A computer science alum and quickly-rising artificial intelligence (AI) expert returned to Ramapo to inspire current students and share insights on how AI may affect their future tech careers. 

October 3, 2025

by Liz Mendicino ’26

The Center for Data, Mathematical and Computational Sciences (DMC) at Ramapo College of New Jersey hosted its first lecture of the fall semester on September 9th, featuring alum Devinder Sodhi ’16. The talk, The Future Is Not Fixed: How AI & Non‑Deterministic Systems Are Reshaping Work, targeted discussions about how AI impacts those in the field of computer science and allowed Sodhi to share what he has learned as a professional in the field.

A computer science major during his time at Ramapo, Sodhi is a quickly rising pioneer in the field of AI; shaping AI curriculum development at DataCamp and leading technology communities at Frontier Tower and AICamp SF. He has worked across the engineering and computational science spectrum, working with jet engine testing systems at Qt, surgical robotics at Johnson & Johnson, and medical imaging platforms at Canfield Scientific.

Now, he focuses on decreasing anxiety around technology and teaching professionals how to effectively integrate AI tools into their workflows while maintaining critical oversight of probabilistic outputs.

“There’s a lot of anxiety around tech and the pace of change right now,” Sodhi said. “I feel we can collectively tackle this, but it’ll no doubt be one of the great challenges as tech accelerates progress. There are of course positives in this acceleration, and it’s up to us to harness them.”

Devinder Sodhi ’16 is a rising pioneer in the AI field.

Sodhi was happy to bring his expertise back to his alma mater, and assuage the students whose shoes he was in ten years ago. He told students that the internships he got from connections at Ramapo and the relationships he developed with his professors helped him to define his career.

He spoke candidly about the way AI interacts with his line of work, but also demystified a multitude of concerns pertaining to AI. Taking questions throughout the lecture, he continually tailored the talk to how AI realistically would impact students after graduation. As an expert helping to shape AI programs and AI education, Sodhi is a confident voice to address concerns.

When the ongoing concern that AI will take jobs arose during the lecture, Sodhi showed data he had collected to demonstrate that more jobs would be created than lost, and discussed the different job opportunities that AI creates. He also made sure to address the advantages that students have over AI, and how it will likely look for a computer scientist post graduation.

“I hope folks saw through the examples of my real experience, how to go about navigating the new opportunities that exist,” said Sodhi. “A core idea I share is that customer expectations are a moving target. As new technologies and capabilities become available, consumers quickly want the newer better options.”

Sodhi hopes his expertise will help students feel more comfortable and confident, fighting with facts the fear that comes with new technology such as AI. His biggest piece of advice: Be passionate about what you do.

“You have to love some aspect of tech to get in; it’s the only requirement in my opinion,” he said.

Students had the opportunity to speak with DMC Director Dr. Scott Frees, left, during the program.

Dr. Scott Frees, professor of computer science and director of the DMC, said the DMC lecture series gives students “crucial insights into how their field is evolving in real time.”

“Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing how we work, shifting us from predictable processes to systems that operate on probabilities and uncertainty,” Frees said. “Having someone like Devinder, who has hands-on experience implementing AI across diverse industries, helps students understand what skills are becoming essential and how to position themselves for success in this changing landscape.”

The DMC Lecture Series will continue with two more events planned for this semester, each tailoring towards different aspects of the DMC goals and student career support. For more information, visit the DMC webpage or contact Professor Scott Frees at sfrees@ramapo.edu.