Category: From the Dean

SMU Lyle is poised to provide an education that prepares students for the challenges of today and equips them with the skills and knowledge to excel in the engineering world of tomorrow. As we look ahead, here are some ways we will differentiate Lyle with offerings to our students.

1: Empowering Student Leadership
Our goal is to provide leadership training for every student. Employers consistently highlight the readiness of Lyle graduates to engage with customers and lead teams early in their careers. It’s a testament to our commitment to cultivating leadership skills from day one. Through personalized leadership assessments, one-on-one mentorship, and immersive entrepreneurial experiences, every student at Lyle is afforded the opportunity to develop the leadership skills that are essential for their success.

2: Leading Digital Innovation in both Teaching and Research
Technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and data science are fundamentally reshaping the way engineers work. Lyle is at the forefront of this transformation. We distinguish ourselves by offering students the flexibility to engage in classes both in-person and remotely, in real time and asynchronously. This adaptability ensures that our graduates are well-versed in the latest technologies and teaching methods. Furthermore, we foster innovation by providing students with opportunities to actively participate in research projects, allowing them to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies.

3. Pioneering Digital Innovation in Education and Research
We are committed to fostering a culture of innovation that transcends the boundaries of traditional disciplines. Company-backed research fuels progress and connects exceptional students with industry insights. In line with this commitment, we are dedicated to establishing a new center focused on Digital and Human-Augmented Manufacturing. This center will further enhance our capacity to drive innovation and empower our students to shape the future of engineering.

• • Our proposed Lyle Digital Innovation Initiative, generously supported by a $15 million gift from The O’Donnell Foundation, is designed to attract distinguished faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and promising PhD students. This dynamic synergy harnesses the potential of artificial intelligence and human-augmented systems to shape a smarter future. Through digital transformation and innovation, we are preparing both Lyle and the Dallas-Fort Worth tech landscape for the future.
  • Lyle Anywhere^TM: Our vision extends to pioneering digital transformation in engineering education through our innovative approach, Lyle Anywhere^TM. This overarching brand encompasses various SMU Lyle graduate learning modalities, offering students the flexibility to learn in-person or remotely, in real time or asynchronously. This adaptability caters to diverse learning styles and personal circumstances. Beyond the classroom, our students actively engage in impactful research projects, often in collaboration with industry, providing them with hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies.

4. Formation of a New Leadership Team
Reimagining our leadership structure was a critical component of our vision for the future of SMU Lyle. Effective June 1, 2023, this structure introduces a diverse team of experts who bring a wealth of experience and innovation to our school. Our Lyle Reimagined structure features a diverse group of individuals who collectively enrich our school with their expertise and innovation. This team includes the following roles: Associate Dean for Research Innovation and Industry Partnerships, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Curriculum Innovation, Assistant Dean for Student Success and Inclusive Excellence, Assistant Dean for Recruitment and Strategic Enrollment, Assistant Dean for Brand Marketing and Strategic Communications, and Directorates for Learning Innovation and Digital Education, as well as Student Experience and Scholarship.

Our Dean’s Senior Leadership team has been diligently working  to shape and refine our organizational structure.

5. Implementation of an Aggressive Faculty Hiring Plan Lyle is on an ambitious journey with a remarkable faculty recruitment campaign, opening nearly 20 new faculty positions for academic year 2023-24. We strongly believe in the power of externally funded, industry-supported research to drive progress and provide exceptional students with valuable industry insights. Our mission is to lead the way in digital transformation within engineering education, all while ensuring that every student graduates as a confident leader. See the details of these positions at our dedicated site: https://www.smu.edu/Lyle/Departments/Faculty–Openings.

Our faculty recruitment campaign comprises the establishment of three new Endowed department chairs in Computer Science (CS), Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), and Mechanical Engineering (ME). Additionally, we are adding six tenured/tenure-track positions aligned with strategic themes such as Sustainable Energy and the Environment, AI-Powered Digital Engineering Systems, and Quantum Science and Engineering.

Moreover, we are appointing several faculty Executive Directors to drive strategic initiatives, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and position our institutes and centers as leaders in technological advancement and innovation. These include: Endowed Associate/Full Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Executive Director for Research Innovation in the Center for Digital and Human-Augmented Manufacturing; Endowed Associate/Full Professor and Executive Director of the Hart Center for Leadership in Lyle School of Engineering; Endowed Co-Executive Director of the Hart Institute for Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Inaugural Walden and Paula Rhines Endowed Quantum Informatics Associate/Full Professor in Computer Science or Electrical & Computer Engineering. To complete our offerings, we are seeking multiple cross-disciplinary renewable-contract (Non Tenure-Track) Assistant and Associate professors.

During an SMU World Changers alumni networking event on Saturday, Dean Nader Jalili addressed an SMU Lyle alumni crowd about architecting a future defined by technology.

“We stand at the threshold of an extraordinary new era for the Lyle School of Engineering, ignited by a landmark $20 million gift from Texas Instruments CEO Rich Templeton and his wife Mary and a newly announced $15 million gift from The O’Donnell Foundation,” he said. “Over $40 million dollars has been invested in Lyle to support strategic initiatives such as recruiting post-doctoral students, expanding Lyle’s women and underserved student population, and advancing digital innovation in engineering and computer science. With unwavering energy and enthusiasm, we are poised to embark on a transformative journey, one that will shape the future of tech, reveal trends, and provide insights for the world of tomorrow.”

The dean spoke about Lyle’s vision, which is centered around investment in three innovation pillars: Research Innovation and Partnerships, a Student-Centered Innovation Hub, and Digital Education.

1. Research Innovation and Partnerships – highlighted by the Center for Digital and Human-Augmented Manufacturing (CDHAM), which will provide students with hands-on exposure to augmented reality for design feasibility and leverage AI for elevated product design. These partnerships will position Lyle as a leader in AI and enable groundbreaking advances in human augmentation.
2. A Student-Centered Innovation Hub thru Empowering Student Leadership, which serves as a dynamic platform where practical opportunities help students shape and realize their leadership and entrepreneurial skills. Students can leverage the Lyle MILE (Mentorship Innovation Leadership and Entrepreneurship) Hub to further innovation. This will empower students to become confident leaders who seamlessly engage with customers and take charge of teams from the very start of their careers.
3. Digital Education: At Lyle, we pioneer digital transformation in engineering education. Our LyleAnywhere^TM platform will provide greater accessibility, helping us go beyond the classroom to broaden the reach of SMU Lyle education and help students experience more diverse internships and gain experience through more unconventional means, redefining the learning environment to our students benefit.

Dean Jalili encouraged alums to remember that they are among the driving force shaping the future of technology.

“Our mission is to uncover trends and provide insights to propel us into tomorrow,” he said. “I invite each one of you to join us on this extraordinary journey as SMU Lyle is making strategic investments in 1) fostering research partnerships, 2) creating a student-centered innovation hub where ideas flow freely, and finally, 3) advancing digital education.”

Dear Lyle School of Engineering Family,

I am thrilled and honored to welcome you to the start of a new semester as the Mary and Richard Templeton Dean of the Lyle School of Engineering. Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of engaging with our remarkable faculty, dedicated staff, and talented students, and I am truly inspired by the boundless potential that resides within our community.

As we embark on this journey together, I would like to take a moment to share some of the exciting initiatives that are already underway and those that we are poised to embrace in the coming months.

1. Cultivating Innovation in Research and Transformative Industry Partnerships: We are committed to fostering a culture of innovation that transcends the boundaries of traditional disciplines. Company-backed research fuels progress and connects exceptional students with industry insights. In line with this commitment, we are dedicated to establishing a new center focused on Digital and Human-Augmented Manufacturing. This center, previously known as the Research Center for Advanced Manufacturing, will further enhance our capacity to drive innovation and empower our students to shape the future of engineering.
2. Empowering Student Leadership and Enriching Learning Environments: At SMU Lyle, we are committed to ensuring that every student emerges as a confident leader. Our graduates are renowned for seamlessly engaging with customers and taking charge of teams from the onset of their careers. Through personalized leadership assessments, dedicated one-on-one mentorship, and immersive entrepreneurial ventures, we are working hard to offer each student a unique opportunity to cultivate essential leadership aptitudes.
3. Leading Digital Innovation in Education and Research: SMU Lyle is poised to pioneer digital transformation in engineering education. Our innovative approach using LyleAnywhere^TM platform, our overarching brand name for SMU Lyle graduate learning modalities, offers students the flexibility to learn in-person or remotely, in real-time or asynchronously, catering to diverse learning styles and circumstances. Beyond the classroom, our students will be able to engage in impactful research projects, often in collaboration with industry, gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies.
4. New Leadership Team in Place: I am proud to introduce our new leadership team, a diverse group of individuals who bring a wealth of expertise and innovation to our school. Together, we are dedicated to leading SMU Lyle to new heights of excellence. For more information, see my email announcement from earlier this summer.
5. Aggressive Faculty Hiring Plan: To realize our ambitious goals, we’re launching an aggressive faculty hiring plan and embracing a collaboration-centered, thematic approach over the next two to three years. Our focus will be on sustainable energy, AI-driven engineering, and quantum science. Opportunities for tenured roles, including esteemed endowed chairs and professorships, are open at Associate and Full Professor levels. Ideal candidates will lead globally recognized, funded research programs that align with our ongoing efforts. This pivotal effort will establish centers of excellence through collaboration. Tenure appointments will thoughtfully match candidates to Lyle’s departments or broader SMU areas. For more information, see the email I sent earlier this summer.
6. Executing the Bold Vision of Lyle Digital Innovation Initiative: Our proposed Lyle Digital Innovation Initiative aims to attract esteemed faculty, postdocs, and promising PhD students. This dynamic synergy taps AI and human-augmented systems for a smarter future. With digital transformation and innovation, we’re readying Lyle and DFW’s tech landscape for the future.

As we move forward, I am eager to collaborate with each and every one of you to shape the future of SMU Lyle School of Engineering. Together, we will build upon our legacy of excellence, embracing change and innovation to create a brighter future for our students, our community, and the world at large.

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Your dedication and passion are what make SMU Lyle truly exceptional. I am excited to see where our collective efforts will take us.

Warm regards,

Nader Jalili, Ph.D. ASME Fellow
Mary and Richard Templeton Dean
Professor of Mechanical Engineering

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Following is a condensed version of May 26, 2023 email to SMU Lyle from Dean Nader Jalili)

Dear Lyle Faculty and Staff,

I want to express my gratitude to those who have provided feedback on the proposed reorganization of our administrative team. Your perspectives have been invaluable as we work together to bring Lyle to new heights. After many meetings with potential nominees, nominators, and in direct consultation with the Offices of the Provost and Human Resources, I am pleased to announce our Lyle Reimagined structure to be effective on June 1, 2023.

Lyle Associate and Assistant Deans | Updates and Appointments

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ali Beskok as Associate Dean for Research Innovation and Industry Partnerships. In this role, Dr. Beskok will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies that expand our research portfolio, increase our funding, and strengthen our ties with industry. This position will ensure that our research remains relevant and impactful while also preparing our future workforce.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Dinesh Rajan as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Curriculum Innovation. In his new role, Dr. Rajan will work closely with our faculty to develop new courses and programs that incorporate the latest technologies and pedagogies, while also ensuring that our curriculum remains rigorous and relevant.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Kathy Hubbard as the Assistant Dean for Student Success and Inclusive Excellence. In her new role, Ms. Hubbard will work closely with students and faculty to promote a supportive and inclusive learning environment and to develop programs that foster academic and personal growth.

In her current role as Interim Executive Director of Hart Center for Engineering Leadership, the Center has been operating successfully and she has been instrumental to the Center’s growth and success. In the coming months, we will begin a national search for an external scholar in engineering leadership to assume the executive directorship of the Center to deepen the impact on our students and the broader engineering community. Once this position is filled, Ms. Hubbard will continue to work closely with Hart Center in an advisory capacity. We value her expertise and insights, and we believe that her ongoing involvement will be a key factor in the continued success of the Center.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Christina Churchill as the Assistant Dean for Learning Innovation and Digital Education. In her new role, Dr. Churchill will oversee the development and implementation of online, distance, and executive programs that complement our in-person offerings to make engineering education more accessible and inclusive.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Rebecca Lothringer as the Assistant Dean for Recruitment and Strategic Enrollment. In her new role, Dr. Lothringer will develop and implement recruitment strategies that target underrepresented groups and that emphasize the unique opportunities offered by our engineering school.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Rachel Horton as the Assistant Dean for Brand Marketing and Strategic Communications. In her new role, Ms. Horton will oversee the development and implementation of marketing campaigns that highlight the strengths of our engineering programs and that increase awareness of our research and innovation.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. James Dees as the Executive Director of Student Experience and Scholarship. In his new role, Mr. Dees will be responsible for analyzing data related to students, including graduation rates, awards, and scholarships. He will also oversee all student information, including enrollment data, academic performance, and student outcomes. An important part of his role will be coordinating decisions and awards for all Lyle scholarship applications, as well as managing resources related to scholarships. The objective of this office is to gain insights, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions. These decisions will aim to enhance the overall student experience, as well as improve strategic decision-making regarding undergraduate and graduate scholarship applications and awards.

Lyle Departmental Leadership | Updates and Appointments

Mechanical Engineering

Upon the departure of Dr. Paul Krueger, Lyle Mechanical Engineering faculty unanimously voted to appoint Dr. Edmond Richer as the Department Chair ad interim of Mechanical Engineering.  The Dean’s Office received approval to open a national search for an endowed professor to assume permanent leadership of the ME Department. The position advertisement will go out this summer with the appointment to start as early as spring 2024.

The Research Center for Advanced Manufacturing (RCAM) will strategically transition to focus on digital and human-augmented manufacturing. I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Christopher Colaw as an Adjunct Research Professor in the department of Mechanical Engineering, Executive Director for Industrial Partnerships and Co-Executive Director of this new initiative.  Mr. Colaw serves as the Chairman of the SMU Mechanical Engineering Department’s Industrial Advisory Board and as a member of the UTEP IMSE Department’s Industrial Advisory Board. He is the leader of the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Quality & Mission Success (Q&MS) organization for Advanced Quality Technologies, also known as “QualTech.”

A national search will be opened for an endowed associate/full professor with a tenure home in Mechanical Engineering Department to assume the position of Executive Director for Research Innovation and Co-Executive Director of this initiative.

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Dr. Kathleen Smits, Solomon Professor for Global Development, will continue as the Chair of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department.

Dr. John Easton’s position of Assistant Chair has been promoted to Associate Chair of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department.

Operations Research and Engineering Management

Dr. Sila Cetinkaya, Cecil H. Green Professor of Engineering, will continue as the Chair of the Operations Research and Engineering Management Department.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Diana Easton as the new Associate Chair of the Operations Research and Engineering Management Department.

Electrical and Computer Engineering Department

Dr. Joseph Camp will continue as Chair ad interim of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. The Dean’s Office received approval to open a national search for an endowed professor to assume permanent leadership of the ECE Department. The position advertisement will go out this summer with the appointment to start as early as spring 2024.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of two associate chairs for the ECE Department. Dr. Scott Douglas will assume the position of Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies and Outreach in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Dr. Ping Gui is named Associate Chair of Graduate Studies and Research in Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Computer Science Department

Dr. Jia Zhang, Cruse C. and Marjorie F. Calahan Centennial Chair in Engineering, will continue as Chair ad interim of the Computer Science Department. The Dean’s Office has received approval to open a national search for an endowed professor to assume permanent leadership of the Computer Science Department. The position advertisement will go out this summer with the appointment to start as early as spring 2024.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Theodore Manikas as the Associate Chair of the Computer Science Department.

I look forward to working with these talented individuals and all SMU Lyle faculty and staff to ensure that our school is at the forefront of innovation, excellence in engineering education, and research. I am confident that we are transforming our school into a world-class institution that prepares our graduates to excel in their careers and contribute to the betterment of society.

Best regards,

Nader Jalili, PhD, ASME Fellow
Mary and Richard Templeton Dean
Lyle School of Engineering

(Following is a condensed version of July 11, 2023 email to Lyle from Dean Nader Jalili)

Dear Lyle Community,

I am thrilled to share some exciting news regarding our faculty hiring plans for the upcoming academic year as part of the transformative Lyle Reimagined campaign. With the generous support from the Offices of the Provost and President, I am delighted to announce the approval of up to 18 faculty positions for the academic year 2023-24. These positions align with our strategic hiring plan, predicted student enrollment, and curricular coverage, and will help elevate Lyle to new heights.

Our reorganization efforts focus on a collaboration-based approach, fostering larger interdisciplinary teams along thematic lines. This approach presents a unique opportunity to reimagine the possibilities and create a vibrant academic environment. Here are the details of the faculty positions:

Three Department Chair positions:

• Full Professor and Endowed Department Chair of Computer Science
• Full Professor and Endowed Department Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Full Professor and Endowed Department Chair of Mechanical Engineering

Cluster Hire in Data Science (re-opening previously approved position from FY24)

• Assistant to Associate Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)

Four Executive/Co-Executive Directors

• Endowed Associate/Full Professor and Executive Director of the Hart Center for Engineering Leadership (potentially endowed with tenure home in one of the Lyle departments)
• Endowed Associate/Full Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Co-Executive Director for Research Innovation in the Center for Digital and Human-Augmented Manufacturing (formerly RCAM)
• Endowed Associate/Full Professor and Co-Executive Director of Hart Institute for Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (potentially endowed with tenure home in one of the Lyle departments)
• Associate/Full Professor and the Walden and Paula Rhines Endowed Quantum Informatics Professor in Computer Science (CS) or Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)

Collaboration-based Faculty (Five positions)

Assistant/Associate/Full Professor (with potential endowment for outstanding individuals) in Sustainable Energy and the Environment; AI-Powered Digital Engineering Systems, and Quantum Science and Engineering (with tenure home in one of the Lyle departments)

Cross-disciplinary, Renewable Contract Assistant/ Associate Professors (Five positions) 

Assistant/Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Operations Research and Engineering Management (NTT)

This is an exciting opportunity for our community to attract exceptional talent, foster innovation, and cultivate a collaborative academic environment that propels us toward our vision of excellence.

Thank you for your continued dedication and enthusiasm in building a remarkable future for SMU Lyle.

Best regards,

Nader Jalili, PhD, ASME Fellow
Mary and Richard Templeton Dean
Lyle School of Engineering