The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has announced the appointment of Salamah Salamah, Ph.D., as its new Associate Vice president for Scientific Computing and Artificial Intelligence. A distinguished professor in UTEP’s department of Computer Science, Salamah brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as department chair from 2020 to 2024. His new position will focus on spearheading university-wide initiatives to advance interdisciplinary research,bolster computing and AI capabilities,and tackle some of society’s most pressing challenges.
In this leadership role, Salamah will oversee efforts to integrate scientific computing and artificial intelligence across various disciplines, fostering innovation and collaboration.his work will aim to position UTEP as a hub for cutting-edge research and technological development.
“The appointment of Professor Salamah Salamah as associate Vice President reflects his exceptional expertise in advancing computational methods and leveraging his knowledge of utilizing AI to address complex grand challenges,” said Ahmad Itani, Ph.D., vice president for research and innovation. “Dr. Salamah has demonstrated the innovative vision and leadership necessary to drive multidisciplinary teams and achieve our strategic objectives in fostering and accelerating cutting-edge research and technology development.”
Throughout his career, Salamah has been a driving force behind numerous collaborations with industry leaders, academic institutions, and government agencies, including the Army Research Lab and the National Security Agency (NSA). These partnerships have not only secured considerable external funding but also established UTEP as a leader in computing and cybersecurity research.
“I am honored to take on this new role at a time when scientific computing and artificial intelligence are reshaping the world,” said Salamah. “At UTEP, we have the talent, resources, and partnerships needed to lead in these transformative fields.I look forward to working across disciplines to advance impactful research and build the infrastructure necessary to empower our faculty and students.”
About The University of texas at El Paso
The University of Texas at El Paso is recognized as America’s leading Hispanic-serving university. Situated at the westernmost tip of Texas, were the borders of three states and two countries meet along the Rio Grande, UTEP is a beacon of possibility. With 84% of its 25,000 students identifying as Hispanic and more than half being first-generation college attendees, the university is deeply committed to accessibility and excellence. UTEP offers 171 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, making it a cornerstone of higher education in the region.
what are Dr. Salamah’s key priorities in his new role as Associate Vice President for Scientific Computing and Artificial Intelligence at UTEP?
Interview with Dr. Salamah Salamah, Associate Vice President for Scientific Computing and Artificial Intelligence at UTEP
By Archys, Archyde News Editor
Archyde: Dr. Salamah, thank you for joining us today.Congratulations on your new role as Associate Vice President for Scientific Computing and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). Could you start by telling us a bit about your journey to this position?
Dr. Salamah: Thank you, it’s a pleasure to be here.My journey has been deeply rooted in my passion for computer science and its transformative potential. I joined UTEP as a faculty member in the Department of computer Science over a decade ago, and during my tenure as department chair from 2020 to 2024, I had the privilege of working with amazing colleagues and students to advance our research and academic programs. This new role is an exciting opportunity to expand that work on a broader scale, particularly in the realms of scientific computing and AI.
Archyde: What excites you most about this new role, and what are your key priorities moving forward?
Dr. Salamah: What excites me most is the potential to bridge cutting-edge research with real-world applications. Scientific computing and AI are no longer just academic pursuits—they are driving innovation across industries, from healthcare to energy to education. My priority is to position UTEP as a leader in these fields, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and ensuring our research has a tangible impact on society. I also want to focus on expanding access to these technologies, particularly for underrepresented communities, and preparing the next generation of students to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Archyde: UTEP has a strong reputation for serving a diverse student population. How do you plan to leverage that diversity in your work?
Dr. Salamah: Diversity is one of UTEP’s greatest strengths. Our students bring unique perspectives and experiences that are invaluable in tackling complex challenges in AI and scientific computing. I plan to create more opportunities for students from all backgrounds to engage in research, internships, and collaborative projects.By doing so, we can ensure that the technologies we develop are inclusive and equitable, reflecting the needs of a diverse global population.
Archyde: AI is a rapidly evolving field with both immense potential and meaningful ethical concerns. How do you approach the balance between innovation and obligation?
Dr. Salamah: This is a critical question. while AI has the power to revolutionize industries and improve lives, it also comes with ethical challenges, such as bias in algorithms, data privacy concerns, and the potential for job displacement. At UTEP, we are committed to developing AI responsibly. This means embedding ethical considerations into every stage of research and development, from data collection to deployment. We’re also working to educate our students and the broader community about the ethical implications of AI,ensuring that the next generation of technologists is equipped to navigate these challenges.
Archyde: What role do you see UTEP playing in the broader AI and scientific computing ecosystem, both nationally and globally?
Dr. Salamah: UTEP has the potential to be a key player in the global AI and scientific computing landscape.Our location on the U.S.-Mexico border gives us a unique viewpoint and the ability to collaborate across borders. We’re already working on projects that address regional challenges,such as water resource management and border security,but our research has global relevance. By partnering with industry leaders, government agencies, and othre academic institutions, we can amplify our impact and contribute to solving some of the world’s most pressing problems.
Archyde: what advice would you give to students or young professionals aspiring to make a difference in the fields of AI and scientific computing?
Dr. Salamah: My advice would be to stay curious and never stop learning. The fields of AI and scientific computing are constantly evolving,so adaptability and a willingness to embrace new ideas are essential. Seek out mentors, collaborate with others, and don’t be afraid to take on challenges that push you out of your comfort zone. Most importantly, remember that technology is a tool to serve humanity—always strive to use your skills to make a positive impact.
Archyde: Thank you, Dr. Salamah, for sharing your insights and vision with us. We look forward to seeing the incredible work you and your team will accomplish at UTEP.
Dr. Salamah: Thank you. I’m excited about the journey ahead and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a dynamic and impactful field.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.For more updates on Dr.Salamah Salamah’s work and UTEP’s initiatives in AI and scientific computing, stay tuned to Archyde.
