We are pleased to announce the following leadership appointments, effective immediately, with the approval of the Provost’s Office.
Caruth Institute for Engineering Education
- Dr. Ali Beskok, George R. Brown Chair in Mechanical Engineering, is appointed as the Interim Executive Director.
- Dr. Kelyn Rola is appointed as the Interim Associate Director.
The Caruth Institute will now focus on integrating contemporary topics such as sustainable engineering, data science, cybersecurity, robotics, IoT, and advanced manufacturing into our curriculum. We will also prioritize the inclusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) concepts to better prepare our students for an evolving job market. Additionally, the Institute will support research initiatives in AI-driven engineering solutions, quantum computing, resilient infrastructure, smart materials, and sustainable urban development.
The Lyle School of Engineering is excited to announce the launch of a nationwide search for a distinguished Endowed Associate/Full Professor to serve as the Executive Director of the Caruth Institute. See details of the announcement here. We are seeking an exceptional candidate with a strong background in engineering education, a proven track record of pedagogical innovation, and a deep commitment to shaping the future of engineering. The successful candidate will lead the Caruth Institute in its mission to drive transformative educational experiences and prepare the next generation of engineers for the challenges of tomorrow.
Hunt Institute for Engineering and Humanity
- Dr. Amin Salehi-Khojin, Inaugural William T. Solomon Chair of Mechanical Engineering, is appointed as the Interim Executive Director.
- Ms. Jasleen Dhillon is appointed as the Interim Assistant Director.
The Hunt Institute will address critical sustainability challenges, with a particular emphasis on meeting the energy demands of Texas and beyond. The Institute will focus on carbon management, renewable energy, advanced energy storage and conversion technologies, hydrogen economy, power grid management, and the sustainability of energy technologies. These initiatives open new avenues for engagement with both public and private sectors.
The Lyle School of Engineering is conducting a nationwide search for a distinguished Endowed Associate/Full Professor to lead as the Executive Director of the Hunt Institute for Engineering and Humanity. See details of the announcement here. We seek an accomplished individual who will drive the establishment of industry and government-funded large-scale initiatives at SMU, foster resilient research and development collaborations with major local industries, and spearhead the development of innovative energy solutions. The ideal candidate will also lead outreach activities such as workshops, short courses, and certificate programs aimed at advancing government, industry, and NGO initiatives. Additionally, the Executive Director will form national and international partnerships to advance crucial technologies that benefit under-resourced communities.
Effective August 1, 2024, in alignment with our growth goals in both research and graduate programs:
Associate Dean for Advanced Studies and Industrial Partnerships
- Dr. Behbood (Ben) Zoghi, Bobby B. Lyle Endowed Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Executive Director of the Hart Center for Engineering Leadership, has been appointed to this role.
Dr. Zoghi will develop and implement strategies to increase graduate enrollment, particularly in professional and MS programs. He will expand program offerings to include online, weekend, and executive formats, ensuring alignment with market demands. Dr. Zoghi will also strengthen relationships with industry partners to identify collaborative opportunities and regularly review program offerings to ensure they meet industry standards and emerging trends.
Associate Dean for Research Innovation and Ph.D. Education
- Dr. Ali Beskok’s title has been revised to reflect his new focus, effective August 1, 2024.
Dr. Beskok will now concentrate on research innovation and Ph.D. education, with his responsibilities related to industry partnerships transitioning to Dr. Zoghi’s office. This adjustment will better align with Dr. Beskok’s expertise and the current needs of our school.
Strategic Realignment
- Mr. Todd Wright will assume the role of Lyle Director of Facility and Operations, overseeing broader management of our facilities and operations beyond just laboratory settings.
- Dr. Rong Kou, the newly appointed Assistant Professor in the ME Department, will take on the role of Lyle Director of Lab Operations and Safety, with a focus on overseeing laboratory-specific activities and safety protocols.
The Lyle Career Development Center, located on the main level of Caruth Hall, Suite 253, supports all engineering and computer science students at the Lyle School. The center will provide a variety of services including career development programs, career fairs, and on-campus recruitment for internships and full-time positions. Ph.D. students can schedule appointments by emailing Linda Parker at lcparker@smu.edu. Master’s and Undergraduate Students can connect with both Sonjia Stanford and Jonathan Roach, respectively by booking appointments through SMU 12twenty. The team looks forward to assisting students with career development needs.
Jonathan Roach is the newest member of the Lyle Career Development Center, overseeing Undergraduate Career Services.
The Lyle Central Advising Center oversees all advising, academic records, and enrollment services for undergraduate students in the Lyle School of Engineering. Lyle advisors engage with prospective students and their parents, addressing questions about incoming credits and Lyle majors. Throughout a student’s four-year academic journey, the advising team provides personalized guidance on Lyle majors, secondary majors, study abroad opportunities, SMU in Taos, and minors. Advisors assist students in developing their four-year academic plans and connect them with resources essential for academic and personal success.
Additionally, the advising team collects and analyzes data related to enrollment, graduation, and retention to support departmental inquiries and SMU’s goal of ensuring students graduate within four years. The team collaborates closely with Lyle academic departments to implement curriculum changes and host events to ensure that students receive the necessary guidance from faculty mentors within their chosen majors.
Some key responsibilities of the Lyle Central Advising Center include managing catalog updates, athletic certification, repeat rosters, transfer credit evaluations, academic petitions, and handling cases of probation, suspension, dismissal, and graduation review and approval. The team also oversees the development of transfer pathway guides and review study abroad requirements.
Currently, the team is in the process of hiring two additional academic advisors. Once these positions are filled, the team will include a dedicated advising specialist for each academic department in Lyle, a degree counselor shared with the General Education Office, and the director. Over the past year, the team has added two advisors: Kaelyn Rice, specializing in computer science, and Ivy Phillips, specializing in electrical and computer engineering.
Faculty Hirings
In 2023, Lyle launched an ambitious faculty hiring plan, adding 14 esteemed new colleagues to our faculty ranks. Building on our progress last year, we are adding ~10 additional faculty positions during academic year 2024-2025 to continue shaping our innovative curriculum into the future.
Click here to see our current faculty openings.
We believe these changes will strengthen our school’s commitment to excellence in education, research, and industry collaboration.