Sami Mian

Sami Mian has been repeatedly drawn to Arizona State University because of its innovative spirit, commitment to public education and impact on his home state and community.

Mian, who earned two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree from ASU, is returning as an assistant teaching professor in the information technology program at The Polytechnic School, part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

During his doctoral studies at the University of Pittsburgh, where his research focused on operations management for aerial and space-based robotics, Mian worked with the university’s chief information officer and information technology department. His efforts included implementing emerging artificial intelligence and augmented and virtual reality technologies for remote learning and other applications.

After earning his degree, Mian joined a drone startup as the company’s chief technology officer and chief scientist, helping to grow the team to nearly 20 employees through multiple funding rounds.

Most recently, Mian worked as a robotics engineering manager at Amazon. There, he helped build and grow the software side of a $2 billion industrial robotics project before moving on to Project Kuiper, a global broadband satellite initiative. 

In addition to his high-flying achievements of contributing to rocket launches with Project Kuiper and NASA, Mian is most proud of being recognized as an innovator, which includes his work founding two startup companies and being granted multiple patents.

Mian is no stranger to ASU classrooms, having served as an adjunct professor since the fall of 2021. In his new position, he will be teaching courses on Internet of Things systems, artificial intelligence for cybersecurity, and other graduate-level robotics and AI courses. 

“Be prepared to learn how to build something that will survive leaving the academic and theoretical environment,” Mian says. 

Mian is also planning to advise students in the robotics and autonomous systems program and develop additional courses on machine learning and complex enterprise systems, which are used to manage large-scale business operations.

Outside of the classroom, Mian looks forward to getting involved as a mentor in the Fulton Schools programs he participated in as a student, including the Fulton Undergraduate Research Initiative, the Grand Challenges Scholars Program and the Venture Devils. 

He is also an avid participant and leader in the FIRST® robotics community and the Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society. He has also worked with local and national groups to help advise on emerging technology policy.

Outside of research, teaching and entrepreneurial activities, Mian is an avid traveler and enjoys skiing in the wintertime.

Meet the newest faculty members of the Fulton Schools of Engineering here.

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Written by Monique Clement