Steve Homer

Steve Homer is a Professor of Computer Science at Boston University, affiliated with the Department of Computer Science within the College of Arts & Sciences. He has been on the faculty since 1982 and has held various administrative roles, including department chairman. He co-founded the Center for Reliable Information Systems and Cyber Security in 2002. He was a Fulbright Scholar in Heidelberg (1988-89) and a Visiting Research Professor at Oxford (1996). His research focuses on complexity theory, quantum computation, security, parallel algorithms, and computational learning theory.

Education:

• PhD in Mathematics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1978)

Research Interests: Homer’s work spans complexity theory (including quantum complexity), security mechanisms, parallel and randomized algorithms, mathematical logic, and learning theory. His contributions address foundational questions in theoretical computer science, with applications to quantum computing and algorithm design.

Publications: Over 70 research papers highlight his exploration of quantum algorithms, computational complexity boundaries, and algorithmic efficiency. Recent themes include quantum circuit limitations, historical foundations of complexity theory, and parallel approximation algorithms.

Awards:

• Fulbright Scholar (Heidelberg, 1988-89)
• Computational Science Undergraduate Teaching Award (Department of Energy, 1994)

Grants & Advising: Homer has led projects funded by the Department of Energy and other agencies. Though no specific student names are listed, his advising contributions are reflected in his extensive collaborative research.

Labs & Teams: Co-founder and director of the Center for Reliable Information Systems and Cyber Security, focusing on cybersecurity and trustworthy computing systems.