Who Is Farnam Jahanian
Farnam Jahanian is a computer scientist and academic administrator focused on cyber security, distributed systems, and network research. He has held senior leadership roles at major research universities and federal science agencies, shaping policy and strategy for computing and information technology. His career combines academic research with institutional management and public sector service.
He is widely cited for work on network measurement, routing protocols, and cyber defense architectures. Jahanian has led large interdisciplinary teams and managed multi-institution grants, aligning research with national priorities in science, technology, and security. His roles include university provost, department chair, and director of a federal computer science and engineering division.
Career and Leadership Roles
University Leadership
Jahanian served as provost and executive vice president at a major private research university, overseeing academic operations, research administration, and faculty affairs. In this role, he guided strategic initiatives in data science, cyber security, and interdisciplinary research while managing budgets and institutional policies.
Before his provost role, he chaired a computer science and engineering department, leading research groups and academic programs. He helped build centers focused on network science, applied cryptography, and trustworthy computing, strengthening ties between faculty, industry partners, and government sponsors.
Federal Science Leadership
Jahanian served as a division director at the National Science Foundation, managing programs in computer and information science and engineering. In this position, he oversaw grants, research infrastructure, and portfolio strategies that supported foundational and translational work in cyber security, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing.
His federal service also included advising on research priorities and interagency coordination for science and technology. He contributed to shaping federal investment in computing research and helped align university research ecosystems with national goals for innovation and security.
Research Focus and Contributions
Cyber Security and Network Research
Jahanian's research spans network measurement, routing and traffic engineering, and cyber security architectures. His work has addressed Internet-scale measurement, anomaly detection, and resilient network design, contributing to both academic literature and practical tools used in research and industry.
He has led projects and collaborations that connect university researchers with government and industry partners to address real-world security and performance challenges. These efforts include studies on routing stability, network tomography, and security protocols, often supported by federal agencies and technology companies.
Academic and Institutional Impact
As a university leader, Jahanian has influenced research strategy, faculty hiring, and interdisciplinary collaboration in computing and related fields. His administrative work has emphasized data-driven decision making, research integrity, and the alignment of academic programs with emerging technologies and societal needs.
He has also contributed to policy discussions on research funding, cyber security education, and the role of universities in national innovation ecosystems. His perspectives draw on both academic research and hands-on experience managing large organizations and complex research portfolios.