Christopher Peikert

Christopher Peikert is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at the University of Michigan. He specializes in theoretical computer science with a focus on cryptography, including lattice-based cryptography and secure computation. His research is supported by grants from his own research funds and Rackham funding. Peikert advises a small, collaborative group of 2-3 PhD students, emphasizing hands-on mentorship and close collaboration on problem formulation, research execution, and publication preparation. He prioritizes student independence as they advance, while maintaining rigorous feedback on technical and communication aspects.

Peikert encourages students to engage in internships (typically in summers) and teaching (2-4 semesters as a Graduate Student Instructor). He expects students to publish in top venues like Crypto and Eurocrypt, and to graduate with a strong, cohesive body of work. His group attends major conferences in cryptography and theoretical computer science, supported by institutional and external funding. Time management is flexible, with emphasis on productivity and regular progress reviews.

Peikert's advising style emphasizes open communication, with frequent one-on-one meetings (1-2 times weekly) and constructive feedback on technical writing and research direction. Authorship follows alphabetical convention in theoretical work. He advocates for work-life balance, supporting reasonable time off and advocating for breaks post-submission deadlines.