Shirin Saeedi Bidokhti is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Engineering and Applied Science with primary appointment in Electrical and Systems Engineering and secondary appointment in Computer and Information Science. She is affiliated with the Warren Center for Network and Data Sciences. She holds M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from EPFL and completed postdoctoral work at Stanford and Technical University of Munich. Her research focuses on information theory, networking, data compression, and machine learning. Her recent publications demonstrate strong emphasis on neural compression algorithms, network optimization during the COVID-19 pandemic, and age-of-information theory. Awards include: 2023 IEEE Communications Society & Information Theory Society Joint Paper Award 2021 NSF CAREER Award 2019 NSF-CRII Award Swiss National Science Foundation Fellowships She advises PhD students including Xingran Chen. Current research involves developing data compression algorithms for IoT applications and network strategies for pandemic response.
Venkatesan Guruswami is a Chancellor's Professor in the Department of EECS and a Senior Scientist at the Simons Institute for the Theory of Computing at UC Berkeley . He also holds a Professor position in the Department of Mathematics . His academic journey began with a B.Tech in Computer Science from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (1997) , followed by a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2001) . After a Miller Research Fellowship at UC Berkeley (2001–02), he held faculty roles at the University of Washington and Carnegie Mellon University before returning to UC Berkeley in January 2022. Education : B.Tech, IIT Madras (1997) Ph.D., MIT (2001) Professional Affiliations : Chancellor's Professor, UC Berkeley (EECS) Senior Scientist & Interim Director, Simons Institute Professor, UC Berkeley (Mathematics) Guruswami's research spans multiple domains within Theoretical Computer Science , focusing on Error-Correcting Codes , Approximation Algorithms , Randomness in Computing , Probabilistically Checkable Proofs , and Computational Complexity . His groundbreaking work in List Decoding has enabled codes with minimal redundancy for correcting worst-case errors, while recent advancements include Polar Codes , Deletion-Correcting Codes , and Constraint Satisfaction Problems . He has also contributed to Quantum Coding Theory , Locally Recoverable Codes , and Approximation Hardness in various computational contexts. His publications reflect a deep engagement with interdisciplinary topics. Key trends include: Quantum Information Theory : Quantum LDPC codes, transversal gates, and quantum storage. Algebraic Coding : Reed-Solomon codes, AG codes, and polynomial-based constructions. Computational Complexity : Hardness of approximation, CSPs, and parameterized intractability. Data Transmission : Polar codes, deletion channels, and feedback mechanisms. Algorithmic Techniques : Spectral methods, semirandom models, and Lasserre hierarchy applications. Guruswami has received numerous accolades, including the Simons Investigator Award , Presburger Award , Packard Fellowship , Sloan Research Fellowship , ACM Doctoral Dissertation Award , and the IEEE Information Theory Society Paper Award . He is an ACM Fellow (2017) and IEEE Fellow (2019) , with recent honors like the Guggenheim Fellowship (2023) and AMS Fellow (2023) . As an advisor, he has mentored over 25 PhD and postdoctoral researchers , including Atri Rudra , Prasad Raghavendra , and Peter Manohar , whose work has won awards like the Edmund M. Clarke Doctoral Dissertation Award and CRA Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award . His research is supported by grants from the National Science Foundation , Packard Foundation , and Sloan Foundation . He also serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the ACM and holds leadership roles in IEEE and arXiv moderation. Guruswami is actively involved in Simons Institute programs and co-organized workshops on Coded Computation and Information Theory . His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical applications in Cloud Storage , Quantum Computing , and Group Testing , including pandemic-era contributions like AC-DC: Amplification Curve Diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2 .
Sherry Tongshuang Wu is an Assistant Professor at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science, with primary appointments in the Human-Computer Interaction Institute (HCII) and secondary affiliation with the Language Technology Institute (LTI) . Trained at the University of Washington under Jeffrey Heer and Dan Weld, she bridges HCI and NLP to study human interactions with AI systems across diverse user groups. Her educational background includes a Ph.D. (2016-22) and M.S. (2016-18) in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Washington, and a B.Eng. (2012-16) from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Industry experience includes research internships at Google Brain, Microsoft Research, and Apple. Wu's research focuses on three interconnected pillars: Real-world AI Evaluation (developing frameworks like SPHERE for systematic assessment), Task-specific AI Test & Distill (optimizing general-purpose models for specific use cases), and Human-AI Task Delegation (designing optimal collaboration between humans and AI). Her work emphasizes practical deployment, user-specific net gains, and error recovery mechanisms. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a strong trend toward evaluation frameworks (35%), human-AI collaboration systems (30%), and specialized model distillation (25%), with growing emphasis on educational applications (10%). Key methodological themes include checklist-based evaluation, perspective-aware retrieval, and structural analysis of AI outputs. Google Academic Research Award (2024) Amazon Research Awards (2024) AIED 2024 Best Paper Award ACL 2020 Best Paper Award Rising Stars in EECS Workshop (2020) Wu actively mentors 19 students across PhD, Master's, and undergraduate levels, with notable projects including synthetic data generation, LLM literacy tools, and retrieval system optimization. She leads significant grant-funded work through Amazon Research Awards and Google Academic Research Awards, focusing on deployable model generation and human-AI collaboration frameworks. Her lab develops practical tools like Promp2Model and SPHERE that bridge theoretical research with industry applications.
Nathan Kaplan is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of California, Irvine, where he conducts research in number theory, algebraic geometry, and combinatorics. His work spans rational points on varieties over finite fields, arithmetic statistics, coding theory, and the study of numerical semigroups. He is actively involved in the mathematical community, organizing seminars and conferences including the UC Irvine Number Theory Seminar and the Southern California Number Theory Day. Dr. Kaplan received his PhD from Harvard University in 2013 under the direction of Noam Elkies. Following his doctorate, he was a postdoctoral researcher at Yale University from 2013-2015 before joining the faculty at UC Irvine. His research interests focus on the intersection of number theory and algebraic geometry, with particular attention to problems involving rational points on varieties over finite fields, arithmetic statistics, and coding theory. He has made significant contributions to the study of numerical semigroups, cokernels of random p-adic and integer matrices, and quadratic forms and lattices. His work often bridges theoretical mathematics with applications in coding theory and cryptography. Analysis of his recent publications shows a strong trend toward combinatorial aspects of number theory, particularly in the study of numerical semigroups and their properties. He frequently collaborates with researchers across institutions, with recent work spanning algebraic geometry, combinatorics, and coding theory. His publications demonstrate expertise in both theoretical developments and computational aspects of number theory. Dr. Kaplan is deeply committed to undergraduate research and mentoring. He has experience as a mentor for undergraduate research projects through programs including SUMRY (a research program for Yale undergraduates), the University of Minnesota-Duluth REU program, and the Trinity University REU program. He actively encourages undergraduates to apply for summer research opportunities and has organized numerous outreach activities. He is an organizer of the UC Irvine Number Theory Seminar and the Southern California Number Theory Day conference series. In 2018, he co-organized the Conference on Open Questions in Cryptography and Number Theory in honor of Alice Silverberg's 60th Birthday. Dr. Kaplan has given numerous talks at mathematical venues including the Museum of Mathematics' Math Encounters series, where he presented "Error-Correcting Codes: The Mathematics of Communication" in July 2022. He has also spoken at the Yale Undergraduate Math Society, the UCI Math Circle, and various other outreach events.
Yiming Yang is a Professor at the Language Technologies Institute and Machine Learning Department within the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University , where he has held faculty positions since 2003. His research spans foundational and applied aspects of machine learning , artificial intelligence , and scientific computing . Professor, Carnegie Mellon University (2003–Present) Associate Professor, Carnegie Mellon University (1996–2003) Yang's research focuses on LLM-based problem-solving agents , combinatorial optimization , and scalable oversight frameworks . His work explores diffusion models, Langevin dynamics, and Fourier neural operators for NP-hard problems, while advancing reinforcement learning techniques for self-play supervision and principle-driven fine-tuning of large language models. Recent publications highlight his contributions to code synthesis , PDE solving , and multi-agent reinforcement learning . Key methodologies include demonstration-guided control, retrieval-augmented reasoning, and test-time scaling laws. His team has developed frameworks like FEEDER for efficient in-context learning and μTransfer-FNO for zero-shot hyperparameter transfer in PDE solvers. Notable scientific achievements include: Best Student Paper Runner Up (2013) Best Theoretical Paper Award (1994) Best Theoretical Paper Award (1993) Yang has mentored over 20 PhD students and postdocs, including Shengyu Feng , Zhiqing Sun , and Aman Madaan , across domains like graph learning , extreme multi-label classification , and language model alignment .
David Blaauw is the Kensall D. Wise Collegiate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) at the University of Michigan. His research focuses on ultra-low-power analog/mixed-signal circuits, mm-scale sensors, neural networks, and biomedical applications. He leads the Blaauw Lab, which has pioneered innovations like the Michigan Micro Mote (M^3) and neural recording probes. His work emphasizes real-world deployability, with applications in environmental monitoring (e.g., monarch butterflies), medical devices, and robotics. Education: B.S. in Physics and Computer Science, Duke University (1986) Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (1991) Research Interests: Blaauw’s lab explores ultra-low-power computing, mm-scale systems, RF communication, in-memory computing, and genomics acceleration. Key projects include: Millimeter-scale computers (e.g., 0.04mm³ temperature sensors) Wireless neural interfaces for brain-machine communication Energy-efficient accelerators for edge AI and genomics Micro-robotics with sensing/actuation/computation Awards: IEEE Fellow 2016 SIA-SRC Faculty Award Motorola Innovation Award Best Paper Awards at ISSCC, ISCA, and RFIC Advising & Impact: Over 600 publications, 65 patents, and 4 startup companies spun from his lab. Current research includes genome sequencing accelerators (GenAx) and neural recording dust for brain mapping. He directs the Michigan Integrated Circuits Lab and chairs major conferences like ISSCC and DAC. Labs/Teams: Blaauw Lab (University of Michigan) Michigan Integrated Circuits Lab (MICAL)
Maurice Smith serves as the Gordon McKay Professor of Bioengineering at Harvard University's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), where he leads the Neuromotor Control Lab. His primary appointment resides within the Department of Bioengineering, focusing on the computational and neural mechanisms underlying human movement control. Smith's research centers on sensorimotor learning , motor adaptation , and neuromotor control systems . He investigates how the brain forms and retains motor memories, particularly examining cerebellar contributions to long-term sensorimotor memory and the dissociation between implicit and explicit learning pathways. His work frequently employs computational modeling to dissect neural tuning properties and motor variability regulation. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on temporal dynamics in motor learning , cerebellar function in memory consolidation , and Bayesian frameworks for understanding sensorimotor adaptation . His research demonstrates consistent focus on how error processing, uncertainty, and neural plasticity shape motor memory formation across multiple timescales. Smith maintains active collaborations with researchers including Wilsaan M. Joiner, Yohsuke R. Miyamoto, and Nathan Sandholtz, as evidenced by frequent co-authorship patterns. His laboratory investigates fundamental questions in motor control with implications for neurorehabilitation and adaptive robotics.
Bruce Allen is the Director of the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute) in Hannover, Germany, where he also heads the Observational Relativity and Cosmology department. He holds dual academic appointments as Honorary Professor of Physics at Leibniz Universität Hannover and Adjunct Professor of Physics at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA. His career spans over three decades in gravitational physics research, with a leadership role in the LIGO Scientific Collaboration from 1997 to 2018. Dr. Allen's research focuses on gravitational wave detection and data analysis, early universe cosmology, de Sitter space, curved-space quantum field theory, cosmic strings, inflationary models of the early universe, and gravitational radiation emission by cosmic strings. His work extends to large-scale cluster computing and public distributed computing projects like Einstein@Home, which has led to significant discoveries in gravitational wave astronomy. His recent publications demonstrate expertise in pulsar timing arrays, Hellings-Downs correlation analysis, and optimization of computational methods for gravitational wave detection. Allen's scientific contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards including the Richard A. Isaacson Award (2020), the Bruno Rossi Prize (2017), the Princess of Asturias Award (2017), and the Special Breakthrough Prize (2016), all shared with the LIGO team for groundbreaking gravitational wave discoveries. He is also an Elected Fellow of both the American Physical Society and the Institute of Physics, UK. As a research leader, Allen has secured approximately $10 million in research funding from the National Science Foundation (1987-2018) and has mentored numerous students and researchers in gravitational physics. His work on Einstein@Home has engaged the public in scientific discovery through distributed computing, leading to several important astrophysical findings including gamma-ray pulsar discoveries.
Rishidev Chaudhuri is an Associate Professor at the University of California, Davis in the Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior within the College of Biological Sciences. His research focuses on computational neuroscience and neural dynamics, employing mathematical models to investigate how neural circuits generate cognitive processes such as memory, perception, and decision-making. His work explores neural dynamics through models of memory systems, attentional mechanisms, and probabilistic inference. Recent publications highlight advances in understanding hippocampal memory scaffolds, parietal-frontal interactions, and neuromorphic computing inspired by brain architecture. Education: BA in Physics (Amherst College), PhD in Applied Mathematics (Yale University) Centers: Center for Neuroscience; affiliated with Applied Mathematics and Neuroscience Graduate Groups Scientific awards and honors are not explicitly mentioned in the provided materials.
Gavin Brennen is a Professor in Quantum Information Science (Core) at Macquarie University's School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. He leads the Macquarie Centre for Quantum Engineering (MQCQE) and serves as a Chief Investigator at the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS). He is also an Executive Board Member of the Sydney Quantum Academy (SQA). His research focuses on quantum computing, quantum sensing, and atomic physics, with a particular emphasis on quantum error correction and quantum LDPC codes. Key roles and affiliations include directorship of MQCQE, leadership in ARC EQUS, and SQA board membership. He has secured funding for multiple research projects, including Sydney Quantum Academy scholarships (e.g., Brennen/Gharat and Brennen/Vedl) and the Engineered Quantum Matter initiative. His work addresses quantum technologies' applications in sensing, computing, and communication. Research interests span quantum computing architectures, quantum error correction protocols, and atomic systems. Notable projects include high-rate quantum LDPC codes for neutral atom registers, cavity-based quantum gates, and quantum internet protocols. His contributions to quantum crypto-economics and blockchain security further highlight his interdisciplinary impact. He has advised on projects such as the Australian Dark Matter Detector for High-Mass Axions and collaborates internationally. Current efforts prioritize scalable quantum systems, fault-tolerant protocols, and quantum networking. His lab and teams drive innovation in quantum hardware and theoretical frameworks for emerging technologies.
Zhendong Su is a full professor in the Department of Computer Science at ETH Zurich since August 2018. Previously, he held a full professorship at UC Davis from 2003 until June 2019. He earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science from UC Berkeley and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics from UT Austin in 1995. Affiliations: ETH Zurich: Full Professor (since 2018) UC Davis: Full Professor and Chancellor’s Fellow (2003–2019) IEEE Fellow, ACM Fellow, and Member of Academia Europaea His research focuses on programming languages, compilers, software engineering, computer security, and education technologies . Key contributions include compiler validation (e.g., Project Yin-Yang for SMT solvers and DBMS testing), testing tools like SQLancer, and educational innovations such as the Algot visual programming language. Recent work emphasizes secure AI (e.g., CipherSteal for TEE-shielded models) and compiler reliability (e.g., Artemis/Apollo for JIT validation). He has pioneered techniques like metamorphic testing and equivalence modulo inputs (EMI) for compiler validation, uncovering thousands of bugs in GCC/LLVM and SMT solvers. Awards: ICSE MIP Award (2022), ACM SIGSOFT Impact Paper (2018), NSF CAREER Award, and multiple industrial awards. His students have won IEEE TCSE Rising Star and SIGSOFT Impact Paper awards, securing roles at top universities and companies like Google and NVIDIA. Service: Steering committee member of ISSTA and ESEC/FSE, ACM Distinguished Speaker, and Associate Editor for ACM TOSEM. Program chaired ISSTA 2012 and co-chaired FSE 2016. Labs/Teams: Leads research groups on compiler validation, secure AI, and education technologies. Projects include Yin-Yang (SMT testing), SQLancer (DBMS fuzzing), and Algot (visual programming for education).
Serge Fehr is a Senior Researcher in the Cryptology Group at CWI (Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica) in Amsterdam and a part-time Professor at the Mathematical Institute of Leiden University. His research focuses on foundational aspects of cryptology, including post-quantum cryptography, information-theoretic security, zero-knowledge proofs, and secure multiparty computation. He participates in AMSec (Amsterdam Cyber Security Center) and leads work packages in the NWO-funded HAPKIDO consortium. Education: M.Sc. in Mathematics from ETH Zürich (1998) Ph.D. in Cryptography from ETH Zürich and University of Aarhus (2003) Postdoc at Macquarie University (2003-2004) Research Interests: Post-quantum cryptographic primitives (e.g., digital signatures, lattice-based schemes) Quantum-resistant protocols (e.g., non-resignable signatures, Fiat-Shamir transforms) Foundational security proofs in the quantum random oracle model (QROM) Secure multiparty computation and privacy-preserving healthcare systems Key Activities: Editorial Board Member: Journal of Cryptology , IEEE Transactions on Information Theory Program Committee Co-Chair: EUROCRYPT 2025 Steering Committee Member: Beyond IID Information Theory, QCrypt Co-organizer: Symposium Series on Post-Quantum Cryptography Grants/Awards: NWO Cybersecurity consortium grant (HAPKIDO - 2021) NWO Veni Grant (2005) NWO Open & Free Competition Grants (2008, 2013) Students/Advising: Supervised or served on committees for over 15 Ph.D. students, including work on post-quantum signatures, MPC applications, and lattice-based cryptography. Labs/Teams: Active in CWI’s Cryptology Group and Leiden’s Mathematical Institute, collaborating with industry partners (e.g., KPN, Microsoft) in cybersecurity initiatives.
Robert M. Weikle, II is a Professor in the Charles L. Brown Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Virginia, with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Physics. He earned his B.S. from Rice University (1986), M.S. (1987), and Ph.D. (1992) in Electrical Engineering from Caltech, followed by postdoctoral work at Chalmers University of Technology (1992). His research focuses on millimeter-wave and terahertz electronics , applied electromagnetics, integrated antennas, low-noise sensors, and heterogeneous integration of compound semiconductors. His work bridges electronics and photonics for spectrum access, with applications in astronomy, spectroscopy, and metrology. He has published extensively on micromachined silicon substrates, superconducting materials, and emerging technologies. Scientific Awards: IEEE Microwave Prize (1993) David A. Harrison III Award (1999) University of Virginia All-University Outstanding Teaching Award (2000) Edlich-Henderson Innovator of the Year (2016) Fulbright Scholar (2001) As Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of Dominion Microprobes, Inc., he commercializes micromachined wafer probes for high-frequency metrology. His lab, located in E220 Thornton Hall and the Jesse W. Beams Physics Building, has produced 15+ recent publications on submillimeter-wave devices, THz probes, and calibration techniques.
Kavan Modi is a Professor at the School of Physics and Astronomy, Monash University. His research focuses on quantum information theory applied to dynamics, metrology, computation, thermodynamics, and relativity. He leads the Monash Quantum Information Science (MonQIS) group and serves as Director of the Centre for Quantum Technology at Transport for NSW (2022–2024). Education: B.Sc. Engineering Physics (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 2001), M.A. Physics (University of Texas at Austin, 2004), Ph.D. Physics (University of Texas at Austin, 2008). Postdoctoral positions included the Centre for Quantum Technologies (Singapore, 2008–2011) and Clarendon Lab, Oxford (2011–2013). Joined Monash in 2014. Research interests center on quantum dynamics, non-Markovian processes, and their applications in quantum computing and information science. Projects include developing error correction codes, quantum algorithms for network analysis, and mitigating correlated noise in quantum systems. He has authored over 111 publications, with recent work emphasizing non-Markovian characterization, quantum process tomography, and topology-based quantum algorithms. Awards and grants include leadership in multiple Australian Research Council projects. Advising/Grants: Primary Chief Investigator in projects like 'Quantum Software Platform' (2023–2026) and 'Mitigating Correlated Noise in Quantum Machines' (2020–2021). Supervises graduate students and collaborates globally on quantum information science. Labs/Teams: MonQIS group focuses on foundational and applied quantum research, integrating theory and experimental collaborations.
Caroline Trippel is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering at Stanford University. Her research focuses on ensuring correctness and security in computer systems through formal methods, with particular emphasis on hardware verification, memory consistency models, and mitigating vulnerabilities like Spectre/Meltdown. She previously worked at Facebook’s FAIR SysML group before joining Stanford. Education: PhD in Computer Science, Princeton University BS in Computer Engineering, Purdue University Her work has influenced the RISC-V ISA memory consistency model and produced tools like CheckMate, which automatically synthesizes hardware exploits for security verification. She explores privacy-preserving ML, ML-driven hardware optimizations (e.g., neural recommendation), and datacenter reliability. Her research has earned awards including the 2020 ACM SIGARCH Dissertation Award and NVIDIA Fellowship. Key contributions include: Formal analysis of RISC-V memory models Exploitation synthesis frameworks (CheckMate) Hardware-software contracts for security Defenses against microarchitectural side-channel attacks Current projects include: VeriCoder: LLM-enhanced RTL code verification Multi-μPATH synthesis for security validation Near-data processing (RecSSD) for recommendation systems
