Eric Y Tao

Dr. Eric Y Tao is a full professor and founding director of the School of Computing & Design at California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB), serving since 2018. He also directs the US Government-sponsored Institute for Innovation and Economic Development, supporting regional innovation and economic growth. His academic leadership includes founding and directing the School of Computing & Design from 2002–2015, which houses over 50 faculty/staff and 1,000 students across programs in Computer Science, Information Technology, Media Design, and Learning Science.

Dr. Tao holds a doctorate in Computer Engineering from UC Irvine (full scholarship) and specializes in innovation management, financial technology, e-learning, and globalization. His interdisciplinary research spans technology-driven economic development, education systems, and global innovation processes. He actively collaborates with institutions like the Silicon Valley Research Institute and frequently speaks at international conferences on global education and innovation.

Research Themes: His work bridges technology, business, and education, with recent focus on AI’s societal impacts, social justice in Asian American communities, and startup ecosystems in academia. Key contributions include analyzing diet trends through data science and envisioning AI’s role in reshaping universities.

Professional Contributions: Served on boards for WASC, Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, and Leadership Monterey Peninsula. Engages in global outreach through workshops and speaking engagements.

Labs/Initiatives: Oversees the Institute for Innovation and Economic Development, fostering tech-commercialization and regional economic strategies.