Graham appointed interim chair of Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering

Professor David Graham has been appointed as interim chair of the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. (WVU Photo/Brian Persinger)

David Graham, professor in the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering at West Virginia University's Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, has been named interim chair of the department, effective July 1.

Story by Emily Handrahan, Storyteller
Photos by Paige Nesbit, Director of Marketing and Communications

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Graham joined the Lane Department in August 2006 after earning his Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Over the past two decades, he has built an internationally recognized research program focused on integrated-circuit design, low-power electronics, AI-compute hardware and neuromorphic computing while also earning a reputation as an award-winning educator and researcher.

Throughout his career at WVU, Graham has received numerous honors recognizing excellence in teaching, research and innovation, including the National Science Foundation CAREER Award, the WVU Foundation Outstanding Teaching Award and multiple Statler College Outstanding Teacher and Outstanding Researcher awards. He also co-founded Aspinity, Inc. in 2012 with a former Ph.D. student and department alumnus to commercialize brain-inspired semiconductor technology developed through WVU research.

While proud of those accomplishments, Graham says his greatest achievement has been working with students.

"Looking back on the past twenty years, I am most proud of being able to impact the lives of our excellent students – both in the classroom and in the research lab. I’ve also been privileged to have the opportunity to translate academic research into working commercial products through my startup company,” Graham said.

As he prepares to lead the department, Graham says he is focused on continuing its momentum while providing steady leadership.

"When I was asked to serve as the interim chair of the Lane Department, I felt a profound sense of responsibility and a desire to continue the positive trajectory of the department,” Graham said. “Having spent 20 years working alongside the remarkable faculty, staff, and students in the Lane Department, I know firsthand the incredible talent and potential that lives here. Being asked to lead during this period is a true honor, and my primary goal is to ensure stable governance, open communication, and steady progress."

Having spent nearly 20 years as a faculty member, Graham believes his experience provides a strong foundation for the role.

"Two decades of experience as a faculty member within the Lane Department have given me an intimate, ground-level understanding of our department's operations, culture, and challenges. This deep institutional knowledge allows me to step into the interim chair position with a clear view of where we are and a practical understanding of how to get things done effectively."

As interim chair, Graham plans to increase emphasis on hands-on and experiential learning, build a stronger sense of community within the department and support continued growth in research programs.

"Our greatest strength is undeniably our people. We have world-class faculty pushing the boundaries of research and pedagogy. We have dedicated staff that keeps our day-to-day operations seamless. Our students are absolute go-getters – they are deeply engaged both inside and outside the classroom – leading student organizations, competing in national design challenges, and driving innovative research,” Graham said. “Additionally, the sheer breadth of our department which spans computer science, cybersecurity, electrical, and computer engineering, puts us in a prime position to tackle multidisciplinary challenges that few other departments can."

As he begins his appointment, Graham says he is excited to help guide the department into its next chapter.

"I am both honored and excited to take on the role of Interim Chair of the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. This department is home to truly excellent faculty, staff, students, and alumni, and I look forward to helping our community grow."

“Dr. Graham is an excellent choice to lead one of the largest departments in our college,” said Pedro Mago, Glen H. Hiner Dean of the Statler College. “His outstanding record of teaching, research, and mentorship has built a strong foundation for advancing innovation within the Lane Department. I am excited to see the direction he will take, driven by his energy, vision, and enthusiasm, and I look forward to collaborating with him in his new role as he guides the department toward even greater success. I also want to thank Dr. Anurag Srivastava for his dedicated and exceptional service as department chair over the past five years. His thoughtful and innovative leadership has strengthened the department and created a solid groundwork for Dr. Graham to build upon.”

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