The Michigan Tech College of Computing is pleased to introduce its new faculty members. The Department of Applied Computing welcomes Assistant Professor Amna Mazen and Professor of Practice Victoria Walters. The Department of Computer Science welcomes Assistant Professor Michael Walker, Research Assistant Professor Dylan Gaines, and Assistant Teaching Professor Sujan Kumar Roy, and Research Assistant Professor Scott Pomerville.
These new faculty members possess a wide range of expertise in topics including AI, machine learning, and deep learning; mobile and manipulator robots and human robot interaction; cybersecurity law and policy; natural language processing and human-computer interaction; and computer architecture.
They all love the challenges and rewards that teaching presents as they incorporate in their classes case studies, hands-on experiments, and group projects, while encouraging independent problem-solving, and teaching students how to think, solve problems, and learn new skills.
Read more about our new faculty below.
Department of Applied Computing
Amna Mazen, Applied Computing and Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology
An assistant professor with a joint appointment in the Department of Applied Computing and the Department of Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology, Amna Mazen has a robust background in electrical engineering and robotics and over ten years of teaching experience. She has developed expertise in mobile and manipulator robots, deep learning, and computer vision.
For Mazen, teaching allows her to be creative through course design, developing new teaching methods, and integrating innovative technologies. “I enjoy interacting with students, hearing their perspectives, and discussing ideas,” she says, adding that she motivates her students by incorporating hands-on experiments with robots, allowing them to implement theoretical concepts practically.
Victoria Walters, Applied Computing
Now a professor of practice, Victoria Walters instructed courses for the Department of Applied Computing in an adjunct capacity starting in 2022. Walters has 25 years industry experience in information technology, cybersecurity, and corporate security and compliance. She is pursuing a PhD in Computational Science and Engineering at Michigan Tech.
Walters’s primary research interest is cybersecurity law and policy. “The intersection between technology and law is fascinating,” Walters says. “The rapid advancements and innovation in technology often outpace the application of law, leaving the legal system with little to no precedent to reference when making decisions. This dynamic creates significant legal challenges, as well as opportunities for impactful contributions.”
Initially, Walters didn’t envision teaching as part of her career trajectory. But from the moment she stepped into the classroom, she has loved every second of it. “Watching students grow in their knowledge and experience as they apply what they’ve learned to new challenges gives me a profound sense of pride for them, much like a proud parent,” she explains.
Department of Computer Science
Dylan Gaines, Computer Science
A research assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science, Dylan Gaines completed his PhD at Michigan Tech in spring 2023 and started as a faculty member in spring 2024. Gaines’s research interests lie at the intersection of natural language processing and human-computer interaction, where he investigates the applications of neural language models to create accessible interfaces through user-centered design. In a recent research project, Gaines investigated methods to use brain-computer interfaces to create communication aids for people with severe speech and physical impairments.
Gaines loves the challenges that teaching brings. “Explaining concepts to students from different backgrounds and experiences forces me to revisit the way I think about problems,” he says. But to Gaines, teaching is only partly about the specific content for a course. “While the content is important for students’ success, teaching is often more about the students learning how to think, how to solve problems, and how to learn new skills,” he says.
Michael Walker, Computer Science
An assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science, Michael Walker’s primary research interest is human robot interaction (HRI), a field of study dedicated to understanding, designing, and evaluating robotic systems for use by or with humans.
The opportunity to share his knowledge and empower students with the skills to find and utilize their own passions inspired Walker to pursue a career in education. “It’s an honor to be part of students’ education and growth toward a successful career in industry or academia,” he says.
As an educator, Walker values hands-on learning and employs project-focused curricula. In his courses, students apply theories and concepts in mini-projects and larger final group projects designed to put their knowledge into practice and target real-world problems and deployments.
Scott Pomerville, Computer Science
A research assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science, Scott Pomerville received his PhD in computer science at Michigan Tech in spring 2024.
Pomerville’s research explores statically scheduled synchronized lane architectures, a processor architecture that he has worked on with fellow Computer Science faculty member Soner Onder and a team at Florida State University. “The idea involves representing parallelism in code using parallel streams of instructions—instead of a more traditional single stream with bundles of independent operations—and providing a processor that can run this new representation,” Pomerville says.
Almost by definition, Pomerville says, teachers are the most enthusiastic and passionate person in the room regarding the material being taught.
“Teaching is just fun. It’s about sharing my passion with other people who want to
learn about it,” he says. “Each student brings a new, unique perspective that keeps teaching fresh and interesting. Interacting with people who are eager to learn is great.”
Sujan Kumar Roy, Computer Science
An assistant teaching professor in the Department of Computer Science, Sujan Kumar Roy was drawn to Michigan Tech’s reputation for excellence in engineering, science, and
technology, along with its strong emphasis on research and innovation. Roy’s research interests range from applications of AI, machine learning, and deep learning, to cybersecurity, medical image analysis, healthcare systems, and speech enhancement.
Roy’s teaching philosophy focuses on fostering independent problem-solving and engaging students through a dynamic approach. “I use real-life cases to keep course content relevant and captivating, ensuring students stay motivated,” he says, adding that he tailors his teaching to accommodate diverse backgrounds and learning styles.