Dr. M.Z. Naser is an Assistant Professor in the Glenn Department of Civil Engineering at Clemson University. His research focuses on causal and explainable machine learning methodologies applied to structural engineering, materials science, and fire safety. He holds a PhD from Michigan State University and an M.S. from the American University of Sharjah. Naser teaches courses such as Machine Learning for Civil Engineers and Structural Fire Engineering, emphasizing interdisciplinary innovation. His work bridges data-driven analysis with domain-specific knowledge to address challenges in resilient infrastructure design, including fire-resistant materials, structural retrofits, and AI-driven decision-making. Education: PhD, Michigan State University; M.S., American University of Sharjah Research Themes: Explainable AI, Fire Engineering, Structural Materials, Causal Inference Key Projects: Developing SPINEX framework, wildfire classification models, and cognitive infrastructure systems Recent publications analyze over 1000 fire tests to uncover spalling mechanisms, explore synthetic fire tests via GANs, and benchmark automated ML platforms. His work on causal diagrams for civil engineers and firefighter algorithms highlights contributions to both theory and practical applications. Naser also advocates for integrating AI into engineering education, emphasizing ethical and transparent model deployment.
Marco Valtorta is a Professor and Graduate Director in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of South Carolina’s Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing. He specializes in Artificial Intelligence, with a focus on normative reasoning under uncertainty, Bayesian networks, causal models, and computational complexity. His work includes developing algorithms for structure learning in graphical models, causal inference, and applications in multiagent systems. Education: Ph.D., Computer Science, Duke University (1987) M.A., Computer Science, Duke University (1984) Laurea, Electrical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano (1980) Research Interests: Dr. Valtorta’s work integrates logical and probabilistic reasoning, with contributions to causal models, chain graphs, and adversarial machine learning. His funded projects include collaborations with the Office of Naval Research (ONR), IARPA, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Notable collaborations include applying Bayesian networks to healthcare and developing frameworks for trustworthiness assessment in AI systems. Grants & Collaborations: Multi-institution IARPA project on Wigmorean/Bayesian networks for argumentation ONR-funded research on Markov properties of directed hypergraphs with Dr. Linyuan Lu Causal analysis for performance modeling of configurable systems His recent publications emphasize causal inference in AI, automated evaluation of text and sentiment analysis systems, and robustness of foundation models. He has pioneered algorithms for learning chain graphs and addressing adversarial attacks in probabilistic models.
Hyunwoong "Woody" Chang is an Assistant Professor of Statistics in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at The University of Texas at Dallas. He holds a B.S. in Business/Mathematics from Seoul National University (2019) and a Ph.D. in Statistics from Texas A&M University (2024). His research focuses on structure learning of DAG models, convergence of Markov chains, and Bayesian learning methodologies. His work bridges statistical theory and computational methods, with applications in high-dimensional data analysis and model selection. Education: Ph.D. - Statistics, Texas A&M University (2024) B.S. - Business/Mathematics, Seoul National University (2019) Chang's research explores topics such as informed MCMC samplers, complexity analysis of Bayesian models, and Lipschitz continuous autoencoders for anomaly detection. His recent publications emphasize methodological advancements in DAG structure learning, regularization techniques, and rapid convergence algorithms. He currently holds no stated academic awards but actively contributes to statistical theory and computational efficiency in complex models. No advising or grant details are explicitly provided in the text. His affiliation with the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics suggests involvement in interdisciplinary research teams, though specific lab affiliations are not mentioned.
Nick Heard is a Professor and Chair in Statistics at the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London. His research focuses on computational Bayesian inference, clustering, and changepoint analysis applied to dynamic networks (e.g., computer networks, social networks) and bioinformatics. He leads the EPSRC-funded NeST project on Network Stochastic Processes and Time Series, collaborating with universities including Bristol, Oxford, and LSE. His work bridges statistical theory with applied problems in cyber-security and neuroscience. Research Interests - Modelling large dynamic networks - Changepoint analysis and anomaly detection - Statistical methods for cyber-security - Bayesian computation and inference - Spectral clustering and graph embeddings Grants & Collaborations - Co-leads the NeST project on Dynamic graph embeddings: procedures and inference - EPSRC Programme Grant (EP/T004870/1) supporting Network Stochastic Processes and Time Series research Software & Tools - Developed open-source packages for Bayesian changepoint analysis (e.g., changepoints ) - Code for p-value combination methods ( standardised_partial_product )
Lexin Li is a Professor in the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health, with additional affiliations at the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, the UC Berkeley-UCSF Joint Program on Computational Precision Health, and the Center for the Theoretical Foundations of Learning, Inference, Information, Intelligence, Mathematics and Microeconomics at Berkeley (CLIMB). He received his BE in Electrical Engineering from Zhejiang University (1998) and PhD in Statistics from the University of Minnesota (2003), followed by postdoctoral training at UC Davis School of Medicine. He joined North Carolina State University as Assistant Professor in 2005, was promoted to Associate Professor in 2011, and served as visiting faculty at Stanford University and Yahoo Research Labs (2011-2013) before joining UC Berkeley as Associate Professor in 2014, where he was promoted to Full Professor in 2018. Dr. Li's research spans statistical methodology development for neuroimaging data analysis, tensor statistics, and machine learning applications to biomedical problems. His work focuses on brain connectivity and network analysis, imaging causal inference, tensor regression, dimension reduction, and statistical machine learning with applications to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological disorders. His methodological innovations bridge theoretical statistics with practical neuroscience applications, particularly in multimodal neuroimaging analysis and brain network modeling. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trajectory in integrating deep learning with classical statistical inference, particularly in tensor analysis, functional data modeling, and causal inference. The research shows increasing sophistication in handling high-dimensional, complex neuroimaging data while developing rigorous statistical frameworks for inference. His work increasingly focuses on multimodal data integration and developing methods that can handle the complexity of real-world neurological data. Dr. Li has received numerous prestigious honors including being elected as a Fellow of the American Statistical Association (2017), Fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (2021), Elected Member of the International Statistical Institute, and Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2024). Fellow, American Statistical Association (2017) Fellow, Institute of Mathematical Statistics (2021) Elected Member, International Statistical Institute Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (2024) Editor-in-Chief, Annals of Applied Statistics (2025-2027) As an academic leader, Dr. Li serves as Co-Director of the Biostatistics Program (2019-) and Director of Graduate Admissions (2015-) at UC Berkeley. He is an active editor, currently serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Annals of Applied Statistics (2025-2027), and has held associate editor positions at multiple top statistical journals including the Journal of the American Statistical Association and Journal of Computational and Graphical Statistics. He also serves as a Standing Member of the NIH Emerging Imaging Technologies in Neuroscience Study Section (2023-2027). His research has been supported by various NIH grants focused on statistical methodology for neuroimaging analysis. Dr. Li leads a vibrant research group focused on statistical neuroimaging and machine learning methodology, with strong connections to the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute and collaborations across multiple departments at UC Berkeley. His team develops innovative statistical methods that address real challenges in neuroscience research while maintaining rigorous theoretical foundations. The group maintains active collaborations with neuroscientists and clinicians working on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological conditions.
Zachary E. Ross is a Professor of Geophysics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and holds the William H. Hurt Scholar distinction since 2021. His research integrates machine learning, computational mathematics, and seismology to analyze earthquakes and fault zones using large seismic datasets. Education B.S., University of California, Davis (2009) M.S., California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (2011) Ph.D., University of Southern California (2016) His research focuses on high-resolution imaging of fault zones, understanding earthquake sequences in space and time, and applying artificial intelligence to seismic data analysis. He develops scalable algorithms for waveform inversion, ground-motion synthesis, and real-time seismic monitoring. Recent publications highlight his work on neural operators for wave propagation, AI-driven seismicity analysis, and induced earthquake dynamics. He teaches advanced courses including Ge 264 – Machine Learning in Geophysics and Ge 271 – Dynamics of Seismicity . Scientific Awards William H. Hurt Scholar (2021–present)
Professor Aniruddha Desai is a Research Professor and Director of the Centre for Technology Infusion (CTI) at La Trobe University. He holds a Bachelor’s in Industrial Electronics, a Master’s in Micro-electronics, and a PhD in Computer Science. His expertise spans microelectronics, AI, IoT, and sensor networks, with a focus on socially impactful applications like transportation, healthcare, and precision agriculture. Research Interests: Ultra-low power systems Micro-nano electronics AI/ML and edge computing IoT and sensor networks Transportation and logistics Major Projects: Led multi-million-dollar R&D programs in areas such as smart cities, energy management, and smart farming. Notable collaborations include the IIT Kanpur - La Trobe University Research Academy and the Asian Smart Cities Research and Innovation Network. Awards: Recipient of the 2016 Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Research Excellence and the 2020 Victorian Tall Poppy Award for Science. Served on advisory panels for the Australian Research Council and provided expert testimony in parliamentary inquiries. Labs/Teams: Directs the CTI, which delivers technology-based innovations to industry and government. Co-founded the Asian Smart Cities network to advance urban technology solutions.
Ed Chien is an Assistant Professor at Boston University's Department of Computer Science within the College of Arts & Sciences. He specializes in applying differential geometry and topology to graphics, computational engineering, and machine learning. Previously, he was a postdoctoral researcher at MIT's CSAIL and Bar-Ilan University. His work focuses on mathematically rigorous solutions to problems in geometric data processing and optimal transport. Education PhD in Mathematics, Rutgers University (2015) A.B. in Mathematics & Physics, Dartmouth College (2009) Research Highlights Dr. Chien's research includes fundamental studies on hexahedral mesh topology for Finite Element Modeling, optimal transport applications in machine learning, and singularity-free geometric algorithms. His work bridges theoretical mathematics with computational tools for engineering and graphics. Publications span top venues like NeurIPS, Eurographics, and SIGGRAPH, reflecting contributions to geometry processing and machine learning intersections. Program committee roles include Eurographics SGP (2019) and AAAI (2020). Awards & Recognition No specific awards listed, but notable service includes program committee memberships and peer-reviewed contributions to leading conferences. Grants & Advising Active in mentoring through academic positions but no explicit grant details provided. Research focuses on advancing geometric algorithms and optimal transport methodologies.
Jonathan Weare is a Professor of Mathematics at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University. He holds affiliations with the Faculty of Arts and Science and the Graduate School of Arts and Science. His academic journey includes roles as an Associate Professor at the University of Chicago (2014–2019) and Assistant Professor (2011–2014), following postdoctoral work as a Courant Instructor at NYU. He earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics from UC Berkeley in 2007. His research focuses on stochastic algorithms and models, with applications in astrophysics, biophysics, computational chemistry, and climate science. Key areas include Monte Carlo methods, rare event simulation, and machine learning-driven scientific analysis. Collaborations with domain experts ensure his work addresses real-world challenges in diverse fields. Recent publications emphasize advancements in trajectory stratification, rare event prediction using machine learning, and efficient algorithms for high-dimensional problems. Notable contributions include the BAD-NEUS framework and AI-based solar system instability predictions. His group’s interdisciplinary approach bridges computational methods with scientific inquiry. Weare has advised numerous students and mentored postdocs, fostering talent in applied mathematics and computational science. His work on Mercury’s orbital dynamics and extreme weather prediction showcases the societal impact of his research. Current projects explore AI applications in weather modeling and rare event analysis, leveraging cutting-edge machine learning techniques. Labs/Teams: His research group at Courant develops stochastic algorithms and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams in computational chemistry, climate science, and astrophysics. Key collaborations include the University of Chicago and Columbia University.
Dr. Damian Arellanes is a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Computer Science at Lancaster University, UK, affiliated with the Software Engineering Group and Lancaster Centre for Intelligent, Robotic and Autonomous Systems (LIRA). He holds a PhD from The University of Manchester (2020) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice from Lancaster University (2023). His research focuses on theoretical foundations of algebraic composition for high-level computation models, including emergent/self-organising systems and software composition. He has contributed to areas such as category theory, control-flow separation, and compositional programming for IoT systems. Education: PhD in Computer Science, University of Manchester (2020) Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice, Lancaster University (2023) MSc in Computer Science, supported by CONACYT (2012–2014) BEng in Computer Engineering, supported by PRONABES (2009–2012) Research Interests: Damian’s work emphasizes algebraic semantics, compositional models for software, and theoretical computer science principles. He explores how abstract mathematical frameworks (e.g., category theory) can formalize computational systems and enable scalable IoT solutions. Publications: Damian has published extensively on algebraic composition, IoT systems, and formal methods. Key themes include compositional programming, self-organizing software, and scalable service architectures. Awards: Official Nominator for the VinFuture Prize (2024) Honourable Mention for Most Outstanding Mexican Student in STEM (2021) Nick Sanders Kickstarter Fund (2019) Outstanding Doctoral Paper Award (2019) Best MSc Thesis in AI (2015) Advising & Grants: Damian supervises PhD students, such as Mina Yavari, and actively reviews for journals like IEEE TSC and conferences like TASE. He has secured scholarships and fellowships from CONACYT and the Mexican government. Labs/Teams: Member of LIRA’s Fundamentals Section and the Software Engineering Group at Lancaster University.
Anna Gautier is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Chalmers University of Technology, affiliated with the Division of Data Science and AI. Previously, she was a Digital Futures Postdoctoral Fellow at KTH Royal Institute of Technology (2023–2025), focusing on mechanism design for multi-robot systems. Her research emphasizes planning under uncertainty, multi-agent systems, and human-robot interaction. She holds a PhD from the University of Oxford (2023), an MSc from the London School of Economics, and dual undergraduate degrees from Washington University in St. Louis. Education Background: PhD in Computer Science, University of Oxford (2023) MSc in Applied Mathematics, London School of Economics BA in Mathematics and BS in Computer Science, Washington University in St. Louis Research Interests: Dr. Gautier explores planning algorithms for multi-agent systems, particularly in uncertain environments. She designs mechanisms to coordinate robots and humans, leveraging game theory and formal methods. Her work addresses challenges like resource allocation, risk-aware decision-making, and trust in autonomous systems. Recent projects include contingency planning for autonomous vehicles and auction-based resource distribution. Professional Activities: She co-chairs the ECAI 2025 Demonstration Track and teaches the course Safe Robot Planning and Control at KTH. Her projects include collaborations with WASP-Nest (PerCorSo) and TECoSA on trustworthy autonomy. She actively publishes in top venues like AAMAS and AAAI. Labs and Teams: Affiliated with Chalmers' Data Science and AI division, she leads research in multi-agent systems and human-AI collaboration.
Hyejin Ku is a Full Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at York University's Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on the intersection of Mathematical Finance and Machine Learning, addressing challenges in risk measurement, portfolio optimization, and quantitative finance. She develops advanced mathematical models to enhance decision-making through reinforcement learning and data analytics. Notable projects include novel algorithms for credit rating prediction using neural networks and sequence-based clustering for credit risk assessment. Her work integrates applied mathematics with real-world financial applications, such as systemic risk reduction in multi-layer networks and option pricing under liquidity constraints. She holds a prominent position in mathematical finance, contributing to both theoretical advancements and practical solutions for financial markets. Her research trends emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, combining machine learning techniques with financial modeling to solve complex problems in risk management and asset valuation. Her publications span over two decades, showcasing contributions to portfolio optimization, derivatives pricing, and computational finance. Dr. Ku is affiliated with York University’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics, where she contributes to academic leadership and research mentorship. Her office is located in DB 2025, and she can be reached at hku@yorku.ca.
Sandeep Kumar is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Texas A&M University, College Station. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Purdue University (1995) and a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi (1985). His research focuses on computer security, networking, and system-level programming. Prior to academia, he worked in industry roles including at VMware in Palo Alto, CA. He currently teaches courses such as CSCE 313 (Introduction to Computer Systems) and CSCE 222 (Discrete Mathematics), emphasizing system software, networking, and cybersecurity. His teaching philosophy incorporates modern tools like GCP and Docker for practical learning. He advises students on technical projects but notes his non-tenure track role limits formal research supervision. Professional interests include curriculum design, educational technology, and bridging industry-academia gaps in cybersecurity. Education: Ph.D., Computer Science, Purdue University, 1995 M.S., Computer Science, University of Tennessee, 1987 B.Tech, Electrical Engineering, IIT Delhi, 1985 Research Interests: Computer Security, Networking, Operating Systems Teaching: CSCE 313 (Computer Systems), CSCE 222 (Discrete Math), CSCE 111 (Java Programming) Industry Experience: VMware (Networking & Security), Former Googler Awards: Hagler Fellow (2023), Google GCP Educational Grants Dr. Kumar’s work emphasizes practical system-level programming and security, with contributions to intrusion detection systems and secure enterprise networks. His courses integrate modern tools like RustRover and Docker, reflecting industry standards. He actively engages with educational technology, including LaTeX-based lecture materials and Gradescope integration.
Ronald Coifman is the Sterling Professor of Mathematics and Professor of Computer Science at Yale University. His research focuses on nonlinear analysis, scattering theory, complex analysis, numerical analysis, and their applications in data science, signal processing, and biomedical imaging. He holds the National Medal of Science and is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Coifman's work bridges pure mathematics and applied sciences, emphasizing harmonic analysis, manifold learning, and data-driven modeling. His contributions include foundational advancements in wavelet theory, diffusion maps, and nonlinear dimensionality reduction techniques. Key innovations include the development of empirical intrinsic geometry for analyzing complex systems and the use of Wasserstein distances in high-dimensional data analysis. His academic portfolio includes over 250 publications since the 1960s, spanning topics from theoretical mathematics to practical medical diagnostics. Notable applications include methods for stroke detection, medical imaging analysis, and anomaly detection in dynamic systems. Coifman collaborates across disciplines, integrating computational methods with domain-specific challenges in biology, chemistry, and engineering. Education: Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Geneva (1965) Awards: National Medal of Science (2001), Member of NAS (1993), Member of AAAS (2006) Key Projects: Development of diffusion maps, manifold learning algorithms, and empirical geometry frameworks Coifman's current research explores the intersection of machine learning and mathematical analysis, with recent focus on intrinsic data organization, emergent dynamical models, and scalable computational methods for large datasets.
Dr. Olesya Zhupanska is a Professor in the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Arizona, where she holds a faculty position and is a member of the Graduate Faculty. Her research focuses on the mechanics of composite materials, especially under extreme multi-field conditions involving mechanical, thermal, and electromagnetic loads. Education: PhD in Mechanics of Solids and Applied Mathematics, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine, 2000 BS/MS in Mechanics and Applied Mathematics (with Highest Honors), Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine, 1996 Her research interests span mechanics of composites, impact and damage, micromechanics, multi-field effects, and structural health monitoring, with applications in aerospace, wind energy, and smart materials. She has made significant contributions to understanding lightning strike damage, electrified composites, and thermostructural response of advanced materials. Her work integrates experimental, analytical, and computational methods to solve complex engineering problems. The 15 most recent publications highlight a strong trend in composite materials under electrical and thermal loads, with a focus on damage mechanisms, contact mechanics, and predictive modeling. Her research bridges mechanics, materials science, and electromagnetics, with increasing integration of machine learning for damage detection. Applications span aerospace structures, hypersonic vehicles, and wind turbine blades. Scientific Awards and Honors: DARPA Young Faculty Award (2011) Elsevier Young Composites Researcher Award (2008) ASME/Boeing Structures & Materials Award (2007) Multiple ASC Best Paper Awards National Research Council Senior Research Associateship Award (2022, 2015) Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowships (multiple years) Woman of Impact Award, University of Arizona (2022) Fellow, ASME Associate Fellow, AIAA ASME Dedicated Service Award (2023) Dr. Zhupanska has advised numerous graduate students, many of whom have won prestigious awards such as the DoD SMART Scholarship and NASA Fellowships. Her research has been funded by DARPA, NSF, NASA, AFOSR, AFRL, and industry partners. She has served on technical review boards including ARL and actively promotes engineering education and inclusion through NSF-funded initiatives. She holds leadership roles in professional societies, currently serving as President of the American Society for Composites (ASC) and as a member of the ASME IMECE Steering Committee Senate. She also serves as a Topic Editor for Composites and Advanced Materials and on the editorial board of Applied Composite Materials.
