EAB Mission and Focus
The External Advisory Board (EAB) for the Computer Science Department at San Francisco State University plays a pivotal role in enhancing the department’s alignment with industry standards and trends. The EAB provides invaluable insights into current technologies and practices, ensuring our curriculum and research initiatives are up-to-date and relevant.
Key Functions of the EAB:
- Industry Insight and Trends: Offering guidance on emerging trends and technologies to keep our programs cutting-edge.
- Curriculum Development: Advising on course content and suggesting new areas of study to equip students with essential skills.
- Networking and Partnerships: Facilitating connections for internships, job placements, and collaborative research opportunities.
- Fundraising and Resources: Assisting in securing grants, donations, and other resources to support departmental growth.
- Accreditation and Evaluation: Providing external validation and periodic evaluations to maintain high academic standards.
- Strategic Planning: Contributing to the long-term planning and vision of the department.
- Community Engagement: Enhancing our engagement with the broader community and showcasing our impact.
The EAB is instrumental in bridging the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that the Computer Science Department at San Francisco State University remains forward-thinking, relevant, and well-supported.
EAB Members
Stephanie August is a Visiting Professor at California State University, Los Angeles, specializing in artificial intelligence and machine learning. With over 20 years of academic and industry experience, she has contributed extensively to AI research and education. Dr. August has authored numerous publications and led innovative projects in AI applications. Previously, she served as a professor at Loyola Marymount University, where she was instrumental in developing cutting-edge computer science programs and mentoring future tech leaders.
Joy Branford – Vice President, People and Culture Addition Therapeutics, DE&B. (Ex Genentech/Roche). With over 15 years of experience in human resources she leads efforts to create inclusive and high performing workplace cultures focused on attracting, engaging and developing top global talent,driving organizational success across LifeSciences. Joy has held senior HR Leadership roles across various industries, where she championed employee and leadership development,inclusion initiatives and early in career talent development. She is a Founding Member of the SFSU/PINC Data Science and Machine Learning for Biotechnology Certificate (gSTAR) program.
Edward Fine is a Lecturer at UC Berkeley, specializing in entrepreneurship and startups. With over 20 years of experience in the startup ecosystem, he brings practical insights and real-world expertise to his teaching. Edward has co-founded multiple successful startups and serves as an advisor and mentor to budding entrepreneurs. His courses at UC Berkeley focus on startup strategy, innovation, and venture capital. Edward’s dedication to fostering entrepreneurial talent has made him a respected figure in the startup community.
Taeil Goh is a Sr. Software Engineering Manager at Capital One, bringing over 20 years of experience in software development and leadership. Previously, he served as CTO at OPSWAT, where he spearheaded innovative cybersecurity solutions. At Capital One, Taeil leads engineering teams in developing cutting-edge financial technologies. His expertise spans cybersecurity, cloud computing, and scalable software architectures. Taeil’s leadership and technical skills have made significant contributions to advancing technology and innovation in both the cybersecurity and financial sectors.
Jason Lally is the State Chief Data Officer at the California Office of Data & Innovation. With over 15 years of experience in data strategy, Jason leads efforts to harness data for impactful decision-making across state agencies. His expertise spans data governance, analytics, and civic technology. Previously, Jason served as the Data Services Manager for the City and County of San Francisco, where he championed data-driven initiatives to improve public services and transparency.
Scott Mauvais is the former Director of Microsoft Philanthropies, where he oversaw initiatives aimed at driving digital inclusion and empowerment worldwide. With over 22 years at Microsoft, Scott has held various leadership roles, contributing to significant advancements in technology and corporate social responsibility. His work focuses on leveraging technology for social good, including education, workforce development, and community engagement. Scott's commitment to philanthropy and innovation has made a profound impact on global digital equity and community development efforts.
Alka Roy is the Founder of the Responsible Innovation Project and RI Labs, where she champions ethical technology development and innovation. With over 20 years of experience in tech and telecommunications, Alka focuses on integrating responsibility and ethics into tech design and policies. She is a thought leader in responsible AI, data privacy, and digital rights. Alka's initiatives at RI Labs foster collaborative approaches to creating technologies that prioritize societal well-being and equitable growth.
Meetings
8th May 2024: Theme: GenAI and its impact on technology careers, CS education. Meeting was held over zoom.
4th May 2023: Theme: Inaugural meeting, introductions, current challenges and opportunities. Meeting was held in person on the SFSU campus in the J. Paul Leondard library.
CS@SFSU EAB meeting 4 May 2023. Left to right: Qun Wang, Taeil Goh, Dan Huang, Arno Puder, Jason Lally, Edward Fine, Wes Bethel, Bill Hsu, Alka Roy, Joy Branford, Stephanie August.