Rodica Neamtu

Rodica Neamtu is a tenured Professor of Teaching in the Computer Science Department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). She co-directs the WPI Bucharest Project Center and serves as Principal Investigator for a $2.5 million NSF S-STEM grant focused on supporting Pell-grant students in computer science. With over fifteen years of teaching experience, she is committed to using education to empower others and make a difference in the world.

Her educational background includes:

• BS/MS in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering from University of Craiova, Romania (1991)
• PhD in Computer Science from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (2017)

Professor Neamtu is a data mining researcher investigating groundbreaking techniques to explore time series datasets at the confluence of theoretical computer science and application domains like medicine, neuroscience, economics, transportation, and complex decision making. Her work bridges computer science with real-world applications, particularly in healthcare accessibility, materials science, and educational technologies. She has published extensively on Data Driven Materials Science, Brain Computer Interaction, and Data Series analytics.

Her publication trends reveal a consistent interdisciplinary approach, applying machine learning and time series analysis to solve practical problems across neuroscience, materials engineering, and accessibility applications. The research demonstrates a strong pattern of translating theoretical computer science into impactful real-world solutions, with increasing focus on accessibility technologies and materials science applications in recent years.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Multiple Provost's MQP Awards (2022, 2020)
• Honorable Mentions (2024, 2022, 2021)
• Women's Impact Network Grant Awards including WISE Fellowship (2021)
• PI for $2.5 million NSF S-STEM grant (2024-2029)
• NSF Cold Spray Development Project Grant (2022)

Professor Neamtu is deeply committed to student mentorship, having advised numerous Major and Interactive Qualifying Projects at WPI. She co-founded the Women Interdisciplinary Scholarship Engagement Network (WISE) and leads efforts to expand diversity through the AI4ALL program. Her $2.5 million NSF S-STEM grant supports Pell-grant students with financial assistance and professional development. She also co-directs the WPI Bucharest Project Center, building connections between American and Romanian cultures to foster global understanding and impactful initiatives.

She leads several research initiatives including the Data Driven Materials Science (DDMS) lab, the Path to Achieving Success and Sense of Belonging in Computer Science program, and the AI4ALL program at WPI. Her Schloss Dagstuhl Online Exploration of Time Series work connects her to international research communities focused on time series analysis, demonstrating her commitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary research that addresses real-world challenges.