In May 2015, Lehigh announced the launch of an exciting university initiative: Data X. Building upon Lehigh’s traditional strengths in engineering, business and the liberal arts, Data X will expand the university’s faculty in computer science and three key thrust areas, and will prepare students working across all disciplines to understand, create and collaborate through the latest technologies and methodologies available to researchers today.

Data X will provide new opportunities for faculty and students to use computer science and data analytics to support research and innovation in engineering, business, natural and social sciences, and the humanities, enriching the student experience and developing graduates with increasingly sought-after skillsets. With an eye toward broader expansion into a wide range of programs and disciplines, initial focus areas will build on existing strengths in bioengineering, marketing and digital media.

Daniel Lopresti, chair of Lehigh's department of computer science and engineering, will lead the initiative.