Mikkel N. Schmidt is an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). His research focuses on statistical modeling, Bayesian methods, and their applications in science and industry. He has held visiting roles at Columbia University (2007) and Cambridge University (2008-2009). His work integrates probabilistic modeling with computational inference to address complex problems in diverse fields such as molecular discovery, optical communication, and brain connectivity analysis. Education highlights include visiting scholar and postdoctoral experiences at top-tier institutions. Research interests span statistical methodology development, machine learning applications, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. Current projects involve Bayesian neural networks for molecular discovery and federated learning optimization. Advising efforts include supervising multiple PhD students in areas like molecular discovery and denoising diffusion models. Notable collaborations involve work on materials science, quantum communication, and medical signal processing. His contributions bridge theoretical advancements with practical industrial applications, emphasizing interdisciplinary innovation.
Sung Hoon Choi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Connecticut, part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on developing econometric tools for analyzing big data, machine learning applications, and forecasting using high-dimensional panel datasets. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Rutgers University (2021), an M.A. in Applied Statistics from Yonsei University (2016), and a B.A. in Statistics from the University of California, Berkeley (2013). His research interests include econometric theory, financial econometrics, and high-frequency data analysis. Notable areas of concentration are large panel data and factor models, high-dimensional data techniques, and volatility matrix analysis. He teaches courses such as Econometrics I and III for Ph.D. students, and Python programming for economists at undergraduate and master's levels. Recent publications focus on volatility modeling using factor structures, high-frequency financial data, and panel data econometrics. His work addresses challenges in structural information analysis, standard errors for clustered panels, and feasible generalized least squares methods. He collaborates with researchers like Donggyu Kim and Jushan Bai, contributing to leading journals like the Journal of Econometrics and Econometric Theory .
Christina Lee Yu is an Assistant Professor at Cornell University in the School of Operations Research and Information Engineering (ORIE). She holds a PhD and MS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT (2017, 2013) and a BS in Computer Science from Caltech (2011). Her research focuses on algorithm design, high-dimensional statistics, causal inference in networks, and reinforcement learning. She is also an Amazon Scholar and has received prestigious awards, including the NSF CAREER Award and Intel Rising Stars Award. Her work is supported by grants from the NSF and Air Force Office of Scientific Research. Education: PhD in EECS, MIT (2017) MS in EECS, MIT (2013) BS in Computer Science, Caltech (2011) Research Interests: Algorithm design and analysis Inference over networks and causal inference Sequential decision making under uncertainty Online learning and reinforcement learning High-dimensional statistics Awards and Honors: NSF CAREER Award (2024) ACM SIGMETRICS Rising Stars Award (2024) Intel® Rising Stars Award (2021) JPMorgan Faculty Research Award (2021) Simons Institute Research Fellow (2020) INFORMS Dantzig Dissertation Award Honorable Mention (2018) Grants and Funding: National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Grant Air Force Office of Scientific Research Grant Advising: PhD Students: Sean Sinclair, Tyler Sam, Xumei Xi Collaborators: Mayleen Cortez, Matthew Eichhorn Labs and Collaborations: Member of ORIE, Statistics, CAM, and CS graduate fields at Cornell Amazon Visiting Academic in Fulfillment Optimization (2025)
Örs Legeza is a physicist and scientific advisor at the Wigner Research Centre for Physics of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in Budapest, leading the Strongly Correlated Systems Research Group. He holds a visiting professorship at Philipps University Marburg, Germany, and has held fellowships at institutions like ETH Zurich and LMU Munich. His research focuses on developing tensor network state (TNS) methods for strongly correlated quantum systems, with applications in condensed matter physics, quantum chemistry, and nuclear structure calculations. Education: PhD from Budapest University of Technology and Economics (1997). He has collaborated with European institutions such as FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg and has been an Alexander von Humboldt awardee. His work bridges quantum information theory and computational mathematics to advance simulations of complex quantum systems. Research interests include quantum phase transitions, magnetic properties in solids, and ultracold atomic systems. His methods push computational boundaries for larger systems, integrating techniques like density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) and matrix product states (MPS). Notable awards include the 2021 Academy Prize and 2018 Humboldt Research Award. Recent articles explore quantum crystal imaging, tensor network algorithms, and nuclear structure calculations. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to quantum many-body problems.
Prof. Jorge Piekarewicz is a Professor of Physics at Florida State University (FSU), affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in theoretical nuclear physics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1985, followed by postdoctoral research at Caltech and Indiana University. Since 1990, he has been a faculty member at FSU. Education: Ph.D. in Theoretical Nuclear Physics, University of Pennsylvania (1985) Postdoctoral Fellowships: California Institute of Technology and Indiana University Research Interests: His work focuses on extreme-density nuclear matter in neutron stars, bridging terrestrial experiments and astrophysical observations. Key areas include: Neutron star structure and equation of state Weak interaction probes (e.g., parity-violating electron scattering) Multi-messenger astronomy insights from neutron star mergers Covariant energy density functionals and symmetry energy constraints Articles Trends: Recent work emphasizes refining the nuclear equation of state using PREX-CREX experiments, gravitational wave data (e.g., GW170817), and Bayesian methods. Key themes include neutron skin thickness, crust-core interactions, and symmetry energy sensitivity. Service & Outreach: Nuclear Science Advisory Committee (2012–2015) FRIB Theory Alliance Director (2017–2021) INT National Advisory Committee Chair (2018–2020) OLLI Lecturer on stellar evolution and neutron stars Collaborations: Active involvement with CERN, FRIB, JLab, and the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). Research leverages facilities like the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory.
Athanasios Rontogiannis is an Associate Professor at the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). He holds a PhD in Signal Processing from the National University of Athens (1997) and has held roles including Research Director at the National Observatory of Athens (2017–2021). His research focuses on signal processing, machine learning, and hyperspectral image analysis. Education: MEng (Electrical Engineering, NTUA, 1991), M.A.Sc. (University of Victoria, Canada, 1993), PhD (Signal Processing, National University of Athens, 1997). Research interests include adaptive algorithms, sparse representations, and tensor models. He has served on editorial boards of IEEE Transactions on Signal Processing and EURASIP journals, receiving an honorary distinction in 2020. He is a Senior Member of IEEE and affiliated with EURASIP and the Technical Chamber of Greece. Key contributions span hyperspectral unmixing, Bayesian algorithms, and space data exploitation. His work integrates machine learning for applications in space science and signal processing.
Abdulkadir C. Yucel serves as an Assistant Professor at Nanyang Technological University's School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, where he leads the Applied and Computational ELectromagnetics (ACEL) Group. His research spans applied electromagnetics, radar imaging, and AI-driven electromagnetic analysis with applications in smart cities, neurotechnology, and quantum systems. Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan (2013) M.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan (2008) B.S. in Electronics Engineering, Gebze Institute of Technology (2005, Summa Cum Laude) Yucel's research focuses on developing advanced computational techniques for electromagnetic analysis, particularly through machine learning applications in radar detection, uncertainty quantification, and integral equation solvers. His team pioneers innovations in tree radar systems for root imaging, through-wall sensing, and bio-electromagnetic analysis for MRI/TMS applications. Recent work integrates deep learning with tensor decomposition to accelerate EM simulations. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a strong trend toward AI-augmented electromagnetic solvers, with 60% applying deep learning to radar imaging and uncertainty quantification. Key domains include tree defect detection (24%), bio-electromagnetic dosimetry (16%), and accelerated computational methods (28%), demonstrating cross-cutting applications from forest health monitoring to medical safety. Scientific Awards: IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics Prize Paper Award (2024) NTU EEE Early Career Teaching Excellence Award (2024) Young Antenna Scientist Award (2023) Fulbright Fellowship (2006) Yucel actively mentors 11 graduate students and postdocs, with notable successes including Qiqi Dai's PhD on deep learning for GPR imaging and Mingyu Wang's work on tensor-based EM solvers. His research is supported by Singapore's National Research Foundation and industry partnerships, with recent grants focusing on standoff tree radar systems and neural network-accelerated EM analysis. The ACEL Group maintains collaborations with MIT, KAUST, and National Supercomputing Center Singapore. The ACEL Group operates advanced radar testbeds including custom tree radar systems and MRI safety validation platforms, with recent deployments highlighted in NTU's social media and National Supercomputing Center newsletters. Current projects focus on real-time tree health monitoring and AI-driven electromagnetic compatibility analysis for next-generation wireless systems.
Inna Fishman, Ph.D., is a Research Associate Professor at San Diego State University's Department of Psychology within the College of Sciences. Her research investigates brain network organization in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using multimodal MRI techniques, focusing on developmental trajectories from toddlerhood to adulthood. She directs studies on sensory processing, socioeconomic influences, and neural connectivity patterns in ASD. Research Focus: Dr. Fishman's work bridges social neuroscience and clinical neuropsychology, examining: Early biomarkers of ASD via functional/diffusion MRI Impact of bilingualism and socioeconomic factors on neurodevelopment Sleep disorders and sensory sensitivities in autistic children Aging-related neural changes in adults with ASD Publication Trends: Her recent articles (2021-2025) emphasize: 1) Advanced neuroimaging of ASD across lifespan stages, 2) Machine learning applications for diagnostics, 3) Socioeconomic and environmental modulators of brain development, and 4) Sleep/auditory processing comorbidities. Student Advising & Grants: She mentors doctoral candidates (Lindsay Olson, Jiwandeep Kohli, Bosi Chen) and leads NIH-funded projects including a clinical psychology fellowship for autism evaluation across ages. Laboratory Affiliation: Dr. Fishman co-directs the Brain Development Imaging Laboratories (BDIL), which investigates ASD manifestations through behavioral and neuroimaging approaches.
Nima Lashkari is an Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Purdue University, affiliated with the College of Science . His research focuses on quantum field theory (QFT), quantum gravity, black hole physics, and quantum information theory. He holds a Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics from McGill University (2012) and a B.Sc. in Physics from Sharif University of Technology (2006). Prior to Purdue, he held postdoctoral positions at MIT, the University of British Columbia, and Stanford University, and was a member of the School of Natural Sciences at the Institute for Advanced Study (2018–2019). His research explores operator algebras in quantum gravity, local S-matrix formalisms, and multipartite entanglement. Notable interests include renormalization group flows as quantum error correction, eigenstate thermalization in QFT, and holographic principles. He is a member of the It from Qubit collaboration , focusing on non-perturbative quantum field theory and gravity through quantum information lenses. Lashkari’s work has contributed to understanding gravitational dynamics via entanglement, modular theory applications in QFT, and the interplay between quantum information and spacetime geometry. His recent talks include discussions on modular intersections, time interval algebras, and gravitational energy theorems derived from information inequalities.
David Hong is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Delaware. He holds a PhD from the University of Michigan, where he was an NSF Graduate Research Fellow, and previously served as an NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on developing robust methods for analyzing heterogeneous and high-dimensional data, particularly through low-rank matrix and tensor techniques. Applications span medical imaging, radar systems, genomics, and astronomy. He emphasizes theoretical guarantees and practical algorithms for signal extraction and inverse problems. Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (University of Michigan), NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (University of Pennsylvania). Research Interests: Low-rank matrix/tensor methods, heterogeneous data analysis, unsupervised learning, and applications in healthcare, imaging, and sensor systems. His work addresses noise robustness, scalable algorithms, and real-world deployment challenges. Scientific Awards: Recipient of the NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (2020) and NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (2015). Advising & Grants: Advisor to graduate students in machine learning and signal processing (no named advisees listed). Active NSF grant recipient for foundational and applied research in data science. Labs/Teams: Engaged in interdisciplinary collaborations through the University of Delaware's Center for Computational Research and Data Science initiatives.
Hossein Valavi is a Lecturer and Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies at Princeton University, contributing to advancements in computer architecture and hardware acceleration. His research focuses on in-memory computing, neural networks, and energy-efficient systems, with notable work in reconfigurable architectures and mixed-signal processing. He has received multiple teaching awards, including recognition for innovative pandemic-era Car Lab courses and collaborative work honored by the Edison Patent Award. His academic contributions span academic positions since 2018, emphasizing both research and pedagogical excellence. Key technical areas include scalable in-memory computing systems, analog neural network accelerators, and low-power matrix factorization algorithms. His work addresses critical challenges in data movement reduction and hardware-software co-design for modern computing systems. Awards: Teaching Excellence Awards (2021, 2023), Edison Patent Award (2023) Grants & Projects: Leading developments in in-memory computing accelerators and embedded microprocessor designs Research teams under his guidance have produced impactful IP in semiconductor layouts, CNN accelerators, and programmable architectures, aiming to bridge theoretical computer science with practical hardware implementations.
Kejun Huang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer and Information Science and Engineering at the University of Florida's Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering. His primary research area is Machine Learning, with additional interests in algorithms, computer vision, and data science. He received his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Minnesota in 2016. His research focuses on machine learning, signal processing, optimization, and statistics. Recent work tackles unsupervised learning challenges and AI-powered medical research through NIH-funded projects. Dr. Huang's publications demonstrate consistent focus on optimization techniques for tensor decomposition, dictionary learning identifiability, and nonnegative matrix factorization. Key themes include algorithmic efficiency and theoretical guarantees in machine learning models.
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.
Cristopher Moore is a Professor at the Santa Fe Institute, where he conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of physics, computer science, and mathematics. His work focuses on understanding phase transitions in computational problems, statistical inference, and network analysis. Moore has made significant contributions to the fields of complex systems, quantum computing, and algorithmic justice. Moore's primary research areas include phase transitions in computational problems and statistical inference, where he investigates how problems suddenly become hard or impossible to solve when certain thresholds are crossed. His work spans social networks, big data analysis, quantum computing, algorithmic transparency, and decarbonization efforts. He is particularly known for applying physics-inspired approaches to computational problems, using techniques from spin glass theory, network theory, and computational complexity. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on community detection in networks, phase transitions in data science problems, algorithmic fairness in criminal justice systems, and quantum computing applications. Moore's work demonstrates consistent patterns across multiple disciplines, with recurring themes of phase transitions, computational limits, and the application of physics concepts to computational problems. Moore actively mentors students and has advised numerous PhD and Master's students who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. His work on algorithmic justice has influenced policy discussions in New Mexico and beyond, particularly regarding risk assessment in the criminal justice system.
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.
