Manuel Blum

Manuel Blum is the Bruce Nelson Professor of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science, Department of Computer Science. He is renowned for foundational contributions to computational complexity, cryptography, and theoretical computer science. His work includes pioneering research on CAPTCHAs, human computation, and self-testing programs. Blum has collaborated extensively with figures like Luis von Ahn, contributing to projects like Peekaboom and Verbosity. His research also extends to philosophical inquiries into consciousness, blending computer science with neuroscience and philosophy.

Blum's teaching includes courses on theoretical cryptography (15-503) and undergraduate complexity theory (15-455). He has advised students such as Brendan Juba and Matt Humphrey, whose work explores computational complexity and related fields. His research spans grants on machine learning, game theory, and computational complexity, including an NSF proposal on understanding concept understanding. Blum's contributions to security, randomness, and algorithm design have had lasting impacts on computer science.