Akila de Silva

Akila de Silva is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at San Francisco State University (SFSU). He holds a PhD from UC Santa Cruz (advised by Prof. Alex Pang and James Davis) and an MS from Columbia University. His research focuses on artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, and applied AI for environmental monitoring. Key projects include RipViz/RipScout systems for real-time rip current detection using ML and UAVs, and citizen science platforms like SmartCS for creating no-code mobile apps.

Education: PhD in Computer Science & Engineering (UCSC), MS in Computer Science (Columbia). Grants include a NOAA-funded coastal observation system (2025-26) and an ethical generative AI in CS education initiative (2025-26). Notable award: Michael Richman Award (2024-25).

Research emphasizes interdisciplinary applications: coastal safety via AI-driven monitoring, STEM education through citizen science tools, and improving data quality in facial recognition systems. Active reviewer for IEEE Visualization, CVPR, and other top conferences. Lab opportunities available for motivated students.