Jeannette Wing, a professor of computer science and previously the director of Columbia’s Data Science Institute, was recently named the University’s executive vice president for research.
In her new position, Wing is responsible for managing Columbia’s research activities across its New York campuses and abroad. She is the first woman, Asian-American, and computer-science professor to take on the senior administrative role at Columbia.
“Jeannette will advance the office’s mandate to grow our research efforts in ways that align with the challenges and opportunities ahead,” said President Lee C. Bollinger in announcing her appointment. “Importantly, Jeannette is committed to promoting fundamental research with real-world applications in the realms of artificial intelligence, quantum science, semiconductors, robotics, biotechnology, energy technology, cybersecurity, and material science, thereby furthering what I call the Fourth Purpose of the University. She will also expand our partnerships with organizations in the business, nonprofit, higher-education, and government sectors.”
Wing, an MIT-educated computer scientist and an expert on the reliability and security of computing systems, was recruited to Columbia to lead its Data Science Institute in 2017, having previously held executive positions at Microsoft Research, the National Science Foundation, and Carnegie Mellon University. As the head of the institute, she oversaw academic programs that advance the integration of data science across all disciplines at the University, in teaching and in research.
