De Floriani Is Candidate for Leadership Role at IEEE Computer Society

A University of Maryland expert in geospatial data visualization is vying for a senior leadership position at one of the world’s foremost professional computing organizations.

Leila De Floriani, a professor in the Department of Geographical Sciences with an appointment in the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies, recently announced her candidacy for 2019 IEEE Computer Society President-Elect and 2020 President.

The IEEE Computer Society is considered a leading professional organization in computing, with a dual mission of serving both researchers and practitioners. Its goals are to enable its members to be at the cutting-edge of technical knowledge.

The president serves a three-year term and provides leadership and direction for the organization’s officers and programs. De Floriani, a noted expert in geometric modeling and scientific visualization, was nominated for the position by the IEEE Computing Society Board of Governors, which she currently serves on.

In addition to her appointment at UMD, De Floriani has been a professor at the University of Genova (Italy) since 1990 and has held a number of positions at academic and research institutions in the U.S. and Europe. She says this exposure has provided her with an understanding of the challenges and needs that different professional communities encounter for professional growth.

“One of my goals is to enhance our outreach to members in all regions through a multi-pronged initiative,” De Floriani says.

This includes enhancing membership-based programs such as student and professional chapters, improving other focused initiatives such as communication services for non-English speaking members, and highlighting global technical events through efforts like the IEEE Computer Society Distinguished Visitors Program.

De Floriani says another major goal, if elected, is to enhance inclusiveness. She wants to increase diversity of the society’s membership through expanded outreach activities and the involvement of women and underrepresented groups, both as volunteers and in leadership positions in publications, conferences and the organization’s governance.

De Floriani will also work to promote the enhancement of service recognition to society members as a further appreciative step for involvement in the organization’s activities.

“I am also very committed to the growth of students and young professionals,” she adds. “Activities and resources in support of new generations of scientists and engineers will be a priority in the operation of the IEEE Computer Society.”

Go here to learn more about De Floriani’s candidacy platform.