Ran Libeskind-Hadas

Ran Libeskind-Hadas is the Kravis Professor of Integrated Sciences and Founding Chair of the Kravis Department of Integrated Sciences. His research focuses on computational biology, particularly phylogenetics and the development of algorithmic methods for analyzing evolutionary relationships. He has pioneered work on phylogenetic reconciliation, gene family evolution, and cophylogeny analysis in host-symbiont systems. His contributions include the development of tools like eMPRess and xenoGI 3, which facilitate systematic reconciliation and gene family evolution studies.

Education: A.B. in Applied Mathematics from Harvard University, Ph.D. in Computer Science from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Research emphasizes computational methods for evolutionary biology, including DTLOR model applications, reconciliation algorithms, and interdisciplinary curriculum design. His work bridges computer science and biology through algorithm design and software tools for genomic and phylogenetic analysis. Notable contributions include polynomial-time algorithms for species network analysis and NP-hardness proofs for reconciliation problems. He has led NSF-funded projects focusing on phylogenetic reconciliation methods and interdisciplinary computing education.

His teaching integrates computational approaches with biological problems, exemplified by his biology-based CS1 course and CS+ X interdisciplinary curricula. He collaborates on studies of Fusarium-Euwallacea mutualisms and has contributed to understanding domestic PhD pipelines in computer science.