Rich DeMillo is an inventor at heart who never strays far from the action. As Dean of Georgia Tech's College of Computing, one of the highest-ranking computer science programs in the country, DeMillo encourages a focus beyond basic computer science to include areas such as robotics, security, supercomputing, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interaction. His interdisciplinary efforts reflect just how embedded computing is in all industries and fields of research. For instance, DeMillo is immersing the College of Computing into the health industry as a crucial area where computing will create major breakthroughs.

DeMillo's inclusive approach doesn't end with research. Under his direction, the College of Computing is also a national leader in faculty diversity, employing one of the largest percentages of women in a computer science program. DeMillo continues to direct the College of Computing into growth, demonstrating increases in renowned faculty, student enrollment, funding, as well as the construction of the new Klaus Advanced Computing Building.

Before joining the College in 2002, DeMillo was chief technology officer for Hewlett-Packard (HP), where he had worldwide responsibility for technology and technology strategy. Prior to HP, DeMillo was in charge of information and computer sciences research at Telcordia Technologies. DeMillo has also directed the Computer and Computation Research division of the National Science Foundation and continues to be active in many aspects of the IT industry. He is a fellow of the ACM and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

DeMillo has a self proclaimed obsession with problem solving and has spent his career focused on creating technology that will change the world. He is optimistic that he and the College of Computing will continue that endeavor for many years to come.