SFU names new Faculty of Applied Sciences Dean

January 03, 2017
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Eugene Fiume, an internationally recognized leader in visual modelling and computer graphics, is Simon Fraser University’s new Dean of Applied Sciences. Fiume comes to SFU from the University of Toronto (U of T).

In addition to his research and teaching position as a U of T computing science professor, Fiume served as chair of the Department of Computer Science (1998-2004), and was the inaugural director of the Master of Science in Applied Computing Program (2010-2016).

Under his leadership the department raised more than $3.5 million in philanthropic donations and ranked as one of the top 10 computer science departments in the world. He also helped to hire more than 30 faculty members during his term, and participated in the design of a new building for information technology.

While at the U of T, Fiume also received $6 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation/Ontario Research Fund to create a Centre for Collaborative Interactive Digital Media. He has written two books and authored or co-authored more than 130 publications.

His contributions to organizations worldwide include the scientific advisory board of the Gesellschaft für Mathematik und Datenverarbeitung (GMD) and the Max Planck Centre for Visual Computing and Communications, both in Germany. He has also served on the board of advisors for the Intel Science and Technology Centre for Visual Computing in Santa Clara, California as well as the boards of various companies.

“Dr. Fiume's strengths in teaching and research, combined with his national and international connections and his record of advancing computing and engineering sciences, will be a huge benefit for SFU, the Faculty of Applied Sciences and our engagement with the high-tech community,” says Peter Keller, VP Academic and Provost.

Among his priorities at SFU, Fiume hopes to help the faculty become an international research leader in computing and engineering sciences. He will focus on recruiting outstanding students, faculty and staff, expanding the faculty’s regional educational reach, increasing faculty advancement, and improving diversity through outreach, support and alternative instructional delivery.

“We have a wonderful opportunity to develop both the breadth and focus to be world leaders in the disciplines within FAS,” says Fiume, a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and co-author of more than 130 publications and two books.

“I will be thrilled to harness the momentum created by many others within FAS and help launch it into international prominence.” Fiume will also help to advance a new academic program in energy systems engineering that will be housed in a new building in Surrey, slated to open in 2018.

“Dr. Fiume is an outstanding academic leader whose commitment to collaboration and engagement will support SFU’s vision to be Canada’s leading engaged university," says SFU President Andrew Petter.

Fiume pursued his passion for computing science at the University of Waterloo, completing his bachelor’s degree in 1981. After earning an M.Sc. and PhD at the University of Toronto, he was given an NSERC postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Geneva in Switzerland, and joined the U of T faculty in 1987.

Find out more about professor Fiume in this Q & A with SFU News >>