Five faculty join Tennessee Tech’s growing computer science community
(From Eagle Drive magazine, February 2025)
Innovation is driven by fresh perspectives and expertise. That’s why Tennessee Tech’s Department of Computer Science was excited to welcome five new faculty members to its team in 2024 and 2025 – after having added nine in 2023 – bringing the total to 36 dedicated professors, lecturers and adjuncts to the College of Engineering’s second-largest academic program by enrollment.
These educators not only bring bold ideas and extensive knowledge to their classrooms but also serve as passionate mentors, shaping and empowering the next generation of tech leaders.
PRANTAR GHOSH, Ph.D. – Assistant Professor
After visiting its welcoming campus, Prantar Ghosh, Ph.D., was eager to bring his passion for theoretical computer science to Tennessee Tech.
“I found the faculty members in the computer science department to be very cordial and supportive, and it seemed to be a great work environment suitable for my research and teaching interests,” he said.
Ghosh, who earned his Ph.D. in computer science from Dartmouth College in 2022, is especially interested in the design and analysis of graph algorithms and teaches both graduate and undergraduate courses, including Design of Algorithms, Discrete Structures, Foundations of Computer Science and Advanced Analysis of Algorithms. He is also a graduate of Chennai Mathematical Institute in India, where he received a master’s degree in computer science in 2017 and bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science in 2015.
This assistant professor looks forward to getting to know his students and sharing “the gems in theoretical computer science” with them. Moreover, he aims to work closely with his colleagues to elevate the department to new heights.
Advice to CS students: “Take advantage of the fact that you are studying a subject that is ever-growing, rapidly developing, widely applicable and directly impacting the real world, all at the same time.”
JESSE ROBERTS, Ph.D. – Assistant Professor
Before joining Tennessee Tech’s computer science faculty, Jesse Roberts, Ph.D., began his academic journey at the university as an electrical engineering student. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 2014 and 2017 and worked seven years in software and hardware design for industrial automation. He also served as an electrical and computer engineering lecturer at Tech before shifting his focus to computer science.
“I envision a future in which AI is widely accessible to support the goals of individual humans,” said Roberts, who earned his Ph.D. in computer science with a focus in artificial intelligence from Vanderbilt University in 2024.
“While there are many ways this might be approached, I focus on developing technology to facilitate natural language collaboration between human and machine. But I’m generally interested in any idea that can positively impact people.”
He also uses language model technology to preserve the Cherokee language (Tsalagi), drawing inspiration from Irish (Gaeilge) preservation efforts, in hopes of creating “a dynamic reservoir for the support of future generations of speakers.”
Roberts, who teaches a special topics course on large language models, was drawn to Tech because of the potential for impact. “An education at Tennessee Tech can largely set the tone and trajectory of an individual’s professional life – as I can attest,” he said.
Advice to CS students: “If you are a curious person with an interest in solving real problems and exploring untrodden paths through AI, feel free to reach out!”
CRISTINA RADIAN, M.S. – Instructor
After years of working in the data science industry, Cristina Radian returned to the classroom – initially as a Ph.D. student and later as an instructor while completing her studies at Tennessee Tech.
“Tennessee Tech was attractive to me for graduate school because of its outstanding computer science program and the approachable, supportive faculty who responded promptly to my inquiries,” she said. “The university size offers a personalized learning experience, and the beautiful rural setting and impressive architecture create an inspiring environment for academic growth.”
Radian – whose research interests include machine learning, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, data science and biocomputing – earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Bucharest in Romania and master’s degree in applied statistics from California State University, East Bay. In her new role at Tech, she teaches Design of Algorithms.
“I look forward to helping students maximize their academic potential, improve their problem-solving skills and prepare for the workforce,” she said.
She also enjoys participating in competitions and was a Womanium Quantum + AI 2024 technical merit grant winner for her team’s Development of Novel Algorithms project.
Advice to CS students: “Be consistent in your learning effort, and the results will eventually show. Do not compare yourself to others but rather look for your own growth.”
BRANDON VANDERGRIFF, M.S. – Instructor
Brandon Vandergriff was a Tennessee Tech computer science student himself before stepping into the role of instructor. Now he teaches Introduction to Programming courses, working alongside colleagues who guided him through his studies just a short time ago.
“Clearly, they’ve done something right since I’m still hanging around,” said Vandergriff, who earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 2021 and 2023, respectively, and has been part of the faculty since the spring of 2024.
“One of the most enjoyable parts of being at Tech has been the sense of community – whether it be the friends I’ve made along the way or the professors I’ve come to work beside. Not to brag, but my coworkers rock.”
As a graduate student, Vandergriff focused on data science and artificial intelligence and, more recently, he has been interested in high-performance computing – especially virtual machines. He appreciates the opportunity to share his computer science passion with students.
“It feels great being able to influence their academic careers,” he said. “I enjoy seeing them grow professionally and personally.”
Advice to CS students: “Make yourself uncomfortable. Most personal growth and opportunities come from putting yourself in new situations. Join a new club, talk to someone new or pick up a new hobby.”
CAL STEWART, M.S. – Instructor
After graduating with her master’s degree in computer science in the fall of 2024, Cal Stewart put on a different hat in the spring 2025 semester – that of an instructor.
In her new role in the Department of Computer Science, she teaches Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming and Object-Oriented Programming and Design.
What drew Stewart to Tennessee Tech?
“The student-faculty connections here are incredible,” she said. “Getting to know all the faculty members as a student gave me plenty of opportunities to build relationships with my teachers and see the positive impact that makes on your education. There’s a friendly and familiar environment here that makes it a very enticing place to work. I’m really looking forward to building those connections with my own students now.”
Advice to CS students: “You can go your entire education feeling like computers still run on magic. Don’t let the fear of not knowing enough stop you from learning anyway.”