May 3, 2023
Dr. Iandoli began his tenure as Dean of The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies (CCPS) in April 2023, after serving as Interim Dean since September 2022, and before that, as Associate Dean for Global and Online Programs. He is also a Professor in the Division of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Science.
Prior to joining St. John’s, he served as an Associate Professor at the University of Naples Federico II (Italy), and as Visiting Research Professor at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ. He was a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Center for Collective Intelligence.
His research focuses on online collective intelligence, interface aesthetics, and design-driven entrepreneurship, and he is a member of the editorial boards of several academic journals. Dr. Iandoli is the founder and director of the St. John’s University Design Factory, an interdisciplinary product design and learning center that supports students’ creativity and entrepreneurship.
What attracted you to St. John’s University?
As the case in life, sometimes good things happen by chance and connections. I was teaching as a visiting professor at Stevens Institute of Technology when I decided to apply for the position of Associate Dean for Global and Online Programs at St. John’s. As I became acquainted with St. John’s academic community and mission, I developed a strong of sense of attachment to the University’s core values. I think St. John’s University is a fantastic place to work and study.
What led you to your chosen field?
It was primarily my interest in global programs and internationalization. In my previous role, I had accumulated significant experience in international research collaboration, starting with my Fulbright scholarship at the MIT Center for Collective Intelligence. I also launched several international programs and study abroad initiatives at the University of Naples Federico II and Stevens Institute of Technology. Finally, thanks to serving in leadership roles in international academic associations, I built a very large and dense global network of colleagues around the globe. That became a great asset when I joined St. John’s.
What long- and short-term goals do you have as Dean?
CCPS is an innovative and dynamic College and I will keep it on its trajectory of growth and innovation. We are currently working on the launch of new programs and the expansion of the Design Factory, which is a creative and maker space that adds to the already outstanding lab infrastructure available for CCPS students. I am leveraging the design perspective to innovate our pedagogy and favor the adoption of high-impact practices to increase student engagement and retention. Finally, I am working with faculty to promote research via interdisciplinary collaboration.
How do you decompress/relax in your free time?
I always remember Douglas Coupland’s advice in his book Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture, which was a very influential novel for my generation. He wrote maxims such as, “remember you have a body” and “the sun is not your enemy.” Following this advice, I try to compensate for the intellectual work that my job requires with activities that help me to get in touch with the world or express myself in different ways. I love cycling, hiking, and traveling (even better when all three are combined). I love making art and playing music, which for me involve photography, museum-going, and playing guitar.
What is an important lesson you have learned from a student?
There are so many, but one is very recent and enlightening. I decided to include several students on the project team that works on the expansion of our Design Factory lab. One of them told me how excited he was to know that someone in the administration had asked for his opinion and active involvement. I plan to have more student involvement—not just by listening to them, but by having them in charge of something.
What is the best piece of advice you can give a student?
Never stop wondering and being curious about the world. Wonder and curiosity are the beginning of learning—and they are fun. This also translates into a test for their career. Ask yourself what you learned in the last three months of work. If the answer is “nothing” or “not so much,” maybe it is time to look for a new job.