Gregory Hager, a professor in the Department of Computer Science at the Whiting School of Engineering at Johns Hopkins University and the founding director of the Malone Center for Engineering in Healthcare, has been selected by the National Science Foundation to head its Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) beginning Monday, June 3. With an annual budget of over $1 billion, the directorate advances research, innovation, and education in the computer science, information science, and computer engineering fields in the United States.
Hager is known for his research on collaborative and vision-based robotics, time-series analysis of image data, and medical applications of image analysis and robotics. As a leader in the development of algorithms for real-time computer vision and their uses for robotics, his work offers novel applications for automated surgical training, medical imaging and diagnostics, and computer-enhanced interventional medicine.
“Dr. Hager brings his in-depth knowledge, experience, and accomplishments in the field of computing to the NSF during an important time for CISE and the agency,” says Sethuraman Panchanathan, director of the NSF. “Leadership across the whole spectrum of computer science and engineering is essential to our nation’s future competitiveness, economic growth and success. NSF and CISE investments are powering important progress, ranging from AI, networking, cybersecurity, advanced semiconductor manufacturing, data science, and supercomputing that will no doubt unleash new breakthroughs. Computing education is crucial to the success of the industries of today and the future. I am confident that Dr. Hager’s expertise and experience will advance CISE to new heights and enable fantastic accomplishments.”
In addition to his leadership activities within the Malone Center, Hager has served as chair of the Computing Community Consortium and on the board of the Computing Research Association, co-chaired the 2015 review of the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Program for the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, and is a member of the governing board of the International Federation of Robotics Research. His leadership and research contributions have also earned him recognition from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the Association of Computing Machinery, the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to help shape the future of computing research,” Hager says. “Achieving this milestone in my career is in large part due to my experiences at Hopkins—both the interdisciplinary research that’s part of our DNA as well as the leadership opportunities that I’ve been given.
“The impact of CISE-supported research can be seen everywhere, from the most advanced AI systems to the digital communications infrastructure that underlies our everyday social interactions and secure systems that support millions of financial transactions every day,” he says. “It is essential that we continue to support this incredible, vibrant history of innovation and impact.”
Hager, who will remain on the Whiting School faculty while he works at the NSF on an Intergovernmental Personnel Act assignment, also holds joint appointments in the departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.