School of Computing and Information (SCI) made in 2023-2024.
This year has been marked by many accomplishments, bringing us closer to our vision: together transforming lives for a better digital future, from our community to the world. The school’s new strategic plan, aligned with the 2028 Plan for Pitt and shaped by over 100 contributors from the SCI community, serves as our guiding North Star: we are laying the groundwork for a brighter future.
A major milestone was achieved this year to launch the SCI’s Master of Data Science, which aims to make data education accessible to a broad audience online. Additionally, a new minor in information science provides Pitt undergraduates with multidisciplinary skills, enhancing their fields of study.
We also co-created Pitt’s first Data Science Day with the Office of the Provost to showcase our impact in a digital world and to connect with research and academic partners through the Dean’s Spotlight Series. Our numerous research and academic efforts were featured in over 40 media outlets including Scientific American, Business Insider, and Forbes.
SCI continues to be at the forefront of community-engaged initiatives. We welcomed Erin Walker as the inaugural Associate Dean for Research to guide our strategies. Faculty and students received recognitions like NSF/NASA early career awards and were noted contributors to discussions on topics like AI and civil rights. Furthermore, our research expenditures reached $7.44 million in fiscal year 2024, reflecting a commitment to innovation.
Another accomplishment this year is attracting and nurturing talent. We welcomed 15 new faculty and staff members, launched a faculty mentoring program, and appointed the inaugural Associate Dean for Mentoring and Development, Diane Litman. The first-ever Learning Academy cohort concluded with a “Shark Tank” event where three projects spearheaded by SCI faculty and staff were awarded $30,000 to enter their next phase like SCI UBelong, which started this past summer.
Our dedication to corporate engagement and student success continues to grow. We awarded 101 scholarships thanks to generous donors and placed on the Pitt Day of Giving Leaderboard. SCI collaborated with 14 companies through our Corporate Partnership Program, and annual initiatives like SCI Week, SteelHacks, and the SheInnovates hackathon events connected our students with employers to gain both practical experience and to enhance their journeys during their time at SCI and beyond.
Reflecting on these achievements, I am reminded of the incredible collective and forward-looking effort that makes them possible. Our progress is a testament to the talent, culture, and community at SCI. Together, we are transforming lives for a better digital future, with our impact reaching the Pittsburgh region and far beyond. It is possible at Pitt, and we make it happen at SCI.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
Sincerely,
Bruce R. Childers
Dean and Professor