String Algorithms Professors and Supervisors in Canada

Vincent BouchardView profile

Professor

University of AlbertaCanada

Professor Vincent Bouchard is a faculty member in the Department of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences at the University of Alberta. His research bridges mathematics and physics, focusing on string theory, geometry, topology, number theory, quantum field theory, and gauge theory. He is passionate about teaching and has developed calculus courses and lecture notes emphasizing active learning environments. His work includes contributions to both theoretical physics and applied computing domains such as robotics and medical imaging. Outside academia, Bouchard is an avid runner and outdoor enthusiast, competing in ultra-marathons and backcountry activities in the Rockies. He also maintains interests in music, particularly piano and jazz, and skiing. His research publications span topics from salient object detection in computer vision to control systems in robotics, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach.

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Chihab MokaddemView profile

Researcher

University of MontrealCanada

Chihab Mokaddem is a researcher in Software Engineering and Artificial Intelligence affiliated with Université de Montréal. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Université de Montréal, where he was part of the GEODES research team. His work includes contributions to search-based software engineering, model-driven engineering, and epidemiological modeling. He has taught at Université de Montréal and the National Institute of Professional Training in Algeria. Education: Bachelor in Computer Science, Université de Mostaganem (Algeria) Master in Software and Information Systems Engineering, Université de Mostaganem (Algeria) Ph.D. in Computer Science, Université de Montréal (Canada) Research interests focus on search-based techniques, refactoring automation, model transformation, and applying AI to epidemiological modeling. He has led projects funded by CRSNG (Canada) and collaborated on national research initiatives in Algeria, including spatial ontology-based epidemiological modeling and SOA design for vaccination processes. His work includes developing tools like DEVSServer for epidemic simulation and publishing peer-reviewed articles in top journals/conferences. He has reviewed manuscripts for multiple scientific publications and actively participates in academic collaborations. Located in Montréal, QC, Canada.

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Marni MishnaView profile

Professor

Simon Fraser UniversityCanada

Marni Mishna is a Full Professor in the Department of Mathematics at Simon Fraser University’s Faculty of Science. Her academic roles include Associate Dean, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (2023–2028) and PIMS Deputy Director (2019–2021). She has held visiting positions at institutions such as CNRS (France), LaBRI (University of Bordeaux), and the Fields Institute. Education: PhD in Mathematics (Université du Québec à Montréal, 2003), MSc in Pure Math (SFU, 2000), BMath (University of Waterloo, 1997). Her research spans analytic and enumerative combinatorics , focusing on generating functions , lattice paths , D-finite symmetric functions , and algorithmic solutions . She explores the intersection of combinatorics with art and design for mathematical communication. Recent articles analyze differential transcendence , Kronecker coefficients , and lattice path universality classes , emphasizing computational methods and asymptotic analysis. Her work often bridges graph theory , symmetric functions , and algebraic structures . She supervises students and postdocs in projects related to combinatorial theory , graph enumeration , and symmetric function applications . Her teaching includes advanced courses like MATH 443/743 (Combinatorics) and MATH 322 (Complex Analysis).

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Ke WuView profile

Assistant Professor

McGill UniversityCanada

Ke Wu is an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan within the Theory of Computation Lab of the EECS Department. He focuses on theoretical cryptography and game theory, designing incentive-compatible decentralized protocols, with applications in blockchain security and error correction codes. He actively seeks PhD students for the CSE graduate program. University: University of Michigan Department: Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) Academic Rank: Assistant Professor Research Interests: Ke Wu explores the intersection of cryptography and game theory, emphasizing provably secure decentralized systems. His work includes mechanisms for distributed consensus, fair coin toss protocols, and applications of error correction in cryptographic primitives. He has contributed to transaction fee design, anonymous routing, and synchronization string construction. Recent Publications: His research spans topics such as game-theoretically fair leader election, platform-assisted auctions, and error correction in blockchain contexts. Key venues include CRYPTO, ITCS, and FOCS. Scientific Awards: Stellar Academic Research Grant (2024) CMU CyLab Presidential Fellowship (2022–2023) JP Morgan Chase AI Research PhD Fellowship (2023) Education: Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University (advised by Elaine Shi), Master’s from Johns Hopkins University (advised by Xin Li), and B.S. from Fudan University in Information and Computing Science.

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Lucian IlieView profile

Adjunct Professor

McMaster UniversityCanada

Lucian Ilie is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Computing and Software at McMaster University. His scholarly activity spans multiple disciplines including Computer Systems Theory, Bioinformatics, and Algorithm Design, with significant contributions to string algorithms and computational biology. Key research areas: Formal Languages, String Algorithms, Data Compression, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, and Automata Theory Recent publications focus on protein interaction site prediction (2025-2023), string algorithm improvements (2022-2007), and spaced seed design for genomic analysis (2007). His work combines theoretical computer science with practical biomedical applications. Notable collaborative projects include developing explainable AI for medical report generation (2022) and creating optimized algorithms for genome assembly (2018). While no formal awards are listed, his research has been widely adopted with extensive Mendeley readership.

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James CurrieView profile

Professor

The University of WinnipegCanada

James Currie is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Winnipeg. He holds an NSERC Discovery Grant and has held various administrative roles including Dean of Science, Deputy Provost, and currently serves as Vice-President, Academic and Provost. His research focuses on combinatorics on words, pattern avoidance, and quantum computing, with over 70 publications in peer-reviewed journals. Education: BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD. Research interests include the study of avoidable/unavoidable regularities in symbol strings, applications to quantum computing, and graph dimension theory. His work introduces methods like the probabilistic method and fixed blocking method, advancing the field's theoretical foundations. Awards: Erica and Arnold Rogers Award (2008), Robin H. Farquhar Award (2019) Service: Led departmental growth, initiated interdisciplinary collaborations (e.g., with Physics on quantum computing), and restructured academic governance committees. Current roles integrate academic leadership with active research, including supervision of student researchers and post-doctoral fellows. His work bridges pure mathematics with computational and applied domains.

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Václav LinekView profile

Professor

The University of WinnipegCanada

Václav Linek is a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Winnipeg, affiliated with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. His research focuses on Design Theory (including Steiner systems and Langford sequences), Graph Theory, and Combinatorics on Words. He holds degrees from the University of Toronto (Ph.D., M.Sc.) and the University of Calgary (B.Sc. Honours). Ph.D., University of Toronto M.Sc., University of Toronto B.Sc. (Hon.), University of Calgary His work explores topics such as colourings of Steiner Systems, Skolem sequences, and antimagic squares. He previously served as editor-in-chief of CRUX Mathematicorum with Mathematical Mayhem , a journal by the Canadian Mathematical Society. His publications span combinatorial design theory, graph algorithms, and discrete mathematics, reflecting his expertise in foundational and applied combinatorial problems.

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Lila KariView profile

Professor

University of WaterlooCanada

Lila Kari is a Professor and Cheriton Faculty Fellow at the School of Computer Science , part of the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. Her research focuses on Biodiversity informatics , data science , and machine learning applications in comparative genomics and metagenomics , particularly for analyzing genomic signatures through Chaos Game Representation (CGR) and alignment-free methods. 2023 : Environment and taxonomy shape genomic signatures of extremophiles 2020 : Machine learning for rapid pathogen classification during pandemics 2019 : Ultrafast DNA sequence classification with ML-DSP 2016 : Additive genomic signatures for enhanced taxonomic differentiation 2015 : Mapping genomic signature spaces for molecular distance analysis 2009-2005 : Foundational work in DNA language theory and computational biology Her work has been instrumental in developing composite DNA signatures that combine nuclear and organellar genomic data for improved species differentiation, and assembled DNA signatures that enable analysis from fragmented sequencing data. She contributes to global initiatives like BIOSCAN for biodiversity surveillance and has created tools such as MLDSP-GUI for accessible DNA sequence analysis.

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Matthew JohnsonView profile

Associate Professor

University of WaterlooCanada

Matthew Johnson is an Associate Professor at York University and holds an adjunct position at the University of Waterloo. He is a theoretical physicist focused on understanding fundamental laws of nature through cosmological observations and theoretical frameworks. His research spans cosmology, field theory, string theory, and gravitation, with a particular emphasis on analyzing Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) data to test theoretical models. He has led roles such as Graduate Program Director in Physics and Astronomy at York University (2020–2023) and has been recognized with prestigious awards like the Buchalter Cosmology Prize. Johnson's work includes designing algorithms for CMB data analysis, exploring extra dimensions in string theory, and investigating cosmological phase transitions. He collaborates extensively on projects like the Atacama Cosmology Telescope and has contributed to studies on axions, dark photons, and vacuum decay simulations. His research also leverages machine learning techniques, such as graph neural networks, to analyze cosmological datasets. Key achievements include the Quantum Simulators for Fundamental Physics Program (2021) and multiple Discovery Grants from NSERC. His seminars and panel discussions highlight his commitment to communicating science and advancing quantum simulations in cosmology.

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Anne CondonView profile

Professor

University of British ColumbiaCanada

Dr. Anne Condon is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of British Columbia (UBC), affiliated with the Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on computational complexity, algorithms, and molecular programming, particularly in nucleic acid structure prediction and bioinformatics. She is an ACM Fellow and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from University College Cork, Ireland (1982) Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Washington (1987) Research Interests: Dr. Condon's work bridges computer science and molecular biology, addressing challenges in algorithm design for nucleic acid systems, RNA secondary structure prediction, and energy parameter estimation. She explores computational models such as Chemical Reaction Networks (CRNs) and DNA strand displacement systems for molecular programming. Her research emphasizes practical applications in synthetic biology and biotechnology. Publications: Her recent work includes studies on chemical reaction networks for approximate majority consensus, efficient DNA kinetics modeling, and interpretable dimensionality reduction of single-cell transcriptome data. Key contributions span algorithm design, computational biology, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Awards & Affiliations: ACM Fellow Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada Member of the Institute for Computing, Information and Cognitive Systems (ICICS) and the Institute of Applied Mathematics at UBC Supervision & Grants: She actively supervises doctoral and master's students in areas like nucleic acid kinetics, bioinformatics, and molecular programming. Her grants and funding support interdisciplinary research at the intersection of computer science and molecular biology. Labs & Teams: Condon's affiliations with UBC's ICICS and Institute of Applied Mathematics facilitate collaborative research in computational methods for systems biology and molecular computing.

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Sylvie HamelView profile

Professor

University of MontrealCanada

Sylvie Hamel is a Full Professor and Department Director at the Department of Computer Science and Operations Research (DIRO), Université de Montréal. She is affiliated with the CRM (Centre de recherches mathématiques) and the LBIT (Laboratoire de biologie informatique et théorique). Her research bridges computer science, mathematics, and molecular biology, focusing on algorithmic problems in genomics, combinatorial analysis, and RNA structure modeling. Education: Her academic background includes a Ph.D. in algorithmic and combinatorial studies, with a thesis on vector algorithms and bioinformatics. Research Interests: Algorithm design for genome rearrangements and sequence analysis Combinatorial optimization and permutation medians RNA structure prediction and computational biology Consensus algorithms and voting theory Software evolution and design patterns Grants & Projects: Leading projects on consensus algorithms (2025–2031), comparative genomics (2016–2024), and CRM strategic initiatives (2022–2029). Funded by CRSNG (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council) and FRQNT (Québec research fund). Awards: CRSNG Postdoctoral Fellowship (2003–2008). Supervision: Currently advising M.Sc./Ph.D. students on topics like consensus algorithms, RNA structure analysis, and combinatorial optimization. Over 20+ completed theses under her supervision. Labs: Active in LBIT (bioinformatics) and CRM (mathematical research), fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

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