Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, and Cybersecurity are reshaping higher education, research, and the global workforce. As these disciplines become increasingly interconnected, universities must prepare graduates with the technical knowledge, interdisciplinary skills, and ethical foundations needed to address complex challenges in an AI-driven digital society. This transformation calls for innovative curricula, experiential learning, industry partnerships, and research opportunities that bridge theory and practice.
This keynote will examine the evolving role of higher education in integrating AI, Data Science, and Cybersecurity into computing education. It will highlight strategies for curriculum innovation, project-based learning, undergraduate research, internships, cooperative education, and collaborations with industry and government to better prepare students for high-demand careers. The presentation will also discuss how emerging technologies—including generative AI, machine learning, and data-driven cybersecurity—are influencing teaching, research, and workforce development.
Drawing upon academic leadership and experiences in developing new computing programs, the keynote will present practical approaches for educating the next generation of computing professionals while fostering innovation, lifelong learning, and responsible use of technology. The session concludes with a vision for how universities can lead the development of a resilient, secure, and future-ready digital workforce through excellence in education, research, and strategic partnerships.
Dr. Mohammad Abdus Salam is the Chair of the Department of Computing, Information and Mathematical Sciences, and Technology (CIMST) at Chicago State University. With more than 25 years of experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership, his research interests include artificial intelligence, data science, machine learning, cybersecurity, wireless communications, wireless sensor networks, information and coding theory, and data visualization. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings and has served as a guest editor, proposal reviewer, and panelist for organizations including the National Science Foundation (NSF) and NASA. Dr. Salam is a former President of the Louisiana Academy of Sciences and has received numerous prestigious honors, including the Southern University System President's Faculty Outstanding Achievement Award, the NASA Faculty Fellowship Award, the Office of Naval Research (ONR) Faculty Fellowship Award, the NSF/QEM Faculty Fellowship Award, the Gold Medal Award from Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology, and the Chancellor's Award presented by the President of Bangladesh. He is a Senior Member of IEEE and a Professional Member of ACM.