Tim Weninger

Tim Weninger is the Frank M. Freimann Associate Professor of Engineering and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Notre Dame's College of Engineering. He is affiliated with the Lucy Family Institute for Data and Society, the Pulte Institute for Global Development, and the Technology Ethics Center. His research focuses on artificial intelligence, social media analysis, network science, and understanding human information consumption/curation behaviors. Key areas include disinformation detection, AI ethics, and sociotechnical systems.

Weninger holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2013). His work is funded by NSF, DARPA, USAID, Templeton Foundation, AFOSR, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. He actively recruits graduate students interested in AI/social media intersections.

Research emphasizes real-time social media manipulation detection (e.g., MEWS system), propaganda analysis in conflicts (e.g., Russia-Ukraine Telegram narratives), and cross-cultural science communication studies across 68 countries. Recent projects include VirTLab for human-AI teaming simulations and MedCodER for medical coding assistance.

Key contributions include frameworks for graph modeling (Vertex Replacement Grammars), meme dynamics analysis, and early warning systems for disinformation. His work bridges technical innovation with societal impact through ethical AI design and misinformation mitigation strategies.