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Mark SchmidtView profile

Professor

• Machine Learning
• Artificial Intelligence
• Mathematical Optimization
• +6 more

Mark Schmidt is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of British Columbia, Faculty of Science. He holds the Canada Research Chair in Large-Scale Machine Learning and is a Canada CIFAR AI Chair at the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute. His research spans multiple centers including CAIDA (Centre for Artificial Intelligence Decision-making and Action), the Data Science Institute, and the Machine Intelligence Learning Discovery (MILD) group. Dr. Schmidt's educational background includes a Ph.D. from UBC (2005-2010), an M.Sc. from the University of Alberta (2003-2005), and a B.Sc. from the University of Alberta (2000-2003). His academic career progressed from Postdoc positions at Simon Fraser University, Ecole Normale Superieure, and UBC to Assistant Professor (2014-2019), Associate Professor (2019-2024), and current Professor (2024-present) at UBC. His research focuses on machine learning optimization, with particular emphasis on improving numerical algorithms for large-scale machine learning applications. His work bridges theoretical optimization and practical applications across computer vision, natural language processing, and reinforcement learning. He has developed numerous optimization techniques including variants of stochastic gradient methods, coordinate descent algorithms, and natural gradient approaches. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on optimization for over-parameterized models, particularly transformers and large language models. His work addresses critical challenges in step-size selection, convergence guarantees, and efficient implementation of optimization algorithms. His research has significant implications for training deep neural networks more effectively and understanding why certain optimization methods outperform others in practice. Among his notable awards are the Dorothy Killam Fellowship (2025), Arthur B. McDonald Fellowship (2024), Sloan Research Fellowship (2017), and multiple UBC teaching awards. He has also received the Lagrange Prize in Continuous Optimization and Best Paper Award at AISTATS 2021. Dr. Schmidt actively supervises numerous graduate students, with over 40 PhD and Master's students listed as current or alumni members of his research group. His laboratory maintains strong connections with industry partners, with many alumni securing positions at leading AI companies including Google, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft.

Robert RohlingView profile

Professor

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging
• Medical Information Systems
• +3 more

Robert Rohling is a Professor at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Applied Science, affiliated with the Department of Mechanical Engineering and holding a joint appointment with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. As Director of the Institute of Computing, Information and Cognitive Systems (ICICS), his research focuses on biomedical engineering, medical imaging, robotics, and computational methods. B.A.Sc. (UBC) M.Eng. (McGill) Ph.D. (Cambridge) Rohling's work spans three primary research areas: medical imaging (3D ultrasound, spatial compounding, elasticity reconstruction), medical information systems (radiologist navigation tools for large image datasets), and robotic calibration for surgical applications. His multidisciplinary approach integrates mechanical and electrical engineering principles with clinical needs. Rohling's publications (2020-2022) reveal trends in advanced ultrasound techniques (e.g., shear wave vibro-elastography), AI-driven image processing (cycleGAN translation), and computational optimization for diagnostic accuracy. Keywords across his work include Medical Imaging, Biomedical Engineering, Robotics, and Computational Modeling. As director of the Robotics and Control Laboratory , Rohling leads interdisciplinary collaborations with industry and clinical partners to address practical challenges in medical diagnostics and surgical robotics. His research emphasizes translating engineering innovations into clinical practice.

Michael Jong KimView profile

Associate Professor

• Dynamic Programming
• Statistical Learning
• Robust Optimization
• +1 more

Michael Jong Kim is an Associate Professor at the Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia, specializing in the Division of Operations and Logistics. His research focuses on dynamic programming, statistical learning, robust optimization, and the exploration vs exploitation trade-offs in sequential decision-making processes. BASc, M.Math, and PhD from the University of Toronto His work spans topics in stochastic optimization, supply chain dynamics, and information dissemination in uncertain environments. Publications highlight contributions to Bayesian inventory control, semi-Markovian system control, and variance regularization in optimization models. Dr. Kim teaches advanced business analytics courses, including Descriptive and Predictive Business Analytics and Advanced Predictive Business Analytics (MBAN) during the 2024-2025 academic year. He can be reached at mike.kim@sauder.ubc.ca or by phone at +1 604.822.8682.

Mark LewisView profile

Professor

• Mathematical Biology
• Spatial Ecology
• Animal Movement Modelling
• +7 more

Mark Lewis is the Kennedy Chair in Mathematical Biology at the University of Victoria, holding joint appointments in the Departments of Mathematics and Statistics and Biology. His research focuses on spatial ecology and mathematical modeling, addressing ecological challenges such as animal movement, invasive species, and disease dynamics. Lewis earned his D.Phil. in Mathematical Biology from the University of Oxford and has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society UK. His work integrates mathematical analysis, field studies, and interdisciplinary approaches to solve ecological problems. Current projects include modeling polar bear populations, cyanobacteria dynamics, and the impact of climate change on wildlife. Lewis supervises students across both UVic and his former University of Alberta lab. Education: D.Phil. in Mathematics (Mathematical Biology), University of Oxford Awards: Royal Society Fellowship, CRM-Fields-PIMS Prize, and Okubo Prize Key Research Areas: Animal movement modeling, aquatic ecology, wildlife disease, and invasive species management Publications highlight his contributions to understanding disease spread, parasite dynamics, and ecological responses to environmental changes. Lewis collaborates widely, applying mathematical tools to real-world conservation and health challenges.

• Databases
• Data Mining
• Machine Learning
• +3 more

Ming-Syan Chen is a distinguished academic holding dual roles as a Distinguished Research Fellow and Director of the Research Center for Information Technology Innovation (CITI) at Academia Sinica, Taiwan, and a Distinguished Professor jointly appointed across multiple departments at National Taiwan University (NTU), including Electrical Engineering (EE), Computer Science and Information Engineering (CSIE), and the Graduate Institute of Communication Engineering (GICE). His career spans academia and industry, with prior roles as a research staff member at IBM Watson Research Center and leadership positions in Taiwan's technology sector. Education: He earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from National Taiwan University, followed by M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Computer, Information, and Control Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Research Interests: Chen's work focuses on databases, data mining, machine learning, multimedia networking, and cloud computing. He has authored over 350 papers and holds numerous patents, contributing to foundational advancements in query processing, data management, and networked systems. Award Highlights: Recipient of ACM and IEEE Fellowships, National Chair Professorship (lifetime honor), Teco Award, Pan Wen Yuan Distinguished Research Award, and IBM's Outstanding Innovation Award. His contributions span research, teaching, and technology commercialization. Leadership & Service: Former Dean of NTU's College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, CEO of Taiwan's Networked Communication Program, and Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Electrical Engineering. He has chaired international conferences and served on editorial boards of journals like IEEE TKDE and VLDB. Labs & Teams: Leads the Network Database Laboratory and collaborates on national initiatives in information and communication technologies. His research groups focus on data science, distributed systems, and social network analysis.

Florian KerschbaumView profile

Professor

• Data security and privacy
• Confidentiality and integrity in data science
• Applied cryptography
• +4 more

Florian Kerschbaum is a Professor and NSERC/RBC Industrial Research Chair in Data Security at the Cheriton School of Computer Science, University of Waterloo. His research focuses on data security and privacy, applied cryptography, and confidentiality in data science. Research interests span data collection/preparation management, secure multi-party computation, homomorphic encryption, differential privacy, and machine learning robustness/privacy. His work develops cryptographic solutions for practical data management challenges in distributed systems.

Min HuView profile

Assistant Professor

• Health Economics
• Applied Microeconomics
• Labour Economics
• +7 more

Min Hu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics, Philosophy, and Political Science at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus. He holds an adjunct position at Dalhousie University's School of Health Administration. His primary research focuses on Health Economics, Applied Microeconomics, and Labour Economics, with an emphasis on vulnerable populations in Canada, Indigenous health, income inequalities, and cancer economics. He teaches courses in Microeconomics, Health Economics, and Statistics. Education: PhD in Economics (2019), Dalhousie University; Postdoctoral Fellowship in Health Economics (2019–2020), Dalhousie University. Previous degrees include an M.A. (2014–2016) and B.A. in Economics from Dalhousie University. Research interests include the socio-economic determinants of health disparities, particularly among Indigenous peoples and immigrants, and the economic impacts of cancer-related policies. He employs applied econometric methods to analyze labor market outcomes and social policy effectiveness. His recent articles explore sustainable biomass utilization, energy policies, and environmental engineering innovations. Key themes include biomass supply chain optimization, CO₂ reduction strategies, and waste-to-energy technologies. Scientific Awards: Recipient of SSHRC New Frontiers Grant (2023–2026), CIHR Team Grant (2024–2026), and multiple UBC startup grants. His work is supported by SSHRC, CRDCN, and Indigenous Services Canada. He advises students in Economics and Global Studies (IGS) programs. Grants and funding span health economics, Indigenous well-being, and sustainable energy systems. Collaborations include interdisciplinary teams in health administration and environmental policy. Labs/Teams: Engaged with UBC's Okanagan Sustainability Initiatives and Dalhousie's Health Economics Research Group. Affiliated with professional organizations like the American Economic Association and Canadian Health Economics Study Group.

David LandriaultView profile

Professor

• Actuarial Science
• Quantitative Risk Management
• Applied Probability
• +4 more

David Landriault is a Professor in the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science at the University of Waterloo, Canada, and a Canada Research Chair in Risk Theory. His research focuses on Actuarial Science, Quantitative Risk Management, Applied Probability, and Stochastic Processes, particularly in ruin theory, drawdown analysis, and stochastic control for insurance and finance applications. Education: PhD in Mathematics (2005), MSc in Mathematics (2003), BSc in Actuarial Science (2002) from Laval University. Affiliations: University of Waterloo (postdoctoral fellowship, 2006); Canada Research Chair in Risk Theory. Research Interests Risk and Ruin Theory Stochastic Control in Insurance and Finance Drawdown and Occupation Time Analysis Regime-Switching Models Reinsurance Design and Optimization Time-Dependent Risk Models Scientific Awards Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (F.C.I.A.), 2009 Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (F.S.A.), 2006

Laurent MydlarskiView profile

Professor

• Fluid Mechanics
• Turbulence
• Heat Transfer
• +4 more

Laurent Mydlarski is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at McGill University, affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering. His research focuses on experimental fluid mechanics, particularly turbulent flows and scalar mixing. He holds a Ph.D. from Cornell University and B.A.Sc. from the University of Waterloo. Research interests include turbulence statistics, scalar dispersion, differential diffusion, and industrial cooling applications such as hydroelectric generators and microelectronics. His work combines experimental methods like hot-wire anemometry, laser-induced fluorescence, and particle-tracking velocimetry. Key contributions include studies on multi-scalar mixing in jets, wall shear stress in turbulent flows, and thermal anemometry probe design. His Mydlarski Lab at McGill explores both fundamental fluid dynamics and practical engineering solutions. Recent publications (2023-2025) address multi-scalar mixing metrics, electronic cooling innovations, and drag reduction on porous cylinders. Collaborations with industry focus on applying fluid mechanics principles to real-world thermal management challenges.

Furkan AlacaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Computer Security
• User Authentication
• Usable Security
• +4 more

Furkan Alaca is an Assistant Professor at Queen's University's School of Computing, part of the Faculty of Arts and Science. His research focuses on user authentication systems, addressing security and usability challenges. He holds a Ph.D. (2018) in Computer Science from Carleton University, an M.A.Sc. (2012) in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and a B.Eng. (2010) in Communications Engineering, all from Carleton University. His academic career includes teaching roles at Queen's University and the University of Toronto Mississauga, where he taught courses such as Cryptography, Cybersecurity, and Discrete Mathematics. He is affiliated with Queen's Security Research Group and Computer Security Research Lab. Research interests include computer and internet security, usable security, authentication mechanisms, and systems security. He has contributed to advancements in web authentication frameworks, malware analysis, and privacy-preserving technologies. His work spans conferences like IEEE and ACM, with notable publications in cybersecurity, machine learning, and network efficiency. Current teaching includes CISC 447 (Introduction to Cybersecurity) and CISC 468 (Cryptography). He has advised on courses ranging from undergraduate programming to graduate-level security topics.

Peter F. DriessenView profile

Professor

• Communication
• Signal Processing
• Control Systems
• +6 more

Professor Peter F. Driessen is a faculty member in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Victoria, with a cross-appointment in the School of Music. He holds a BSc and PhD from the University of Victoria and is a Professional Engineer (PEng). His research focuses on communication systems, signal processing, control, and interdisciplinary projects in computer music and wireless technologies. Key areas include audio/video signal processing, radio propagation, sound recording, and multimedia systems. He leads the University of Victoria Propagation Laboratory, which explores radio wave propagation and Amateur radio integration with engineering education. His work spans theoretical research and applied projects like ECOSat satellite systems, software-defined radio (SDR), and innovative musical instruments such as the Radio Drum. He supervises undergraduate and graduate projects in these domains through ELEC 499 courses. Notable contributions include the APEGBC Editorial Board Award for Best Paper (2002) and patents in wireless networking and signal processing. His teaching includes courses in signal analysis and electromagnetics, and he collaborates on interdisciplinary programs like the Music/Computer Science degree. Education: BSc in Electrical Engineering, University of Victoria PhD in Electrical Engineering, University of Victoria Research Interests: Audio and video signal processing for music and media Software-defined radio and Amateur radio technologies Satellite communication and ground station development Gesture-based interfaces and musical instrument design Error mitigation in streaming audio/video Optical and microwave-photonic systems Labs & Collaborations: Propagation Laboratory (radio wave research) UVic Experimental Radio Group (Amateur radio club) UVic Satellite Design Team (ECOSat projects) UVic Centre for Aerospace Research Grants & Awards: APEGBC Editorial Board Award (2002) Multiple US patents in wireless systems and signal processing

Jianguo WangView profile

Professor

• Multisensor Integration
• GNSS Technology
• Precision Engineering Surveying
• +5 more

Dr. Jianguo Wang is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Space Science Engineering at York University's Lassonde School of Engineering. He has been a faculty member since 2006 and is a founding member of the Lassonde School. With over 35 years of academic and industrial experience, he specializes in multisensor integration, GNSS technology, and precision engineering surveying. He holds a Dr.-Ing. in Geomatics Engineering from Universität der Bundeswehr München, Germany, alongside Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Wuhan Technical University of Surveying and Mapping (WTUSM). His research focuses on advanced data processing methodologies, including Kalman filtering, error analysis, and LiDAR systems. He has authored/co-authored over 60 publications, including textbooks like Error Theory and Foundation of Surveying Adjustment and Foundation of Geodesy . He is a Fellow of Engineers Canada and licensed as a Professional Engineer in Ontario. Education: Dr.-Ing., Geomatics Engineering, Universität der Bundeswehr München (Germany) M.Sc., Surveying Engineering, Wuhan Technical University of Surveying and Mapping B.Sc., Surveying Engineering, Wuhan Technical University of Surveying and Mapping Dr. Wang teaches courses such as Advanced Optimization and Applications , GNSS , and Global Geophysics and Geodesy . He leads the Earth Observation Laboratory (PSE 432), focusing on multisensor integration for navigation and positioning. His work explores innovative solutions for sensor calibration, data fusion, and geospatial applications. Grants & Labs: Active in lab-based research with collaborators like Baoxin Hu, his laboratory integrates GNSS, IMUs, LiDAR, and cameras for precision navigation. His recent work addresses challenges in sensor error calibration, LiDAR point cloud accuracy, and Kalman filter enhancements.

Masoud AsgharianView profile

Professor

• Survival Analysis
• Changepoint Problem
• Nonparametric Bayesian Analysis
• +5 more

Masoud Asgharian is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at McGill University. His research focuses on survival analysis, changepoint problems, nonparametric Bayesian methods, and data envelopment analysis. He has contributed to influential studies on dementia survival rates, censored data methodologies, and statistical efficiency measures. His work bridges biostatistics and operations research, with applications in public health and medical sciences. Key contributions include methodologies for prevalent cohort survival analysis, input relaxation efficiency measures in stochastic DEA, and causal inference techniques. Asgharian has collaborated extensively with researchers in epidemiology and biomedical engineering, as evidenced by his co-authored publications on topics ranging from tooth enamel properties to low-precision neural network quantization. His research has been published in high-impact journals such as New England Journal of Medicine , Journal of the American Statistical Association , and Biometrics . Current affiliations include leadership roles in statistical research at McGill, with ongoing projects in computational statistics and healthcare analytics.

Ke WangView profile

Professor

• Data Mining
• Database Systems
• Data Privacy
• +3 more

Ke Wang is a Professor in the School of Computing Science at Simon Fraser University . His research focuses on Data Mining , Database Systems , Data Privacy , and Graph and Network Data . He holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. from the Georgia Institute of Technology (1986 and 1984, respectively). Teaching includes courses like Database Systems II , Introduction to Data Mining , and Special Topics in Databases . He has advised numerous students and alumni, many of whom now work in tech, academia, and industry. Notable awards include the 2013 Faculty of Applied Sciences Research Excellence Award and the ECIR 2019 Best System Paper . His work emphasizes privacy-preserving techniques and has led to contributions like the Introduction to Privacy-Preserving Data Publishing textbook. He has served as a conference chair for major data mining events like SDM 2015/2016 and holds editorial roles in journals like ACM TKDD. His lab, the Database and Data Mining Laboratory , focuses on actionable solutions for real-world data challenges.

Bilal FarooqView profile

Associate Professor

• Disruptive transportation technologies and services
• Cyber-physical transportation systems
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• +4 more

Bilal Farooq is an Associate Professor and Program Director for the Master of Engineering in Interdisciplinary Engineering (MEIE) at Toronto Metropolitan University, holding the Canada Research Chair in Disruptive Transportation Technologies and Services within the Department of Civil Engineering. His educational background includes a PhD from the University of Toronto (2011), MASc from Lahore University of Management Sciences (2004), and BSc from the University of Engineering and Technology (2001). Dr. Farooq's research pioneers disruptive transportation solutions through cyber-physical systems, AI/machine learning applications, behavioral modeling, and optimization techniques. His work specifically targets on-demand multimodal systems, sustainable urban transportation, urban air mobility, automated vehicles, and extended reality applications, addressing critical urban mobility challenges with human-centered approaches. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward quantum-enhanced computational methods, privacy-preserving federated learning frameworks, and sustainability-focused decarbonization strategies across transportation domains, with increasing emphasis on human factors and real-world implementation. Notable scientific awards include: Ontario Early Researcher Award (2018) Canada Research Chair (2017) MassMotion Academic Pedestrian Modelling Project of the Year (2016) Québec Early Researcher Award (2014) Dr. Farooq actively supervises graduate students and secures significant research funding through his Canada Research Chair position and Early Researcher Awards. He directs the Laboratory of Innovations in Transportation (LiTrans), which develops interdisciplinary solutions integrating mathematics, engineering, computer science, and economics to address emerging transportation challenges. LiTrans focuses on disruptive transportation technologies, complete streets design, cyber-physical systems, pedestrian dynamics, resilience, and climate change impacts, collaborating with industry and government partners to translate research into practical urban mobility innovations for smart cities worldwide.