ECST Welcomes New Faculty
Meet ECST’s new faculty members for the Fall of 2020!
Stephanie E. August, PhD
Visiting Professor, Engineering Education
Areas of expertise: Online interactive digital learning environments, artificial intelligence, database management systems, software engineering, introductory computer science for non-majors, new media (English, graphics, and computing), programming, and 3D animation tools (animation and computing).
Previously: Dr. August is a computer science professor at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles. She just completed a three-and-a-half-year term as a Program Director at the National Science Foundation’s Division of Undergraduate Education where she contributed to programs in undergraduate education, data science, and the future of work at the human-technology frontier. Prior to joining academia, she was a staff engineer at Hughes Aircraft Company (now Raytheon). Dr. August received a bachelor’s degree in Slavic Languages and master’s and doctoral degrees in Computer Science, all from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Yilin Feng, PhD
Assistant Professor, Aviation Administration
Areas of Expertise: Airport simulations and operations, airport safety management, aviation sustainability and resilience, and aviation education.
Previously: Dr. Feng has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Beihang University and recently earned her doctoral degree in Technology from Purdue University.
Negin Forouzesh, PhD
Assistant Professor, Computer Science
Areas of Expertise: Optimization of existing physics-based models used for simulating interactions between biomolecules in the human body; binding free energy of proteins and small molecules complexes through fast, accurate computation simulations used in the early stages of drug discovery; algorithms; data structures; and interdisciplinary courses that bridge computer science and life sciences.
Previously: Dr. Forouzesh earned her doctoral degree in Computer Science from Virginia Tech.
David Krum, PhD
Assistant Professor, Computer Science
Areas of Expertise: Human-computer interaction; virtual reality, and augmented reality; game development.
Previously: Dr. Krum was Associate Director of the Mixed Reality Lab at the Institute for Creative Technologies at the University of Southern California. He also has industry experience at Motorola and Bosch.
Jungsoo (Soo) Lim, PhD
Assistant Professor, Computer Science
Areas of Expertise: Internet of Things and cyber-physical systems.
Previously: Dr. Lim recently retired from a successful career at the City of Los Angeles and has been a lecturer in introductory programming, programming with data structure, analysis of algorithms, and computer organization and architecture at Cal State LA. A proud Cal State LA alumna, Dr. Lim earned her doctoral degree from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Mario Medina, PhD
Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Areas of Expertise: Fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and combustion including spray physics, particulate and pollution mitigation, droplet formation and instabilities, aerosol sampling and transport, and optical diagnostics.
Previously: Dr. Medina earned his doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan.
Maryam Nazari, PhD
Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering
Areas of Expertise: Earthquake engineering, including techniques that ensure economical, resilient, and sustainable design of civil infrastructures against seismic hazards such as smart sensors and dampers related to health monitoring and vibration control of structures.
Previously: Dr. Nazari was an Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering at Fresno State, teaching Engineering Mechanics and Structural Analysis and Design. She has been recognized with several research awards including from the ASCE ‐ San Francisco Section, the Fresno Regional Transportation Innovations Summit, and Iowa State University. In 2019, she was a recipient of an ASEE award for “Best Diversity Paper,” which aims to enhance the CSU Women Engineering Faculty Support Network. Dr. Nazari earned her doctoral degree in Structural Engineering with a minor in Engineering Mechanics from Iowa State University.
Question: What most influenced your choice to become a professor?
“Moving from industry to academia provided the opportunity to focus on the technical aspects of computer science, engage in research, mentor students, and work close to home. My graduate advisor, Larry McNamee [Professor Emeritus, Computer Science, University of California, Los Angeles], was instrumental in guiding my adjustment to the academic environment and teaching.” Dr. Stephanie E. August
“As a first-generation student, I received a lot of help and support from the instructors and professors when I first entered college. I could not be here without their help. I’d love to try my best to help other young people to encourage them to pursue their dreams.” Dr. Yilin Feng
“My PhD. advisor, Dr. Alexey Onufriev [Professor, Departments of Computer Science and Physics, Virginia Tech], was indeed the most influential person for me in choosing the academic career. He has believed in my competence from the beginning and has never stopped encouraging me along the way. Alexey has gone far beyond a mere supervisor, for which I’m grateful.” Dr. Negin Forouzesh
“I became a researcher and professor because of my father, who is an engineer. He introduced me to science and technology through stories he told me and television programs about scientists. He inspired in me a desire to study and build computing technologies and an aspiration to become a scientist.” Dr. David Krum
“I was so fortunate to get an opportunity to learn about computer science and programming at Cal State LA from Professor Abbott, Professor Subramanian, Professor Akis, and Professor Pamula. Every single topic from the courses was so fascinating. After graduating from Cal State LA, I decided to continue my education and realized that learning and teaching were what I really loved the most.” Dr. Jungsoo Lim
“My motivation to become a professor is derived from several avenues. I wanted a career that involves helping others. Preparing the next generation of engineers partially serves that purpose. Secondly, learning is a never-ending process and I want to facilitate that for others but also continue learning myself. A university setting is a well-suited environment for such a career.” Dr. Mario Medina
“During my graduate studies, I was involved in the research training and professional development of an international student from the University of Puerto Rico through the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates summer program. This unique mentoring experience, along with my persistent passion for teaching and research, solidified my interest to become a professor.” Dr. Maryam Nazari