CSU Computer Science Students Visit Purdue University

for Insights into Data Science, AI, and Advanced Computing

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On Thursday, February 27, 2025, undergraduate and graduate students from the Computer Science Program at Chicago State University (CSU) visited Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. This visit was an exciting opportunity for CSU students to connect with distinguished faculty and explore cutting-edge facilities at one of the leading institutions in computer science and technology.

The CSU team had the privilege of meeting a number of notable individuals at Purdue, including Dr. John Gates, Vice Provost for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging; Prof. Dr. Eugene Spafford, Executive Director Emeritus; Prof. Dr. Petros Drineas, Department Head and Professor of Computer Science; Minde Freischlag, Senior Graduate Program Coordinator; Belinda Morrow, Senior Graduate Program Coordinator; and Justin Gillingham, Senior Curriculum Development Specialist. The interaction with these leaders provided invaluable insights into Purdue's vision for the future of computer science, diversity, and inclusion within STEM fields.

The students had the chance to visit several high-tech facilities at Purdue, including the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) Facility, which offered a glimpse into the latest advancements in data science and AI research. They also toured the Rosen Center for Advanced Computing (RCAC), where they learned about Purdue's state-of-the-art computing infrastructure and research in high-performance computing.

One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to the Envision Center, where students experienced virtual reality firsthand. This immersive experience allowed them to see the potential applications of virtual reality in fields such as education, healthcare, and technology.

The trip concluded with a comprehensive campus tour, giving the students an overview of Purdue’s vibrant academic environment and opportunities for collaboration and research.

The visit was guided by Dr. Mohammad Abdus Salam, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Computing, Information and Mathematical Sciences, and Technology at CSU, who facilitated discussions and provided valuable context for the students. This trip was part of CSU's ongoing efforts to foster partnerships with leading institutions and to provide students with exposure to groundbreaking research and technologies in computer science.

This visit was a significant milestone in the CSU Computer Science Program's initiative to broaden students' horizons and connect them with global leaders in technology and innovation.