Sergiu Dascalu

Sergiu Dascalu is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), where he directs the Software Engineering Lab (SOELA) and co-directs the Cyberinfrastructure Lab. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Dalhousie University and a Master's in Automatic Control and Computers from the Polytechnic University of Bucharest. Dr. Dascalu specializes in integrating software engineering with human-computer interaction, focusing on tools for scientific research, simulation environments, and educational applications.

Education:

• PhD in Computer Science, Dalhousie University (2001)
• Master's in Automatic Control and Computers, Polytechnic University of Bucharest (1982)

His research explores software development techniques, user interaction design, and data visualization, with applications in brain-computer interfaces and virtual reality. Recent work emphasizes enhancing environmental modeling through cloud-based frameworks and microservice architectures, aiming to improve data interoperability in climate research.

Dr. Dascalu's publications demonstrate a consistent focus on human-computer interaction and environmental informatics. His 15 most recent articles (2022-2025) highlight innovations in educational robotics, LiDAR-based forest monitoring, and coastal carbon dynamics, with emerging interests in ecological succession modeling and biodiversity conservation.

Awards:

• UNR Donald Tibbitts Distinguished Teacher of the Year (2011)
• UNR GSA Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award (2019)
• CSE Best Faculty Teaching Award (2023)
• Lemelson Award for Innovation (2005)
• Faculty Excellence Award (2014)

He actively mentors graduate students, having advised over 70 PhD and Master's candidates, with ongoing projects funded by NSF focusing on climate services and immersive learning. His leadership extends to university committees, including the UNR Senate and College of Engineering evaluation panels.

Dr. Dascalu co-leads multiple laboratories investigating software ecosystems for environmental science, robotics education, and virtual watershed systems, collaborating with institutions like NASA and GE Energy to address real-world computational challenges.