University of Arizona names first chief AI and data science officer
The University of Arizona on Tuesday announced that David Ebert, who recently served as a computer engineering professor at the University of Oklahoma, is UA’s first chief artificial intelligence and data science officer.
The role, facilitated by a $3.5 million gift from an anonymous donor, serves as the university’s new Computer Science Engineering Endowed Innovation Chair. Ebert is tasked with developing the institution’s AI and data science vision, including leading a program designed to “accelerate innovation” and expand research capacity.
He’ll also join the College of Engineering as a tenured faculty member in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
“Dr. Ebert brings extraordinary expertise in data visualization, explainable AI and interactive machine learning to our institution,” said Tomas Diaz de la Rubia, senior vice president for Research, Innovation & Impact. “His leadership will be transformational as we integrate AI and data science across the university and the state, expanding our research and operational impact while training the next generation of innovators.”
According to the university, Ebert will also help develop its new AI and health initiative and integrate data programs into a new Data Science Institute. He will also “collaborate across campus with academic, administrative and IT leadership to embed AI and data science into the academic enterprise and institutional decision-making,” according to a press release.
