James Kurose to Head Directorate for National Science Foundation
AMHERST — The National Science Foundation (NSF) has selected UMass Amherst Professor James Kurose to serve as assistant director for its directorate for Computer & Information Science & Engineering (CISE). The three-year appointment begins in January 2015.
Kurose is distinguished professor in UMass Amherst’s School of Computer Science, a position he has held since 2004. He has also served in a number of administrative roles, including chair of the department, interim dean, executive associate dean of the College of Natural Sciences, and senior faculty advisor to the vice chancellor for research and engagement. With Keith Ross, he co-authored the textbook Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, which is in its 6th edition.
“I’m honored to have been selected for this opportunity to serve the research community and the country,” Kurose said. “The role of computing in cybersecurity, infrastructure, networking, big data, and more continues to be of national importance. And NSF plays a crucial and fundamental role in contributing to our understanding of these and other issues.”
CISE’s mission is to promote the progress of computer and information science and engineering research and education and advance the development and use of cyber infrastructure; promote understanding of the principles and uses of advanced computer, communication, and information systems in support of societal priorities; and contribute to universal, transparent, and affordable participation in a knowledge-based society.
NSF Director France Córdova noted that “Dr. Kurose has contributed significantly to the nation’s understanding of computer sciences, both through his research focus and through his engagement with students across the world. His stellar reputation in the complex field of computer networking will translate well at NSF, as will his achievements and leadership for which he has received impressive recognition through the years.”
Added UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy, “I congratulate Dr. Kurose as he takes on this significant leadership role at the National Science Foundation. He has long been one of our most accomplished computer science researchers who is also a talented teacher and valued mentor. That one of the world’s pre-eminent research agencies has turned to Dr. Kurose to help set the nation’s agenda speaks highly of his expertise and all he has contributed as a member of UMass Amherst’s outstanding computer-science faculty.”
Kurose’s research interests include computer network protocols and architecture, network measurement, sensor networks, multi-media communication and modeling, and performance evaluation. He has been a visiting scientist at IBM Research, INRIA, Institut EURECOM, the University of Paris, the Laboratory for Information, Network and Communication Sciences, and Technicolor Research Labs.