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W ith a deep background in ar ficial intelligence at MIT's Computer Science and AI Laboratory developing computer vision and image-guided surgical systems using big data, Sylvain Jaume brings a life me of experience to UNE's new School of Computer Science and Data Analy cs. As the inaugural director of the new school, he plans to promote cross-disciplinary learning to equip graduates with a wide range of skills for the rapidly evolving world of computer science. We sat down with him for a brief conversa on. Q. Why is UNE star ng the School of Computer Science and Data Analy cs? The School of Computer Science and Data Analy cs launches at a pivotal me when compu ng permeates nearly every aspect of life. It addresses the growing demand for skilled graduates in computer science and data analy cs across diverse industries. The new school aims to prepare stu- dents for evolving workforce needs and build a talent pipeline for Maine's eco- nomic development, leveraging UNE's deep understanding of the state's needs. It offers four interdisciplinary fields of study — computer science, data science, sta s cs, and mathema cs — which together provide students with a com- prehensive skill set highly relevant in today's digital economy. With a booming job market, espe- cially in AI, graduates will have excellent career prospects. The school's focus on interdisciplinary connec ons will also posi on students for valuable careers in fields like biomedicine, business, and environmental science. Q. How will AI affect the computer science industry? AI is revolu onizing the computer sci- ence industry by crea ng new job roles and increasing demand for computer and data science graduates. It's driving the development of next-genera on intelligent systems, while also foster- ing interdisciplinary collabora on to solve complex societal problems. This transforma on emphasizes the growing importance of AI exper se in the field, highligh ng the need for profession- als who can work across disciplines to leverage AI's poten al from medicine to sustainable farming. Q. What are some current trends in computer science and data analy cs? Current trends in computer science and data analy cs center on AI's rapid ad- vancement. Machine learning techniques are revolu onizing data analy cs, en- hancing pa ern recogni on and predic- ve capabili es across diverse fields. In so ware development, AI is automa ng rou ne tasks like coding and debugging, freeing developers to focus on crea ve problem-solving and innovation. This shi is ushering in a new era of techno- logical progress, with AI and data science developments driving mul ple exci ng storylines across the industry. Q. What is unique about the School of Computer Science and Data Analy cs? UNE's School of Computer Science and Data Analy cs stands out for its strong focus on interdisciplinary educa on and experien al learning. The curriculum in- tegrates real-world challenges and global perspec ves, building connec ons across diverse academic disciplines like health sci- ence, biology, marine science, and business. This approach offers graduates dis nct advantages: be er concept understanding through contextual applica on, imme- diate problem-solving capabili es, and cross-disciplinary skills valued by employ- ers. The school emphasizes staying current with rapid technological advancements through industry collabora on, faculty exper se, and integra on of emerging technologies. It priori zes early introduc- on to research, offering undergraduates abundant opportuni es in faculty-led projects, internships, and assistantships. The program recognizes coding as a founda onal skill applicable across various sectors. It also focuses on AI for good, es- pecially in health and environmental fields, while incorpora ng ethical considera ons and encouraging crea ve problem-solving for posi ve societal impact. Q. What are your hopes for graduates of the school? Graduates from the School of Com- puter Science and Data Analy cs will be prepared for diverse career paths, equipped with both technical exper se and interdisciplinary skills. They are ex- pected to become leaders and innovators in fields such as health care, business, and environmental science. The program aims to empower students to address complex challenges facing their genera- on, leveraging their computa onal and analy cal abili es to make significant impacts across various sectors. S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T UNE's new School of Computer Science and Data Analy cs Ask the Expert The School of Computer Science and Data Analy cs is located on the coast in Biddeford, Maine. Sylvain Jaume inaugural director of UNE's new School of Computer Science and Data Analy cs.