Faculty Feature: Lama Hamandi

We’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Lama Hamandi, PhD, an Associate Teaching Professor at Khoury College of Computer Sciences at Northeastern University. With a rich academic background, a passion for innovative teaching, and a commitment to student success, Dr. Hamandi is a standout member of our faculty. Let’s dive into her story, her work, and the impact she’s making in the world of computer science education. 

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Dr. Lama’s academic journey has taken her across continents. She earned her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the American University of Beirut before pursuing her master’s and PhD in electrical and computer engineering at The Ohio State University, with a minor in computer science. Her global teaching experience includes roles at prestigious institutions like the American University of Beirut, Beirut Arab University, and King Saud University in Saudi Arabia. 

At Northeastern, Dr. Lama teaches graduate courses such as Algorithms, Computer Systems, and Fundamentals of Computer Networking. She also serves as the course lead for CS5800: Algorithms across Northeastern’s campuses and is an elected member of the Northeastern University Faculty Senate. 

For Lama, teaching is more than just a job—it’s a calling. “What makes my job interesting is the opportunity for intellectual growth, collaboration with colleagues, and mentoring students,” she shares. “Seeing my students grow academically and professionally is incredibly fulfilling.” 

However, the role comes with its challenges. Balancing teaching, research, and service responsibilities can be demanding. “Teaching a class of students with diverse backgrounds requires adaptability and effort,” she notes. “And like most professors, my workday doesn’t end when I leave campus. Planning and preparation often happen at home, making work-life balance a constant challenge.” 

Despite these hurdles, Lama finds her work deeply rewarding. “It gives me great pleasure to see my students succeed, whether it’s in the classroom or as they take on key roles in the industry,” she says. 

What brought Lama to Northeastern? The answer lies in the university’s innovative Align program, which allows students with non-computer science backgrounds to earn a master’s degree in the field. “As technology becomes increasingly integral to every aspect of life, having a basic understanding of computer science is crucial,” she explains. “The Align program empowers students to create innovative, interdisciplinary solutions that wouldn’t be possible within a single field.” 

When asked about the most important skill she brings to her work, Dr. Lama emphasizes the human side of teaching. “Professors have a responsibility to shape not just academic success but also personal growth and ethical development,” she says. “Being patient, understanding, and showing respect, compassion, and empathy creates a supportive and inclusive classroom environment.” 

One of Lama’s proudest projects is her work on the Gamification of CS Algorithms. “A year ago, I started developing an educational computer game to teach students algorithms in an engaging and interactive way,” she explains. “I’m incredibly proud of my research assistants, who have been instrumental in bringing this project to life.” 

This innovative game will be showcased at the Special Interest Group on Computer Science Education Technical Symposium (SIGCSE TS 2025) later this month. “We’re excited to make it available to professors and students as a tool for teaching and learning algorithms,” she adds. 

Dr. Hamandi with students at the Silicon Valley campus research showcase

Outside of work, Lama enjoys attending conferences, talks, and workshops. “I find these events inspiring and informative,” she says. She also loves spending time outdoors, hiking with her family and soaking in the beauty of nature. 

 Lama leaves us with a powerful piece of advice: “Persevere in your efforts to reach your goals. Don’t be discouraged by challenges—overcoming them is a rewarding learning experience. And remember, you don’t have to struggle alone. Reach out, ask questions, and keep learning.” 

 Dr. Lama’s dedication to her students, her innovative approach to teaching, and her passion for computer science education make her an invaluable member of the Northeastern community. Stay tuned for more updates on her work, including the exciting launch of her gamified algorithms project!