Nepali-Origin Scholar Dr. Rajan Thapaliya Appointed Assistant Dean at University of Fairfax

EDUCAST, The University of Fairfax has appointed Nepali-origin academician Dr. Rajan Thapaliya as Assistant Dean of the Department of Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Information Technology. He officially assumed his new role on February 15, 2026.

Dr. Thapaliya is widely recognized as a leading figure in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, and Computer Science. Prior to joining the University of Fairfax, he served as Program Chair of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Digital and Computer Science at Golden Gate University.

His appointment is seen as a significant milestone for the Nepali diaspora, further elevating Nepalese representation in global academic leadership. Remarkably, Dr. Thapaliya authored 14 books by his late twenties, drawing international attention for his academic productivity and thought leadership. He has also been honored as one of the Top 20 Machine Learning Influencers in the United States, reflecting his impact in the rapidly evolving field of AI and machine learning. Currently, at just 33 years of age, he is also recognized as one of the youngest academic deans in his domain.

Throughout his academic career, Dr. Thapaliya has taught graduate and doctoral-level courses in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Software Engineering at universities across the United States. In addition to teaching, he has served as a dissertation chair and subject-matter expert, mentoring PhD researchers and guiding advanced academic research.

Dr. Thapaliya earned his Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Data Science from National University. He also holds an MBA (Master of Business Administration) and a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, reflecting his interdisciplinary academic background.

According to the University of Fairfax, Dr. Thapaliya’s academic leadership, excellence in teaching, and transformative vision are expected to significantly strengthen the institution’s mission and contribute to its long-term academic and institutional growth.