Dr. Lei Qian started Meharry SACS in July 2024 as associate professor of computer science and data science. His research focuses on machine learning and its application in bioinformatics and other areas. He has also studied optical computing, pure and applied logics, computer security, theory of computability and proof theory.

Previously, Dr. Qian was an associate professor and the discipline coordinator of computer science at Fisk University. There, he was the PI of NIH Fisk University/UIUC-Mayo KnowENG BD2K Center R25 Partnership program and co-PI of NSF HBCU-UP TIP program. He also served as PI and co-PI in multiple grants funded by NSF, NOAA and AFOSR.

Dr. Qian has mentored students in machine learning, computer security, bioinformatics, computer security and other areas. He obtained his Ph.D. degrees in mathematics and computer science from Indiana University and National University of Singapore.