Meet Saurabh Bagchi, the next head of the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Oregon State University's College of Engineering has named Dr. Saurabh Bagchi as the next Head of the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the Michael and Judith Gaulke Chair in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Bagchi comes to Oregon State from Purdue University, where he is a professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Computer Science, chair of Purdue's Computer Engineering division, and director of corporate partnerships for the school. He also directs the National Science Foundation Center CHORUS and the Army's Artificial Intelligence Innovation Institute (A2I2). In addition, his research on dependable computing and distributed systems has earned him fellowship in the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Asia-Pacific Artificial Intelligence Association (AAIA), among other honors.

“As School Head, Dr. Bagchi will lead EECS at a time of opportunity, advancing the school's research, teaching, and engagement priorities,” said Forrest J. Masters, Kearney Dean of Engineering, in announcing the hire. “He will play a key role in strengthening partnerships across the college and with external collaborators, while supporting faculty, staff, and students in their efforts.”

Bagchi will begin his role in January 2027. Ahead of his arrival, he sat down to talk about his path into engineering, what drew him to Oregon State, and what he hopes to accomplish as the school's next leader.

What drew you to engineering and computer science?

Growing up in India, I interned in high school on software for a government lab that analyzed soil conditions for farmers. That project gave me an early sense that computing has this invisible but powerful impact — you may never meet the people you're helping, but the effect on their lives can be enormous. My father, a civil engineer who worked in telecommunications, brought me along on trips to connect far-flung parts of the country, and I saw firsthand what meaningful engineering work does for people.

You’ve worked in industry, startups, and academia. How have those experiences shaped your approach?

Each experience taught me something different. During my Ph.D. work, I contributed to software that later informed systems used in NASA’s Mars rover missions, where reliability is absolutely essential. If something goes wrong millions of miles away, you cannot simply reboot the system. That instilled a deep appreciation for rigor and dependable engineering.

At IBM’s T.J. Watson Research Center, I had the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s leading computing researchers. My startup experiences taught me how to translate innovation into solutions that benefit people. Together, those experiences reinforced the importance of connecting great ideas with great execution to achieve real-world impact.

What stood out to you about Oregon State?

Three things drew me here. First, there are real pockets of excellence — faculty who are genuine leaders in their fields, and you can't fake that kind of deep scholarship. Second, I found a positive attitude here that's refreshing in academia. People at Oregon State have a spring in their step. Third, there's a hunger to move up to the higher level of excellence, and it comes from both the top of the college and the faculty themselves. That combination — top-down and bottom-up ambition — is unusual, and it's exactly the kind of environment where I want to help build something great.

Where do you see opportunities to build on the school's strengths?

I want to land more large-scale centers and institutes, the kind of highly visible wins that take a year or two of sustained effort to build — similar to what OSU's FAST Regional Innovation Engine has recently achieved. I also want to make sure faculty and staff have the resources to pursue big ideas, whether in individual capacity or as part of large teams, rather than holding back because of resource constraints. And I want to tap further into our alumni network — a large, accomplished group with real passion for this school — to help shape curriculum, fund labs, and support rising faculty.

How do you view the relationship between electrical engineering and computer science?

Having electrical engineering and computer science under one roof is an enormous strength. It creates opportunities to move seamlessly from theory to hardware, software, deployment, and real user interaction. The future belongs to institutions that can connect those pieces effectively. Whether the application is artificial intelligence, aerospace, communications, healthcare, or advanced manufacturing, that end-to-end integration creates tremendous opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

Enrollment in computer science has plateaued nationally. How do you see that playing out for EECS?

While there is a lot of handwringing about the future of computing enrollments, I’m actually very bullish on where the field is headed. What we’re seeing is not the end of demand for computing education, but a period of disruption that will separate the strongest programs from those that are simply doing business as usual. Some programs will struggle, but others will emerge as clear leaders. My goal is for Oregon State to be one of those leaders.

The reality is that AI and other technological changes are reshaping the kinds of skills employers need. Some routine software development tasks are becoming increasingly automated, but that only increases demand for engineers and computer scientists who can evaluate reliability, identify security vulnerabilities, integrate complex systems, and understand how technology performs in the real world. Those are deep, foundational skills that will remain essential.

What message would you like to share with industry partners?

My message is simple: bring us your hardest problems. Oregon State has outstanding faculty, talented students, and a strong history of working with industry. I want our industry partners to see EECS not just as a source of graduates, but as a true collaborator in solving important technical challenges. We will lower any barrier that impedes industry and us working together.

What are your priorities for your first year?

I will start by listening intently. I want to understand the pain points and passion points of the school through one-on-one, small-group and large-group conversations, then craft short-, mid- and long-term plans for where we can be uniquely strong. Alongside that, I'll be relentless about raising resources — moving the school from resource-constrained to resource-rich — so that everyone here can dream big ambitious dreams.

Looking five years ahead, what would success look like?

I would want EECS to be at the center of important conversations in engineering and computing education and research.

Success means attracting outstanding students, faculty, and staff. It means earning national recognition through research centers, prestigious awards, and transformative discoveries. It means creating an environment where people can achieve extraordinary things together and feel a sense of belonging and worth.

I often return to a simple principle: “Make no little plans.” The future of EECS should be defined by ambitious goals, bold thinking, and the determination to accomplish those goals one step at a time.