Posted on March 1, 2024 by UTSA School of Data Science
“Keep the momentum going” – Jianwei Niu resumes role as interim director of School of Data Science
Jianwei Niu is no stranger to leadership roles. In her 19 years at the University of Texas at San Antonio, the professor of computer science has held no fewer than five such positions. Now Niu – also current interim dean of University College – has been named the interim executive director for UTSA’s School of Data Science (SDS). Nor is this the first time Niu has been tapped to head the university’s flagship data science and artificial intelligence program, one of only five such schools in the nation. Indeed, Niu initially served as the School’s interim academic director in 2019 before David Mongeau was named the SDS’ founding director. After Mongeau stepped down in March, Niu once again temporarily assumed leadership over the School of Data Science.
“I think it’s a good fit because I’m co-leading the task force to establish the new college in AI, computing, cyber security, and data science,” Niu said. “We really want to keep the momentum going and help the university figure out how the School of Data Science can fit into the new college.”
Keeping the momentum may be something of an understatement. Niu says upcoming plans for the School of Data Science include enhancing curriculum, forming programs emphasizing artificial intelligence (AI) security and safety, new experiential learning opportunities for students, and expanding funding by partnering with a variety of corporate and government entities.
“Collaboration is key,” Niu said. “It will take the whole community for SDS to succeed, so reaching out to everyone who’s interested in data science or AI research is something I plan to continue to do.”
In addition to increasing community outreach and support, Niu says another priority ensuring that San Pedro I remains a center for interdisciplinary research, academic exchange, and student events by furthering the school’s engagement with faculty and students in other departments.
“We will leverage the departments who are offering courses at SPI and then really organize activities to engage the students who are currently at SPI, which will hopefully help us attract even more students and faculty to our location.”
These efforts, Niu believes, will only be boosted in the near future with the completion of San Pedro II, slated to open in January 2026, which she says will allow for expanded programs by providing more space for faculty, students, and research labs.
Despite leading both the School of Data Science and University College, Niu plans to continue teaching and conducting research on digital security and privacy. The key, she believes, is finding a balance.
“One lesson I’ve learned is really how to prioritize things, including how to achieve a work-life balance, as well as how to manage competing goals,” Niu said. “So I have to figure out the most important thing for myself, my colleagues, and my students, as well as for the university and the department. I’m still trying to do my best.”
For Niu, doing her best entails allowing the School of Data Science to flourish, ensuring it continues long after she’s gone. Such a legacy, she says, would more than satisfy her.
“It’s not about me,” she said, “it’s about the change and the opportunities we provide. I really hope, no matter what the School of Data Science may look like in the future, it will continue to be the hub for people who want to apply data science to their problems of interest and to solve the challenges of society.”
— UTSA School of Data Science
