Diane Guignard is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Ottawa. Her research focuses on numerical analysis, partial differential equations, and computational methods with applications to mechanics and stochastic systems. She holds a position in a leading mathematics department and can be contacted at dguignar@uOttawa.ca . Her research interests include finite element methods, model reduction, uncertainty quantification, and optimal transport-based mesh adaptation. She explores nonlinear approximation theories for high-dimensional anisotropic functions and develops computational frameworks for thin structures and colloidal flow simulations. Her work bridges numerical analysis with practical engineering challenges, emphasizing adaptive algorithms and error estimation techniques. Her recent publications (2021-2024) highlight contributions to goal-oriented mesh adaptation, stochastic field approximations on surfaces, and large deformation analyses of prestrained plates. These studies emphasize interdisciplinary approaches combining mathematical rigor with computational innovation. Dr. Guignard has not been explicitly noted for awards in the provided materials. Her advising record is currently unspecified, though her research group likely engages in advanced numerical methods and computational mechanics projects.
Peter Matthias Stoffer is an SNSF Eccellenza Professor at the University of Zurich and a Tenure-track scientist at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI). His research is currently funded by a SNSF project grant at PSI and an SNSF professorial fellowship, jointly hosted by the University of Zurich and PSI. Previously, he held positions as a University assistant at the University of Vienna (2020-2021), Postdoctoral researcher at UC San Diego (2019-2020), SNSF postdoctoral research fellow at UC San Diego (2017-2018), and Postdoctoral researcher at the University of Bonn (2014-2016). Stoffer's research focuses on effective field theories for physics beyond the Standard Model (SMEFT, LEFT), non-perturbative methods for low-energy hadron physics including dispersion relations and chiral perturbation theory, matching to lattice-QCD schemes, and applications to precision observables such as dipole moments, CP violation, and lepton-flavor violation. His work is particularly relevant to understanding the muon anomalous magnetic moment (g-2) and other precision tests of the Standard Model. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on renormalization group equations for effective field theories, hadronic light-by-light scattering, and precision calculations related to the muon g-2 anomaly. His work spans both theoretical developments in effective field theory and practical applications to current experimental puzzles in particle physics. Stoffer has received the prestigious SNSF Eccellenza Professorship, which supports outstanding early-career researchers in establishing their own independent research groups. His research group maintains close connections between the University of Zurich and PSI, leveraging the complementary strengths of both institutions.
Miaoyan Wang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Statistics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, part of the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences. She holds early tenure and is a faculty affiliate in the Mathematical Foundations of Machine Learning, Institute for Foundations of Data Science (IFDS), and Center for Demography of Health and Aging (CDHA). She is currently on sabbatical as a visiting associate professor at Stanford University and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Education: PhD in Statistics from the University of Chicago (2015), BS in Mathematics from Fudan University (2010). Postdoctoral training included positions at UC Berkeley (Computer Science) and the University of Pennsylvania (Math+X). Research focuses on statistical machine learning, with emphasis on matrix/tensor data analysis, high-dimensional statistics, nonparametric learning, and applications in genetics. Her work bridges theory and practice, addressing challenges in computational efficiency and statistical optimality for complex data structures. Awards include the prestigious NSF CAREER Award (2022), multiple best paper awards (ASA, IMS, NEURIPS), and recognition from ASHJ and IGES. Her group has secured grants totaling $3.4 million, including NSF funding for foundational machine learning research and collaborative projects in population genomics. Advising includes PhD students Chanwoo Lee and Jiaxin Hu, with former students Yuchen Zeng and Zhuoyan Xu. She teaches advanced statistical methods and computational courses, emphasizing rigorous theoretical foundations and practical applications. Key collaborations include work on tensor decomposition algorithms, statistical genetics, and interdisciplinary projects with biology and computer science departments. Her lab contributes open-source software tools for data analysis, including packages for tensor block models and multiway clustering.
Dan Olteanu is a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Zurich (since 2020) and holds a part-time role as a Computer Scientist at RelationalAI. Previously, he was a Professor at the University of Oxford (2016–2020) and had visiting roles at UC Berkeley (2013–2014) and LogicBlox (consulting, 2013–2017). His research focuses on database systems, probabilistic data management, and theoretical foundations of data processing. Education: PhD in Computer Science from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (2005), Diplom (M.Sc.) from Polytechnic University of Bucharest (2000). Additional roles include Fellow and Director of IT at St Cross College, Oxford. Research Interests: Factorized databases (FDB), probabilistic databases (SPROUT, ENFrame), Datalog engines (RDFox), query optimization (Distributed Query Optimization), and machine learning over relational data. Publications highlight contributions to incremental query processing, probabilistic inference, and scalable algorithms. Notable work includes the SPROUT query engine, FDB system, and theoretical results on query tractability. Awards: Best Paper Award at ICDT 2019. Grants from ERC, EPSRC, Google, and industry partnerships with Amazon, Microsoft, and others. Students advised include Robert Fink, Maximilian Schleich, and Haozhe Zhang. Active in academic service, editing journals, and organizing conferences like BNCOD and SIGMOD workshops.
Ezra Miller is a Professor of Mathematics at Duke University, specializing in algebraic geometry, combinatorics, and their applications to biology and statistics. His work bridges pure mathematics with interdisciplinary research, including studies in phylogenetic trees, geometric probability, and algebraic statistics. He holds positions in the Mathematics Department at Duke and has contributed to the Statistical and Applied Mathematical Sciences Institute (SAMSI) programs. Education: Details not explicitly provided in the text, but his academic journey includes a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley and postdoctoral research. His research interests span geometry, algebra, probability, statistics, topology, combinatorics, algorithms, and computational biology. He has advised students in algebraic combinatorics and related fields. Research emphasizes geometric and combinatorial structures, with notable projects on phylogenetic data analysis, hypergeometric systems, and Gröbner basis theory. His work often integrates computational methods with theoretical frameworks. Notable collaborations include studies on metric phylogenetic trees, topological data analysis, and combinatorial game theory. He has taught advanced courses in algebra, combinatorics, and applied mathematics at Duke. Labs/Teams: Active in SAMSI's Analysis of Object Data program and collaborates with statisticians and biologists on interdisciplinary projects.
Gabriel Koch Ocker is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics at Boston University, specializing in theoretical and computational neuroscience. His research investigates how neural activity encodes sensory information, shapes behavior, and evolves through learning mechanisms. Research Focus: Structure-function relationships in neuronal networks Methodology: Dynamical systems, stochastic processes, statistical physics Collaborations: Experimental validation of computational models Recent publications analyze integrate-and-fire networks, dendritic calcium spiking, inhibition-stabilized circuits, and metastability in stochastic neuronal systems. His group combines mathematical rigor with biological relevance to explore neural coding, plasticity, and functional hierarchy in cortical structures. Key contributions include tensor decomposition approaches to correlation analysis, reconciling recording technique discrepancies, and developing field-theoretic frameworks for compartmental modeling. Work spans from molecular-level channel dynamics (Kv7 channels) to brain-area-level functional organization.
Pixu Shi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics at Duke University's School of Medicine. Previously, they served as a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Statistics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2018-2020) and as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Biostatistics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2016-2018). Dr. Shi earned their PhD in Biostatistics from the University of Pennsylvania in 2016 under advisor Hongzhe Li. They also hold an MS in Biostatistics from the University of Pennsylvania (2015), an MS in Statistics from Rutgers University (2012), and a BS in Statistics from Peking University (2010). Dr. Shi's research focuses on developing statistical methods for Microbiome Research, Longitudinal/Temporal Omic Data analysis, Integration of Omic Data, Spatial Omics, and High-dimensional Statistical Inference. Their work bridges statistical theory with practical applications in biomedical research, particularly in microbiome studies where they've made significant contributions with the TEMPTED (TEMPoral TEnsor Decomposition) method. The article trends show a strong focus on microbiome analysis, statistical methodology development, and applications in obesity, infectious disease, and cancer research. Their most recent work (2024-2025) demonstrates expertise in tensor decomposition methods, longitudinal data analysis, and integrating microbiome data with clinical outcomes across diverse areas including adolescent obesity, viral infections, and cancer metastases. Dr. Shi has secured multiple substantial research grants from major institutions including the National Institutes of Health (NIMH, NIAID, NCI, NIDDK, NIA), totaling over a decade of continuous funding for projects related to microbiome research, HIV/AIDS, cancer biomarkers, and metabolic studies. They actively contribute to education through teaching courses such as BIOSTAT 905: Linear Models and Inference at Duke University and previously taught statistics courses at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Shi has also organized specialized workshop series including Quantitative Methods for HIV/AIDS, Microbiome, Immunology, and Cancer Bioinformatics.
Anru Zhang is the tenured Eugene Anson Stead, Jr. M.D. Associate Professor with joint appointments in Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Statistical Science at Duke University. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania (2015, advised by T. Tony Cai) and a B.S. in Mathematics from Peking University (2010). Current roles: Associate Professor at Duke (2024–present), previously Assistant Professor at UW-Madison (2018–2021) Research focus: Tensor learning, high-dimensional statistics, EHR analysis, and healthcare applications Mentorship: Supervises active research team including postdocs (Jianbin Tan, Qiuyi Wu) and PhD students (Runshi Tang, Yinrui Sun) Research Trends : His recent publications emphasize tensor methods in biomedical data (EHR, microbiome, Alzheimer’s), Riemannian optimization for high-dimensional problems, and hybrid statistical-computational approaches. Key themes include healthcare AI, EHR analysis, and non-convex optimization. Scientific Awards : COPSS Emerging Leader Award (2024) IMS Tweedie New Researcher Award (2022) ASA Gottfried E. Noether Junior Award (2021) NSF CAREER Award (2020) AMIA Data Science Outstanding Paper Award (2023) Advising & Grants : Mentored 16+ students/postdocs, including Yuetian Luo (IMS Lawrence D. Brown Award) and Yuchen Zhou (IMS Hannan Travel Award). Current grants include NIH-funded projects on sepsis detection, mental health AI, precision genetic testing, and telehealth interventions, plus NSF CAREER funding for statistical inference in high-dimensional structures. Labs & Teams : Leads a research group at Duke focusing on tensor learning, statistical theory, and healthcare AI applications. Collaborates with Duke’s AI Health initiative and serves as Associate Editor for leading journals like Annals of Statistics and JASA.
David Steurer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at ETH Zurich, where he leads the Institute for Theoretical Computer Science. His research bridges theoretical computer science, mathematics, and practical applications in machine learning and statistics. Steurer has made significant contributions to the understanding of sum-of-squares methods, semidefinite programming, and high-dimensional estimation problems. Steurer earned his B.Sc. & M.Sc. in Computer Science from Saarland University in 2006, followed by a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Princeton University in 2010 under the supervision of Sanjeev Arora. His doctoral dissertation, "On the Complexity of Unique Games and Graph Expansion," received an Honorable Mention for the ACM Doctoral Dissertation Award in 2011. Steurer's research focuses on algorithm design through mathematical programming relaxations, particularly semidefinite programming and the sum-of-squares method. His work addresses computational complexity of high-dimensional estimation problems including tensor decomposition, clustering, Gaussian mixture models, and stochastic block models. He also investigates algorithmic aspects of robustness and differential privacy, especially for estimation tasks. His theoretical contributions have practical implications for machine learning and data analysis in the presence of noise and adversarial conditions. Analysis of Steurer's recent publications reveals a consistent trajectory in advancing the sum-of-squares framework for high-dimensional estimation and robust statistics. His work demonstrates how sophisticated mathematical programming techniques can provide certifiable guarantees for challenging problems in machine learning. The research spans theoretical foundations while maintaining relevance to practical applications, particularly in scenarios involving corrupted or noisy data. A notable trend is the extension of sum-of-squares methods to handle increasingly complex statistical models while providing rigorous performance guarantees. ERC Consolidator Grant (2019) Michael and Sheila Held prize (2018, with Raghavendra) Invited speaker at International Congress of Mathematicians (2018) STOC Best Paper Award (2015) Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship (2014) NSF CAREER Award (2014) Microsoft Research Faculty Fellowship (2014) FOCS Best Paper Award (2010) Steurer has advised numerous PhD students and postdocs who have gone on to prominent positions, including Sam Hopkins (now faculty at MIT), Jonathan Shi, and Aaron Potechin. His research is supported by multiple prestigious grants, including an ERC Consolidator Grant, an NSF CAREER Award, and a Microsoft Research Faculty Fellowship. He has served on numerous program committees for top theoretical computer science conferences and has been recognized for his service to the community through roles such as internal member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Institute for Theoretical Studies at ETH Zurich. As head of the Institute for Theoretical Computer Science at ETH Zurich, Steurer leads a research group focused on advancing the theoretical foundations of computer science with particular emphasis on mathematical optimization methods. His team explores the boundaries of what can be efficiently computed in high-dimensional settings, with applications spanning machine learning, statistics, and data science. The group maintains strong connections with both theoretical and applied researchers across ETH and the broader academic community.
Martin Wells is the Charles A. Alexander Professor of Statistical Sciences at Cornell University, with joint appointments in Social Statistics, Clinical Epidemiology, and Industrial Labor Relations. Since joining Cornell in 1987, he has developed methodologies spanning Bayesian inference, tensor analysis, and machine learning applications in biomedicine and finance. His research integrates statistical theory with computational innovations, particularly in high-dimensional modeling and quantum-inspired algorithms. Recent work focuses on geometric approaches to tensor decomposition, misclassification correction methods, and phylodynamic models incorporating dormancy effects. Professor Wells teaches statistical methodology across disciplines including law, medicine, and biology, adapting analytical frameworks to diverse research contexts. His interdisciplinary collaborations extend to Weill Medical College and the School of Industrial and Labor Relations.
Florent Krzakala is a Full Professor at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland, holding positions across multiple departments including the School of Basic Sciences (SB), School of Engineering (STI), and specifically within the Department of Physics (IPHYS) and Department of Electrical Engineering (IEM). He leads the Information, Learning and Physics Laboratory (IdePHICS) and maintains an office at ELD 239, Station 11, 1015 Lausanne. His research bridges statistical physics and computational disciplines, with significant contributions to understanding the theoretical foundations of machine learning and optimization problems. Dr. Krzakala received his MSc in Physics from Orsay, France in 1999, followed by a PhD in Statistical Physics from Orsay, Paris XI, France in 2002, and completed a postdoctoral position at Roma La Sapienza in 2004. This strong foundation in physics has informed his interdisciplinary approach to computational problems. His research interests span Statistical Physics, Machine Learning, Probability and Statistics, Computer Science, Information Theory, Inference on Graphs, Random Constraint Optimization, and Computational Optics. Krzakala's work focuses on applying methods from statistical physics to problems in theoretical computer science, probability, and machine learning. He investigates how concepts from disordered systems and phase transitions can illuminate computational barriers in optimization and inference tasks. His research has particular relevance for understanding the behavior of neural networks, compressed sensing, and high-dimensional statistical models. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward understanding the fundamental limits of learning in high-dimensional settings, with particular emphasis on phase transitions, statistical-to-computational gaps, and the theoretical properties of deep learning architectures. His work frequently bridges rigorous mathematical analysis with practical machine learning applications, demonstrating how insights from statistical physics can inform algorithm design and theoretical understanding in AI. Krzakala actively mentors the next generation of researchers, supervising numerous PhD students whose work continues to advance these interdisciplinary fields. His laboratory serves as a hub for researchers exploring the intersection of physics and computation, fostering collaborations across traditional disciplinary boundaries. He teaches advanced courses including Fundamentals of Inference and Learning, Statistical Physics, and Statistical Physics for Optimization & Learning, which examine the connections between physical principles and computational methods. His educational materials, including lecture notes on statistical physics methods in optimization and machine learning, have become valuable resources for students and researchers worldwide. As founder and scientific advisor of the startup Lighton, Krzakala has also demonstrated a commitment to translating theoretical insights into practical applications, particularly in the realm of optical computing for machine learning tasks.
Dr. Tim Oates is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County . His research spans machine learning, artificial intelligence, and brain-machine interfaces, with a focus on weakly supervised methods, human-in-the-loop reinforcement learning, and grounded policy development for robotics. Ph.D., Computer Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 2000 M.S., Computer Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 1997 B.S., Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, 1989 Current research threads include: Developing non-invasive brain injury severity assessment via medical time series Modeling human brain development through computational frameworks Designing algorithms for autonomous robotic learning Recent publications highlight AI security mechanisms (backdoor detection via tensor decomposition, matrix factorization) Medical applications (3D artery reconstruction, skin lesion diagnosis, EEG denoising) Neuro-symbolic integration (holographic representations, language-guided reinforcement learning) Mathematical reasoning (schema-based problem solving, subitizing algorithms) Contact: oates@cs.umbc.edu | Office: 336 Information Technology and Engineering (ITE) Building
Luca Chiantini is a Full Professor at the University of Siena's Department of Information Engineering and Mathematical Sciences. Born in Siena in 1957, he earned his Mathematics degree from the University of Siena in 1979 and held academic positions at the Polytechnic of Turin, University of Naples, University of Rome 'La Sapienza', and others before joining the University of Siena in 1995. His research focuses on Algebraic Geometry, Commutative Algebra, and applications in Tensor Analysis and Multilinear Algebra. Chiantini's work explores projective varieties, secant varieties, Waring decompositions, and geometric complexity theory. He has authored over 100 publications, including studies on interpolation in higher codimension, Geproci sets, and Terracini loci. Education: Degree in Mathematics from the University of Siena (1979), followed by CNR grants and a Brandeis University fellowship (1982-1983). Academic roles include Department Director (2006-2012) and Dean of the Academic Board (2011-2012). Research Interests: Algebraic Geometry (e.g., projective varieties, secant varieties), Commutative Algebra (Hilbert functions, determinantal representations), and applied areas like tensor decomposition, geometric complexity, and algebraic statistics. His work bridges classical and modern algebraic geometry, with contributions to tensor rank, identifiability, and secant defectivity. Key Projects: Studies on interpolation, secant varieties, and geometric configurations. Collaborations on tensor analysis with applications in statistics and theoretical physics. Active in academic service and education, teaching advanced geometry and mathematics pedagogy.
Alexander Müller-Hermes is an Associate Professor at the Department of Mathematics, University of Oslo. His research focuses on quantum information theory with emphasis on mathematical questions in quantum Shannon theory and entanglement. He also explores functional analysis and convex geometry inspired by quantum phenomena. Before joining UiO, he held a Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowship at University Claude Bernard Lyon 1 and was a postdoc at the Centre for Mathematics in Quantum Theory (QMATH), University of Copenhagen. He earned his PhD in Mathematics from Technical University Munich in 2015. Teaching includes advanced courses like Quantum Information Theory (MAT4430) and Linear Algebra (MAT1120). His research interests span quantum communication, entanglement theory, operator algebras, and functional analysis, with over 20 peer-reviewed publications since 2014. His work on fault-tolerant quantum coding and entanglement monotones has advanced theoretical foundations in quantum information. He collaborates with the Operator Algebras research group at UiO and is part of the QOMBINE project on quantum computation and many-body theory.
Qiwei Yao is a Professor of Statistics at the Department of Statistics, London School of Economics (LSE), where he maintains an active research program in statistical methodology and applications. His office is located in Columbia House, Room 7.16 at LSE's Houghton Street campus in London. Professor Yao's research focuses on statistical inference for complex time series, with particular expertise in high-dimensional time series, dynamic networks, spatio-temporal processes, functional time series, nonlinear time series, and high-frequency data. His work bridges theoretical statistics with practical applications, especially in financial econometrics. He has developed innovative methodologies for dimension reduction, factor modeling, and network analysis that have become influential in the field. His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward developing statistical methods for increasingly complex data structures, particularly focusing on high-dimensional and network-based time series. His work integrates machine learning techniques with traditional statistical approaches, as evidenced by papers on deep learning for Markov property testing and tensor decompositions for matrix time series. There's also a clear emphasis on privacy-preserving methods and differential privacy in network analysis. Professor Yao has secured substantial research funding through multiple EPSRC Programme Grants and Research Projects, including the EPSRC Programme Grant for 'Statistical Foundations for Detecting Anomalous Structure in Stream Settings (DASS)' and 'Network Stochastic Processes and Time Series (NeST)'. He also leads the EPSRC Research Project on 'Statistical Network Analysis: Model Selection, Differential Privacy, and Dynamic Structures' and has collaborated with industry partners like Andurand Capital Management on projects such as 'Forecasting Oil Prices Based on Quantitative Methods'. His research has significant applications across various domains, particularly in energy forecasting (electricity load prediction), financial modeling (volatility modeling, oil price forecasting), and ecological modeling (spatio-temporal population dynamics). Professor Yao maintains strong collaborative relationships with researchers across multiple institutions and disciplines.
