COLLEGE OF COMPUTING
A BLUE DOT OF INNOVATION
ANNUAL REPORT 2025
Message from Our Dean
At the College of Computing, Computing Lakers Always Reach Higher — driving technology, innovation, and impact to new heights. This year, we have transformed our college to better serve students, industry, the greater Grand Rapids area, the State of Michigan, and our global community as detailed in our new strategic plan. With new programs, groundbreaking partnerships, and bold initiatives, we are equipping Computing Lakers with the skills, experience, and opportunities to lead in an evolving digital world.
In this issue:
Introducing Our New Faculty
College of Computing welcomes six new tenure track faculty for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Computing Lakers Make a Global Impact
Domestic and international partnerships continue to grow.
College’s Expansion Driving Regional Tech Growth
By Brian Vernellis, GVSU’s University Communications senior writer
After 40 years, GVSU’s College of Computing is undertaking its most ambitious endeavor since its founding in 1983 — preparing a skilled workforce to shape the technological future of the university, the West Michigan region and the state.
A Vision for Growth, Responsibility, and Connection
Written by Shelby Harrison, College of Computing’s director of marketing and communications & Amy White, University Development’s director of donor communications
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the world. At Grand Valley, two visionary community leaders are helping ensure that change benefits everyone.
Building the Future of Tech Talent
Written by College of Computing’s Shelby Harrison, director of marketing and communications, & Rachel Salinas, assistant dean
Technology drives the modern world, reshaping industries, economies, and daily life. But innovation isn’t just about new advancements — it’s about the people who create them.
Coding the Curveball for a Spot in the Big Leagues
Written by Maxwell Ritchie, GVSU ‘25 M.S. Communications
Jensen Holm, a senior at Grand Valley State University in the computer science program, recently finished his job search. Like most college students, Holm spent a great deal of time during his senior year applying for jobs, preparing for interviews, and working effortlessly to start his career. Due to all his hard work, Jensen has found himself in a unique position: Before even walking the stage at graduation, he acquired his dream job. Holm recently accepted a position as a junior machine learning engineer with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Leading the Way in Cybersecurity
Written by Shelby Harrison, College of Computing’s director of marketing & communications
Cyber threats are evolving — and so is Grand Valley. At a time when digital security is more critical than ever, GVSU’s College of Computing is leading the charge in cybersecurity education, research, and workforce development. Over the past year, the college has transformed its cybersecurity footprint, earning national recognition, expanding hands-on learning environments, and launching bold new initiatives to prepare the next generation of cyber defenders.
Bioinformatics with a Plot Twist
Written by Maxwell Ritchie, GVSU ‘25 M.S. Communications
Shannon Wasson is a graduate student in the Health Informatics and Bioinformatics program at Grand Valley State University. Below, Wasson discusses how her research at GVSU helped her explore AI in forensic science, gain coding skills, and discover a passion for ethics in technology.
GVSU Emerges as a National Hub for Evolutionary Computation Research
Written by Shelby Harrison, College of Computing’s director of marketing and communications
Imagine a world where computers evolve, just like living organisms do in nature. Researchers at GVSU’S College of Computing are harnessing the power of evolution to solve complex problems automatically. Evolutionary computation, a rapidly growing field that mimics natural selection, is used to create smarter robots, more resilient software, improve financial decision-making, and analyze medical data. At the heart of this research are six faculty members making groundbreaking discoveries and mentoring students to become the next generation of innovators. With deep ties to the renowned BEACON Center at Michigan State University (MSU) and support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), GVSU faculty, alumni, and undergraduate researchers are shaping the future of computing.