Image Credit: Cornell Chronicle

Dr. Kavita Bala, a Distinguished Alumna of IIT Bombay, has been appointed the 17th Provost of Cornell University. The five-year appointment marks a significant milestone in her career, reflecting her commitment to academic excellence and leadership in the field of computing.

As the former Dean of the Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science (Cornell Bowers CIS), Dr. Bala has played a pivotal role in advancing the college’s mission, which emphasizes interdisciplinary research, innovation in artificial intelligence, and diversity in the field of computing. During her tenure, Dr. Bala spearheaded numerous initiatives that have significantly shaped the landscape of computing education. She oversaw a remarkable 30% increase in faculty size to accommodate the growing student interest in computing disciplines. Under her leadership, the college launched innovative programs such as the AI Radical Collaboration initiative and established the New York Presbyterian–Cornell Cardiovascular AI Initiative. These efforts reflect her dedication to advancing AI research while also addressing critical societal challenges through technology.

Dr. Bala has consistently prioritized increasing diversity and inclusion within the college. Her initiatives have led to women now comprising 44% of Cornell’s undergraduate majors, which is notably higher than the national average. She also introduced programs aimed at expanding access to summer research opportunities, particularly for underrepresented groups, thereby fostering a more inclusive academic environment. This commitment to diversity is crucial in a field where representation can significantly influence innovation and creativity.

Dr. Bala’s academic journey began at IIT Bombay, where she earned her B.Tech. in Computer Science. Her time at IITB was not just formative in a technical sense; it provided a rich environment for intellectual growth and collaboration. Reflecting on her experience, she shared in “Her Story – IIT Bombay Gen Zero Women,” “My time at IIT Bombay was transformative. It taught me not only technical skills but also the ability to think critically and creatively. The exposure to different ideas and the rigorous training prepared me for every challenge I faced later in life.” This strong foundation laid the groundwork for her illustrious career, equipping her with the tools necessary to excel in both academia and industry.

In addition to her administrative achievements, Dr. Bala has made foundational contributions to the fields of computer graphics and computer vision. She co-founded GrokStyle, a visual recognition AI company that was later acquired by Facebook in 2019, demonstrating her ability to bridge academia and industry effectively. Her research has focused on areas such as the rendering of computer-generated images and visual discovery in large data sets, further establishing her as a leader in her field.

Upon her acceptance of the Provost position, Dr. Bala expressed her excitement for the challenges ahead, stating, “It is an incredible honour and privilege to serve as Cornell’s next provost. We are living in an age of tremendous and rapid societal change driven by technological innovation. With Cornell’s intellectual breadth, we are positioned to meet both the challenges and the opportunities of our time.” This vision aligns with her track record of fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and nurturing a culture of innovation.

Dr. Kavita Bala’s journey from IIT Bombay to her leadership role at Cornell serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that quality education can have on an individual’s career. Her achievements highlight the vital role that IITB plays in nurturing successful alumni and promoting women in STEM fields. The Institute’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and diversity continues to empower its graduates to make significant contributions across various sectors, driving progress and inspiring future generations.

Congratulations to Dr. Bala! We cannot wait to see what else is in store for this exceptional alumna!

***The information in this article was compiled from the Cornell Chronicle and Her Story – IIT Bombay Gen Zero Women (2022).

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