Dear Colleagues and Friends of the College of Computing,

As a new semester begins, we reflect on a summer filled with momentum and progress. Our College of Computing continues to evolve with purpose, agility, and ambition; always with a focus on preparing students for a future defined by computing.

This summer, our leadership team worked diligently with our amazing faculty and partners to advance organic and faculty-owned initiatives that will shape our college for years to come:  the development of CS+X and Ph.D. in Computing initiatives, the launch of our 3C peer mentorship program, growth in applied research partnerships, faculty and staff mentor programs, a refreshed website, and the creation of the very first College of Computing Student Advisory Council to ensure that student voices help guide our direction. 

We are also delighted to welcome new faculty members whose expertise spans artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity, safety-critical systems, mixed reality, and human-centered design. Their teaching, scholarship, and industry experience will strengthen our mission of innovation, collaboration, and student success.

These efforts are more than projects. They are a reflection of our vision to lead, to innovate, and to prepare students for jobs and opportunities that don’t yet exist.

The future of work is being built here, in Greater Grand Rapids, with our faculty, staff, students, and partners.

This semester, I invite you to stay engaged, share your insights, and continue to dream with us.

Warmly,

Dr. Marouane Kessentini
Dean, College of Computing
Grand Valley State University

Dr. Samir Iqbal has joined GVSU’s College of Computing as Associate Dean of Research. A nanotechnology pioneer, biomedical engineer, and former NSF Program Director, Iqbal brings expertise in innovation ecosystems, industry partnerships, and student mentorship. He previously managed a $170M NSF portfolio and has led over $5M in funded research, earning international recognition as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and IEEE Distinguished Lecturer. His current work applies AI to early cancer diagnostics while supporting startups and open-source innovation. At GVSU, Iqbal will expand research capacity, strengthen partnerships, and create new opportunities for students and the community.

Read the full story on Dr. Iqbal's appointment as Associate Dean of Research. 

Meet Jyothsna Allu 

Graduate Student in Health Informatics & Bioinformatics

From dental surgeon in India to health informatics scholar at GVSU, Jyothsna Allu has earned three prestigious scholarships, including the HIMSS Scholarship, for her passion to use technology to improve healthcare. Her journey shows how mentorship and innovation can transform lives and communities. Jyosthsna will be honored on September 8th for the HIMSS MI Fall Conference. 

Read Jyothsna’s full story on the College of Computing website.

Dr. Jiaxin Du receives DOJ-funded award to advance justice through AI research

Dr. Jiaxin Du, assistant professor in the College of Computing, has received a subaward from Cleveland State University through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI). As institutional principal investigator, Du applies artificial intelligence and natural language processing to analyze decades of police reports, uncover patterns, and improve case outcomes. His work emphasizes data security while supporting law enforcement in reducing backlogs and delivering justice for victims. This project builds on three years of collaboration and positions GVSU at the forefront of using computing for real-world impact.

Read the full story about Dr. Jiaxin Du’s research and award on the College of Computing website.

Campus, community unite for interdisciplinary innovation

On August 7, the College of Computing hosted a campus and community brainstorming session that brought together more than 150 students, faculty, staff, industry leaders, and regional partners to envision the future of interdisciplinary education. Participants explored how AI, cybersecurity, software engineering, and human-centered computing can be woven into fields such as health, business, education, and public policy. The event highlighted GVSU’s commitment to co-designing innovative, workforce-aligned programs rooted in ethics and societal impact—positioning the university as a leader in applied, inclusive computing education.

Read the full article on GV Forum. 

Global journey leads Reihaneh Hariri to Grand Valley and a future in student-centered innovation

This fall, the College of Computing welcomes Dr. Reihaneh Hariri as a tenure-track faculty member. With experience in both academia and industry, she brings expertise in autonomous vehicle systems, radar-based safety features, and innovative applications of AI in healthcare. Her career includes teaching, research, and industry leadership at Continental Automotive Systems, alongside projects such as a medically smart home for individuals with Alzheimer’s. An immigrant from Iran with a global perspective shaped by international teaching, Dr. Hariri is passionate about student success, applied research, and inclusive excellence.

Read the full story about Dr. Hariri on the College of Computing website.

Navigating Success in Computing: A new course to support first-year students

The College of Computing has launched CIS 180: Navigating Success in Computing, a new pilot course designed to support first-year computing students. Co-taught by academic advisors Colin DeKuiper and Emily Zeliasko, the course introduces students to majors and minors, campus resources, and career pathways while helping them build confidence and community. With small class sizes and a focus on connection, CIS 180 provides students with the tools they need to start strong at Grand Valley and prepare for future success in computing.

Read the full story about the inspiration behind this new course. 

Colleges host welcome events for new students

The College of Computing welcomed new students on August 24 with the launch of its peer mentorship program, 3C (Connect @ College of Computing). Through this initiative, every incoming student was paired with an upperclass mentor in computing, ensuring that first-year students begin their journey with built-in support, guidance, and connection to the college community. The welcome event highlights the college’s commitment to fostering belonging and student success from day one, aligning with Grand Valley’s larger Student Success Network.

Learn more about our college welcome event for undergraduate students. 

Inside the Senior Capstone Experience

See how College of Computing students put their skills into action! This video highlights senior projects that connect classroom learning with real-world industry challenges—showcasing innovation, teamwork, and career readiness. Watch how our seniors are shaping the future of computing.

Future of Work, Powered by AI

Discover how Grand Valley State University is shaping tomorrow’s workforce through cutting-edge AI initiatives. This video explores the College of Computing’s commitment to innovation — highlighting industry partnerships, PhD programs, and interdisciplinary projects that are empowering students to lead in the age of AI.

Innovation Through Community & Collaboration

The College of Computing recently hosted a campus and community brainstorming session on interdisciplinary innovation, exploring how AI and computing can be embedded across disciplines to prepare students for the future. Hear from Provost Drake and many Deans from across GVSU in our video. 

Welcome to the First Day of the 2025‑26 Academic Year from the College of Computing

Step into the energy and excitement of GVSU's first day back on campus. This short video captures the smiles, the connections, and the spirit that kick off a new academic year. We are reminding our students that they're part of a community that welcomes and supports them.

Stay informed!

Keep current with the latest College of Computing news and events! 

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