The College of Applied Science and Technology welcomed a fantastic group of new faculty at the start of this academic school year! Some of CAST’s newest faculty members took the time to answer a series of questions that share their background, research interests, hobbies, and more.
In this week’s set of profiles, we first feature Dr. Shaoen Wu, State Farm Endowed Chair Full Professor in the School of Information Technology.
Tell us about yourself! Where are you from? Where did you study?
I came from China. I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in China and then came to the US for my Ph.D. at Auburn University in Alabama.
What originally got you interested in your area of study?
I dreamed to contribute to the commonwealth and well-being of human beings with advanced technology-driven innovations, which motivated me to study in Computer Science and Engineering.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
To me, the most enjoyable and rewarding part of teaching is to see my students get well prepared from my teaching for their future careers and lives.
What are your research interest areas? Any items on the agenda you’d like to share?
My research is on the intersection of artificial intelligence and a few areas including cybersecurity; wireless networking and sensing; smart health, and self-driving. My team has generated significant outcomes in the research and has been heavily funded over 3 million dollars by federal agencies such as NSF, NASA, and Air Force as well as industry including Cisco, Lockheed Martian, Intel, and Northrop Grumman.
What do you do in your free time?
I spend most of my time serving others through my church or community services. I served a few years as an assistant coach for recreational soccer. I also like traveling.
What is one thing you want colleagues and students to know about you?
I’d say, “How can I help?”
How does it feel to become a Redbird?
I am excited and proud of being a Redbird. I have strongly felt the hospitality, support, and respect from our students and colleagues.
Do you have any goals for the upcoming year?
Yes, I am looking forward to establishing a research center on cybersecurity research and education to connect our faculty and students with external business and federal agencies. I also expect to know better of my colleagues and students to understand how I can better serve them.
Want to learn more? Check out the School of Information Technology’s website for more information on available majors and opportunities.
