(Chair Peter Chen)
Multi-dimensional Complexity
We live in a world of increasing complexity. We work in domains that use words like systems, systems of systems, cross disciplinary engineering, interdisciplinary engineering, transdisciplinary engineering, man machine interfaces, autonomy and AI. Furthermore, we see the need to move outside of engineering itself into design, art, ethics, risk, biology, national and international law. We live on the tech frontier—but frontiers can be dangerous. How do we cope? How to we tame the growing complexity we ourselves create? What tools, tactics, techniques and strategies can we use to function responsibly, ethically, and creatively?
Short CV
Dr. Paul D. Nielsen is director and chief executive officer of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), a global leader in advancing software and cybersecurity. Prior to joining the SEI in 2004, Nielsen served in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a major general and commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory after 32 years of distinguished service. Nielsen is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and a fellow of both the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). In 2011, he received the Aerospace Software Engineering Award from AIAA, and in 2004 AIAA awarded him the Hap Arnold Award for Excellence in Aeronautical Program Management. In 2014, he was recognized by the Pittsburgh Business Times with a Diamond Award as one of the region’s top CEOs. And in 2016, AFCEA awarded him its Distinguished Award for Excellence in Engineering. Nielsen earned a BS in physics from the U.S. Air Force Academy, an MBA from the University of New Mexico, and an MS and a PhD in applied science from the University of California, Davis.
Session Chair: Peter Chen