JMU College of Integrated Science and Engineering

06/22/2026

Two JMU Engineering teams, led by Marvin Fuentes and Aidan Fuller and advised by Dr. Karim Altaii, took on the same challenge: how to relieve lower back pain without relying on bulky, expensive equipment. As part of their capstone project, the students designed and prototyped biomedical devices to make back pain treatment more practical and accessible. Read the full story:
https://www.jmu.edu/news/cise/2026/06-17-engineering-back-pain-relief.shtml

05/19/2026

Led by Dr. Carole Nash, 18 JMU Geography students partnered with the Town of Mount Crawford to help document the town’s history and support a National Register of Historic Places nomination.

Geography students help document Mount Crawford's history and provide context for a National Register of Historic Places nomination.

02/05/2026

The online M.S. in Computer Science, with a focus on cybersecurity, has again earned national recognition in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings. Read more about the ranking:

JMU consistently stands out for its long-standing leadership in cybersecurity education.

01/20/2026

We’re excited to share that Dr. Grady Dixon has been named the next Dean of CISE. He will be joining us on July 1.

Dr. Dixon comes to JMU from Fort Hays State University. With more than 20 years in higher education, he brings a strong record of teaching excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration and student-centered leadership.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Dixon to the JMU community!

Following a competitive selection process, Grady Dixon has been named the next dean of the College of Integrated Science and Engineering.

01/20/2026

We've partnered with CGI to launch "Bridge2AI," a 10-month experience focused on learning, mentorship, and real world impact creating new AI career pathways and expanding access to tech opportunities.

JMU, in partnership with CGI, will welcome the first cohort of nine fellows into the Bridge2AI program at a Jan. 14 orientation event in Lebanon, Virginia.

11/19/2025

The 2025 CISE Magazine is here!

This year’s theme — Connect, Collaborate, Innovate — reflects what drives our work every day. The most powerful ideas in CISE start with people coming together: students and faculty collaborating across disciplines, partnering with industry, engaging with our community, and alumni returning to mentor and inspire.

Inside this issue, you’ll see how connection fuels innovation — from AI projects that improve public safety to global research and interdisciplinary solutions that make a real impact. 🌍

11/11/2025

We're celebrating 20 years of the Geospatial Semester! 🎉🌍
What started in 2005 as a small pilot dual-enrollment program between JMU and four Virginia high schools has grown into one of the longest-running and most impactful outreach programs. Currently, the program is in 31 schools across Virginia and has inspired over 9k students!

For 20 years, the Geospatial Semester has inspired students across Virginia — and it’s still going strong.

10/15/2025

Exciting News! Geography professor Dr. Xuebin Wei recently published a new textbook exploring generative AI, data analytics, and programming. Wei also created video tutorials on his YouTube channel and designed a course for adult learners in Zanzibar, demonstrating his dedication to innovative, global education.
Read more ⬇️
🔗

Dr. Xuebin Wei says the book is unique in its focus on cloud computing.

10/07/2025

Honoring those who make a difference in and out of the classroom...Congratulations to CISE’s own Dr. Chris Mayfield for being named JMU Athletics’ latest Game Changer! This award recognizes faculty whose outstanding work benefits both the university and our student-athletes. We’re proud to see Dr. Mayfield’s innovation, mentorship, and commitment to excellence celebrated across campus!

Computer science professor Chris Mayfield, a nationally recognized expert on guided inquiry learning, was recognized as a “Game Changer.”

09/12/2025

JMU ISAT students — William DeSimone, Andrew Udalov, and Alisa Holstein — took FIRST PLACE at the American Water Works Association Student Water Challenge on 9/10 in VA Beach! 🏆

With only 5 hours to solve a real-world water quality problem, the team mastered new design equations and concepts they’d never seen before and delivered a winning solution!

Did we mention they outperformed engineering majors and graduate students from top schools across the state? 💪