Henry Hoffmann

Henry Hoffmann is Professor and Liew Family Chair of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Chicago. He serves as Chair of the department and leads research in self-aware and adaptive computing systems. His work bridges traditional computer systems areas with control theory and machine learning to create systems that automatically adapt to meet high-level goals.

Hoffmann received his Ph.D. from MIT in 2013 under advisors Anant Agarwal and Srinivas Devadas, with his dissertation titled "SEEC: a framework for self-aware management of goals and constraints in computing systems." He earned an S.M. from MIT in 2003 and a B.S. with highest honors and distinction from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1999.

Hoffmann's research focuses on developing self-aware computing systems that understand high-level goals and automatically adapt their behavior to meet those goals optimally. His recent work has shifted toward applying these techniques to control machine learning and AI systems, building learning systems that dynamically adapt their internal structure and resource usage to meet accuracy, energy, performance, and security goals at inference time. His interdisciplinary approach combines operating systems, computer architecture, control theory, and machine learning.

Analysis of Hoffmann's recent publications reveals a clear trajectory toward increasingly sophisticated applications of self-aware computing principles. His work has evolved from foundational resource management to cutting-edge applications in AI/ML systems, quantum computing, and security. The publications demonstrate a consistent theme of using control theory and machine learning to create adaptive systems that optimize multiple competing objectives like performance, energy efficiency, and reliability. Recent papers show expanding applications into large language models, quantum algorithms, and privacy-preserving techniques.

• Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) 2019
• DOE Early Career Award 2015
• Samsung Security Hall of Fame recognition
• IEEE Micro Top Picks Honorable Mention awards
• FSE Test of Time Honorable Mention
• ASPLOS Hall of Fame recognition

Hoffmann has mentored numerous PhD and Master's students who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. His research has secured over $19 million in funding for the University of Chicago. He co-founded Config Dynamics in 2019 to commercialize aspects of his self-aware computing research. His work has practical applications across data centers, edge computing, AI systems, and quantum computing.

Hoffmann leads the SEEC (Self-aware, Energy-Efficient Computing) research group at the University of Chicago. The group focuses on developing frameworks and techniques for building self-aware computing systems that can dynamically adapt to changing conditions and requirements. The group maintains strong collaborations with industry partners and other academic institutions, particularly in the areas of quantum computing, AI systems, and energy-efficient computing.