David Ayman Shamma

(he/him)

Professor of the Practice, Director of Computing Programs - Oakland

David Ayman Shamma
  • Artificial intelligence  
  • Human–computer interaction  
  • Machine learning  
  • Multimedia Systems 
  • Natural language processing and information retrieval 
  • PhD in Computer Science, Northwestern University 
  • MS in Computer Science, University of West Florida 
  • BS in Computer Science, University of West Florida 

David Ayman Shamma is the director of computing programs and a professor of the practice in the Khoury College of Computer Sciences at Northeastern University, based in Oakland.

Shamma joined Khoury College in 2026 seeking to expand research opportunities, mentor students, and strengthen industry connections on the Oakland campus. He has held research and leadership roles across academia and industry; most recently, he was a staff research scientist at the Toyota Research Institute, where he led sustainability research into the driving and charging of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Shamma researches how AI systems can help amplify people in their work and everyday lives. He emphasizes building supportive, scalable, and human-centered tools, which requires understanding people and their problems before connecting technology to those needs. He is a Distinguished Member of the ACM and currently serves on its Digital Library Board (Author Advocate Group).

Outside of academia, Shamma is an avid photographer who previously served as chief scientist at Flickr. He is a student of Hawaiian music and culture who plays both ukulele and lap steel guitar for Na Hoaloha, a Hawaiian band in San Francisco. He enjoys commuting by taking his folding bike on the BART and riding a modern Vespa on the California coast.