Rich Nguyen

N. Rich Nguyen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Virginia (UVA), where he joined in August 2018. He's part of the School of Engineering and Applied Science and is on a teaching track, focusing on making machine learning accessible and engaging for all students.

Research and Innovation:

Rich Nguyen's research interests include biomedical image analysis, machine learning, and computer science education. He aims to reinvent instructional activities to make them adaptive and engaging by incorporating art and music elements to help everyone learn coding. Notable research contributions include:

• Floodwatch: A system for flood monitoring using crowdsourced images
• TuneScope: A digital music creation tool combining SoundScope and Snaps! technology
• CAD Library: Open-source design tools for educators
• AI for early sepsis detection: Highlighted in UVA Today

Teaching Accomplishments:

Before UVA, Rich taught computer science courses at UNC Charlotte for four years to a total of 1,458 students. At UVA, he teaches several courses including:

• CS 4774: Machine Learning (multiple semesters)
• CS 2501: Machine Learning for All (launched in Fall 2021)
• SYS 6016 / SDS 6050: Deep Learning
• CS 2150: Data and Program Representation (multiple semesters)
• CS 6316: Machine Learning (Graduate Level)
• CS 2910: CS Education Practicum (for Teaching Assistants)

He previously taught at UNC Charlotte:

• ITCS 1600: Computing Professionals
• ITCS 2600: Computing Professionals for Transfer Students
• ITCS 4156: Introduction to Machine Learning
• ITCS 2215: Design and Analysis of Algorithms

Academic Achievements:

Rich Nguyen has received several notable awards and grants:

• Google Faculty Award for Machine Learning Education with TensorFlow (2019)
• Best Paper Award at IEEE BigDataSE (2022)
• Best Poster Award at SITE Conference (2022)
• CCI Faculty Innovation Award (2018)
• NSF grants for Smart and Connected Communities (2022) and Computational Thinking (2021)
• 3 Cavaliers Grant on Coding and Music (2021)

Student Mentorship:

Rich has mentored numerous students and teaching assistants who have achieved recognition. Notable students include:

• Joy Qiu - Published in Clinical Infectious Diseases
• Louisa Edwards and Zach Boner - Invited to Ken Ono Podcast
• Mike Ferguson - Winner of CS Louis T. Rader Undergraduate Teaching Award

He has also served as faculty advisor for HooHacks (UVA's hackathon) and co-founded CharlotteHack at UNC Charlotte.

Labs and Collaborations:

Rich Nguyen leads the ML4VA (Machine Learning for Virginia) initiative, engaging students in project-based learning to apply machine learning to real-world problems affecting Virginia communities. He collaborates with institutions for symposiums on smart cities, particularly with ASEAN universities, and has partnered with Premier Healthcare for hackathons and with Glen Bull on educational technology projects.