Meet the Staff | Thomas Edison State University

Dr. Saeed Esmaili Sardari

Interim Dean

Joined Thomas Edison State University: 2022

Phone: 609-285-3990

Degrees:

PhD, University of Maryland, College Park
MS, University of Maryland, College Park
BS, University of Maryland, College Park
BS, National University of Iran

Dr. Saeed Esmaili Sardari is an experienced academic leader with a strong background in electrical and computer engineering. He holds a PhD, MS, and BS in Electrical & Computer Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a BS in Biomedical Engineering from the National University of Iran. Dr. Esmaili currently serves as the Associate Dean at Thomas Edison State University and a Lecturer in Computer Science at the University of San Diego. His academic career includes key positions at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, where he led programs in Information Systems and Technology. Throughout his career, he has made significant contributions to education and research, particularly in the fields of machine learning, neuroimaging, and advanced data analytics. His synergistic activities include fostering collaborations with educational companies and implementing innovative solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance virtual learning environments.

Donald S. Cucuzzella

Don Cucuzzella

Assistant Dean

Joined Thomas Edison State University: 2003

Phone: 609-984-1130

appliedsciandtech@tesu.edu

Degrees:

MA, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
BA, The College of New Jersey

Donald Cucuzzella is an assistant dean of the School of Applied Science and Technology. He is responsible for managing the Aviation and Allied Health related programs and helped design the University's Aviation Management degree.

Cucuzzella works closely with the Office of Strategic Partnerships to help create partnerships with a variety of flight schools as well as JetBlue and other aviation organizations. He has represented the university at the Women in Aviation, International Conference the past two years. Between helping students figure out how professional certifications can apply as college credit and what it's like taking online courses, Cucuzzella helps students feel comfortable coming back to college. He has worked at Thomas Edison State University for 14 years in a variety of roles in the Admissions, Registrar and Academic Advising offices. This experience gives Cucuzzella him a wealth of knowledge that enables him to help students navigate their way through TESU. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from The College of New Jersey and a Master of Arts in American History from Rutgers University. In his spare time he enjoys golfing, spending time with his wife and two children and rooting for the New York Mets and Giants.