Sajid Hussain, Ph.D., joined Meharry SACS as chair and professor of computer science and data science in August 2024. His research interests focus on applying machine learning techniques to interdisciplinary projects in cybersecurity, health care and social justice. Additionally, he explores energy-efficient communication protocols and security techniques for mobile, ubiquitous, and pervasive applications.
After earning his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Manitoba, Canada, in 2004, he began his academic career at Jodrey School of Computer Science at Acadia University, Canada. There he served assistant and associate professor from 2005 to 2009.
He began a 15-year stint at Fisk University in 2009, starting as associate professor in computer science. From 2010 and 2013, he chaired the Department of Business Administration and directed the Title III SAFRA program, managing Online and Distance Learning Programs. He served as the Director of Center of Teaching & Learning from 2019 to 2023. In that role, he initiated faculty development programs, organized fall and spring institutes, and new faculty orientation workshops. He then served as director of sponsored research, 2021 – 2024 and associate provost of research, 2023 – 2024, where he increased grant funding by more than 250 percent, reaching $10 million in 2023.
Dr. Hussain has an extensive publication record, with over 100 refereed journal, conference, and workshop papers. His research has received substantial financial support through several notable grants and contracts. These include a $1.17 million NSF INCLUDES NDSA grant (2022-27, Co-PI/subaward), an $800,000 Army grant (2023-26, Co-PI), a $1.28 million Department of Energy Environmental Management grant (2022-25, Co-PI), and a $2.25 million NSF Implementation Award (2018-24, Co-PI) for promoting quantitative and computing initiatives in STEM programs. Other significant grants include $281,056 from NSF/HBCU/TIP (2019-23, Co-PI) for integrating machine learning into cognitive psychology and cognitive bias analysis, and $394,954 from NSF/HBCU/TIP (2013-17, PI) to transform the CS curriculum.
Dr. Hussain has also co-organized several journal special issues, conferences, and workshops, served on numerous technical program committees, and reviewed papers for various journals.
Outside of his professional life, he enjoys hiking and traveling, having completed over 25 half and full marathons and notable hikes such as the Everest Base Camp, Tour du Mont Blanc, and the Grand Canyon.