ADVERTISEMENTs
_page-0001.jpg)
-10”-x-5.jpg)
University of Oklahoma names Shishir Shah inaugural AI officer
He will oversee efforts to reimagine curriculum, ensuring graduates are skilled, responsible AI users capable of leveraging the technology for maximum impact.
-
Bhavana P - Thu, 14, Aug 2025
- 16:07 EDT
- 25
Shishir Shah / University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma (OU) has appointed Indian-American computer scientist Shishir Shah as its inaugural chief artificial intelligence officer, pending OU regents’ approval.
In addition to his AI leadership role, Shah will serve as director of the School of Computer Science in OU’s Gallogly College of Engineering, reporting to senior leadership on both the Norman and OU Health Sciences campuses.
Also read: UC Health names Ben Patel chief technology officer
With roughly one-quarter of OU’s research already AI-focused, Shah will lead the university’s AI strategy, fostering innovation, expanding research initiatives, and embedding AI into academic programs. His role supports OU’s “Lead On, University: The Next Phase” Strategic Plan, which prioritizes AI as a driver for real-world solutions and student preparedness in an increasingly AI-driven workforce, the university announced in a statement.
OU president Joseph Harroz Jr. praised the appointment, noting that AI is central to tackling critical global challenges. “Through pioneering research and cross-disciplinary collaboration, we are transforming AI’s potential into powerful solutions that address critical global challenges. Shah’s appointment signals a bold step forward in strengthening this commitment and accelerating our leadership in the field,” Harroz said.
Shah, an expert in computer vision and machine learning, specializes in person re-identification, human motion analysis, and microscope imaging. He previously served as professor and chair of the department of computer science at the University of Houston, where he founded the Quantitative Imaging Laboratory.
Originally from India, he holds degrees in mechanical, electrical and computer engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, and has experience in academia, startups, and research leadership.
The announcement follows the OU Data Institute for Societal Challenges awarding nearly $200,000 in seed funding to 20 AI-driven projects spanning fields from legal education to clinical imaging. Existing AI research at OU includes innovations in personalized medicine, cardiac arrhythmia studies, advanced imaging, weather forecasting with next-generation radar, and explainable AI models for tornado prediction.
Related
.jpg)
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
.jpg)
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login