Meet the VPRI

Welcome to San José State University!

As Vice President for Research and Innovation and Dean of Graduate Studies, I lead the research enterprise and graduate programs at Silicon Valley’s premier public research university. SJSU sits at the epicenter of world-changing innovation, serving as a catalyst where groundbreaking faculty scholarship, emerging industry trends, and next-generation talent converge.

The Division of Research and Innovation is dedicated to building dynamic bridges between our university, industry leaders, venture networks, and community stakeholders. We cultivate high-impact public-private partnerships, accelerate scalable research, and secure the funding required to turn bold ideas into transformative solutions. By immersing our graduate and undergraduate students directly alongside top-tier faculty researchers, we are not only solving complex, real-world problems — we are training the agile workforce that will lead tomorrow’s economy. 

Whether you are seeking to co-develop emerging technologies, tap into a diverse pipeline of elite talent, or invest in research that creates lasting economic and societal value, SJSU is your launchpad. I invite you to partner with us as we shape the future of innovation in Silicon Valley and across the globe.

Leadership & Experience

I bring to SJSU a distinguished record of leadership, innovation, and service in higher education. With extensive experience in research administration, strategic planning, and academic leadership, I have demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing research excellence, supporting graduate education, and fostering inclusive, collaborative academic environments.

Prior to joining SJSU, I served as a professor of civil engineering and construction management at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). I also served as CSUN’s Associate Vice President for Research and Graduate Dean from 2013 to 2019, during which I led efforts to expand research activity, support faculty scholarship, and enhance graduate education, while strengthening the university’s research infrastructure and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to advancing applied research that addresses critical real-world challenges. I bring a collaborative, strategic approach to building research capacity and cultivating high-impact partnerships across academia, industry, and the community.

Together with our campus partners, researchers, and community stakeholders, I look forward to advancing SJSU's strategic priorities and expanding our impact in Silicon Valley and beyond. All of us in the Research and Innovation Division are at your service.

With anticipation for what we will build together,
Crist

Crist Khachikian, Ph.D.
President, SJSU Research Foundation Board of Directors
Vice President for Research and Innovation, SJSU
Dean, College of Graduate Studies, SJSU