Two highly-deserving leaders of the Warren B. Nelms Institute for the Connected World were awarded endowed professorships in recognition of their research accomplishments and contributions to the institute. Dr. My T. Thai, Associate Director, and Dr. Sandip Ray, Director of Industry Programs, have been making significant contributions to the Warren B. Nelms Institute since it’s creation. They’ve helped to advance the Institute in many fronts through their leadership in research, education, and outreach. The endowed professorships will provide supplementary funds to support their teaching and research efforts.

Both the institute and the endowed professorships are named in honor of Warren B. Nelms (BSEE ’59), a University of Florida ECE alumnus who was an engineer with a truly innovative spirit. His son and daughter-in-law, David and Daryl Nelms, honored him by generously investing $5M to help create the institute. These endowments are possible through continued support from the Nelms family. Learn more about Warren Nelms here.

My T. Thai

Dr. Thai is a UF Research Foundation Professor of Computer & Information Sciences & Engineering and Associate Director of the Warren B. Nelms Institute. Dr. Thai is a Fellow of the IEEE. Dr. Thai has extensive expertise in trustworthy AI, billion-scale data mining, and optimization, especially for complex graph data with applications to blockchain, social media, critical networking infrastructure, cybersecurity, and healthcare. Dr. Thai’s research achievements in these fields as well as her institute leadership has led her to be named a Warren B. Nelms Endowed Professor.

 

 

 

 

Sandip Ray

Dr. Ray, Professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, has been named a Warren B. Nelms Endowed Professor in recognition of his contributions to trustworthy computing, automotive security, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Dr. Ray is globally known for his significant contributions to advancing secure and resilient computing systems. His work bridges hardware and software security, ensuring the integrity and reliability of critical systems in automotive, industrial, and IoT applications. Dr. Ray also serves as the Director of Industry Programs at the Warren B. Nelms Institute.