William Sanders
About William Sanders
William Sanders is a founder and consultant at Network Perception and a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he has held various leadership roles since 2005. He has extensive experience in engineering education and research, having worked at multiple institutions and currently serving as the Interim Director of the Discovery Partners Institute.
Work at Network Perception
William Sanders has served as the Founder and Consultant at Network Perception since 2014. He has been instrumental in shaping the company's direction and strategic initiatives over the past decade. Based in Chicago, Illinois, he leverages his extensive background in engineering and academia to guide the organization in its mission.
Current Roles at University of Illinois
William Sanders holds multiple positions at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He has been the Donald Biggar Willett Professor of Engineering in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering since 2005. He also serves as the Department Head since 2014 and has taken on the role of Interim Director at the Discovery Partners Institute since 2018. His leadership in these roles focuses on advancing engineering education and research.
Previous Experience in Academia
Prior to his current roles, William Sanders held various positions at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He was the Director of the Coordinated Science Laboratory from 2008 to 2014 and served as the Interim Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Head from 2013 to 2014. He also directed the Information Trust Institute from 2004 to 2011, contributing to significant advancements in the field.
Educational Background
William Sanders earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Master of Science degrees from the University of Michigan in 1983 and 1985, respectively. He further pursued his academic career by obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science and Engineering in 1988. This strong educational foundation has supported his extensive career in engineering and academia.
Leadership at Discovery Partners Institute
As the Interim Director of the Discovery Partners Institute, William Sanders plays a key role in developing and overseeing research and educational programs. He is involved in forging agreements with corporate and academic partners and oversees the construction of the institute's permanent facility, ensuring alignment with its strategic goals.