Indiana Tech has named Dr. Xiaoli (Lucy) Yang as its new dean of the Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences. Dr. Yang will begin her service at the university on Sept. 1.

Dr. Yang comes to Indiana Tech from Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut, where she serves as professor and chair of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. During her tenure as chair at Fairfield, she led the development of new academic programs and established the university’s new AI lab, serving faculty, students and community partners. Dr. Yang developed the first computer science study abroad program in partnership with the University of Galway, Scotland, secured ABET accreditation for the computer science program, enhanced both the undergraduate and graduate curricula, and worked to develop new corporate and community partnerships. Collaborating with community partners and faculty both within and outside the university, she secured grant funding and led various project funded by the National Science Foundation, NASA, state funding agencies and private foundations.

Prior to her work at Fairfield, Dr. Yang spent seven years at Purdue University Northwest, serving as professor and director of graduate programs in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering from 2015 to 2022. Dr. Yang’s prior experience also includes roles as assistant professor (2005 to 2009) and associate professor (2009 to 2015) in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University Calumet; assistant professor in the Department of Software Engineering at Lakehead University in Canada (2003 to 2005); and postdoctoral fellow in the School of Information Technology and Engineering University in Canada (2002 to 2005).

Dr. Yang earned her B.S. in Electronic and Information Engineering and her M.S. in Mechanical and Mining Engineering from Taiyuan University of Technology in China; her M.A.Sc. in Systems and Computer Engineering from Carleton University in Canada; and her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from China University of Mining and Technology. Dr. Yang’s research expertise includes virtual/augmented reality, visualization, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity education, and software engineering. She is professional member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE).

“All of us at Indiana Tech are excited to welcome Dr. Yang to our university. Her experience, leadership abilities and commitment to student success stood out amongst the many excellent candidates who were part of our search process,” said Indiana Tech President Dr. Karl Einolf.

He added, “Dr. Yang will lead an outstanding faculty and staff team in our Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences as we develop innovative new programs that will serve our students, partners and community well into the future. Her experience in developing and leading partnerships will also make her a highly effective leader for our Northeast Indiana Center for Engineering, helping us further leverage Indiana Tech’s expertise, equipment and laboratories to benefit regional engineering firms, advanced manufacturing operations, entrepreneurs and others. This will benefit not just Indiana Tech, but all of Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana. I’m confident that Dr. Yang will help our university continue building on the tradition of excellence we’ve established in the Talwar College.”

“The forward-thinking vision, strategic direction, innovative academic programs, and exceptional individuals at Indiana Tech left an unforgettable impression on me. With numerous exciting initiatives underway in The Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, I am genuinely honored to become part of the Indiana Tech community at this exciting time. I look forward to working with the faculty, students, and staff in the near future,” Dr. Yang said.

Dr. Yang’s appointment as dean of the Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences at Indiana Tech was the culmination of a nationwide search that began in the winter of 2024. The search was led by higher education search firm RH Perry & Associates, working with an internal search committee of Indiana Tech faculty and staff members.