CDIS Honors Inaugural Distinguished Achievement Award Winners

Photos by Ueda Photography  On November 1st, 2024, the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) celebrated its inaugural award ceremony, honoring outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of computer …

Brent Seales MS’88, PhD’91 receives the Distinguished Achievement Award

By Rachel Robey Brent Seales MS’88, PhD’91 has dedicated his life to solving one of history’s greatest challenges: recovering ancient “lost” texts rendered unreadable by nature and time. Now a celebrated professor of computer science …

Louise Robbins receives Distinguished Achievement Award from School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences

By Thomas Jilk Louise Robbins, former director and professor emerita of the UW–Madison School of Library and Information Studies (now the Information School, or iSchool), has been honored with the prestigious, inaugural School of Computer, …

Trailblazing Computer Sciences Alumnus Rakesh Agrawal Honored with Inaugural CDIS Distinguished Achievement Award

Rakesh Agrawal MS’83, PhD’83, a visionary in data science and a pioneer in modern computing, has been named an inaugural recipient of the CDIS Distinguished Achievement Award. Agrawal, who earned his master’s and doctorate degrees …

Alumni honor friendship through The Badger Effect

Joan Robb, Christine Sammon, and Lisa Weber became friends while studying at the library in Helen C. White Hall during their time as library science students. They were all pursuing their Masters of Library Science. …

Brian Pinkerton ’86 receives the Distinguished Achievement Award

By Rachel Robey Trailblazing technologist and UW–Madison alumnus Brian Pinkerton ’86 has dedicated his career to advancing how we connect with information. From pioneering the first Internet search engine to leading teams at Amazon, Apple, and Roku, …

Statistics alum and renowned researcher Wing Hung Wong wins CDIS Distinguished Achievement Award

By Thomas Jilk Wing Hung Wong PhD ‘80, one of the world’s premier scholars in statistics and bioinformatics, has received an inaugural Distinguished Achievement Award from the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS). …

‘A service-oriented space’: Rebecca Millerjohn set to lead CDIS Commons into the future

Rebecca Millerjohn MA’16 has made a career out of empowering young people, whether as a middle and high school teacher in Houston and Chicago or youth services librarian at Madison Public Library (MPL).  Now, after …

CDIS Student Harshet Anand Uses Data to Support Badger Volleyball

Wisconsin Badger Volleyball is one of the best volleyball programs in the nation. School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) student Harshet Anand is using his passion for data analytics to support their success. …

CDIS Welcomes New Faculty Members

The School of Computer, Data, & Information Sciences is excited to welcome several exceptional faculty to our growing school. Learn more about our new faculty below: Computer Sciences Ali Abedi–Assistant Professor Ali Abedi focuses on …

UW–Madison Hosts Cyber Badger Exercise, Continues Cybersecurity Engagement with Partners

Over 120 UW–Madison students responded to a major cyberattack with the help of government, law enforcement, and military partners.

Virtual tour: Inside Morgridge Hall, the future home of CDIS

Currently under construction, Morgridge Hall is the largest privately-funded ($267 million) building in UW–Madison history.

Erickson steps down, Arpaci-Dusseau to lead School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences

Tom Erickson, founding director of the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) and executive associate dean for strategy and innovation at the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s College of Letters & Science, has announced he …

Reaching for the Stars: CDIS student uses AI to aid analysis of astronomical data

Since she was 10 years old, Jenna Karcheski x’25 knew she wanted to be an astrophysicist.  Growing up in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Karcheski always dreamed of attending the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She rooted for the …

CDIS Career Fair Leads to Internship Success for Junior Aman Jain

For junior Aman Jain, attending the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) Career Fair was more than just an opportunity to network with companies—it became the stepping stone to securing an internship with …

Empowering Student Success: Sarah Piper Leads New Learning Center at CDIS

Sarah Piper joined the School of Computer, Data & Information (CDIS) as the inaugural director of the learning center on July 1 and is excited to enhance student learning and create a supportive and collaborative community of learners within the school.

CDIS Celebrates Inaugural Scholarship Recipients

In an exciting new chapter for the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS), we proudly recognize the inaugural scholarship recipients for the 2024-25 academic year. These talented students, hailing from diverse backgrounds and pursuing various academic and research interests, exemplify the values of perseverance, innovation, and dedication.

Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau appointed special advisor to the provost for computing

Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau, the Grace Wahba and Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor of Computer Sciences, was appointed to a new role as special advisor to the provost for computing.

Transforming Data into Insight: CDIS Experts Lead the Way in Data Visualization

From the smartwatches on our wrists to the weather reports on our cell phones, data visualizations are omnipresent. Faculty across departments in the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) are conducting research and …

Field of Dreams … and Solar Panels

As part of the College of Letters & Science’s LASER program, sophomore Liz Sanchez Garcia investigates how solar panels and their changing light conditions can be a good thing for plants, renewable energy and career aspirations.

Computer Sciences Professor Ming Liu receives NSF CAREER Award

Cultivating Campus Entrepreneurs: TEO’s Impact and Achievements

The Technology Entrepreneurship Office (TEO) helps University of Wisconsin–Madison research faculty, staff, and graduate students take their work from research to massively scalable startups, helping them navigate the world of entrepreneurship. Formed to serve the …

Morgridge Hall Progress Update

Posted on: August 22, 2024 Time has flown since construction began on Morgridge Hall in spring 2023. In a little over one year, our doors will open welcoming thousands of students, faculty, staff, and community …

Stephenson’s Research Highlights TikTok Sharenting Privacy Concerns

Is it safe to share videos of children on TikTok? With 1.5 billion monthly users, TikTok has become one of the world’s most popular social media platforms. Users have flocked to the platform to watch …

Alumna Jennifer Borrell Pays Tribute to Librarians with The Badger Effect

For generations, librarians have been informing and supporting their communities, enabling research, advancing corporations, and making a difference in schools and community organizations by making information accessible. Now, thanks to Jennifer Borrell ’06, a tile …

Introducing Design Interactive: A new student org at the nexus of design and technology

Design Interactive will host student-led workshops and guest speakers, enable collaborative hands-on projects, and offer curated resources for UW–Madison students interested in using leading-edge technology to bring innovative product designs to life.

Celebrating May 2024 Graduates

In May 2024, nearly 1,200 students graduated from the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS). Our newest alumni will make their mark in their respective fields, connecting technology and humanity and leading the …

New Student Org Provides Space for Queer CDIS Students

A new student organization aims to create a welcoming space for queer School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences students at the University of Wisconsin– Madison.  In its first year, IRIS: Queer CDIS Syndicate, was …

CDIS Students Network and Learn About AI at Chicago’s Talking Tech Event

This spring, a group of students from the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) journeyed to Chicago to network with Badger alumni at the Talking Tech event hosted by CDIS and the Wisconsin …

Commencement 2024: Meet Andrew Gross

Graduating this spring with an MS in Computer Sciences, Andrew Gross pivoted from math and economics because of his interest in development and implementation. “After working in economic research for four years, I realized I …

Commencement 2024: Meet Emily Ratsavong

Growing up, Emily Ratsavong was the person people came to when they needed help with their computer. Now, as a senior graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Sciences and Data Science, she …

Commencement 2024: Meet Tolulope Oluwayemisi Adelabu

Tolulope Oluwayemisi Adelabu, originally from Nigeria, began her journey at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2021 as a Fulbright scholar. Now, as she graduates with a Master of Arts in Library and Information Studies (LIS), …

Commencement 2024: Meet Cameron Abplanalp

Graduating senior Cameron Abplanalp wants to utilize his education to investigate the bridge between people and code. From Evanston, Illinois, Abplanalp will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Information …

CDIS Student Spotlight: Sreya Sarathy

Sreya Sarathy seeks to help women navigate the nuances of working in tech. From Bangalore, India, Sarathy is a junior studying both Computer Sciences and Data Science. She chose to pursue both computer and data …

The Badger Effect: Alumnus Erik Jacobsen Encourages Embracing Imperfection

“Shipping is a feature.” The phrase is commonly used among software engineers. And to UW–Madison alumnus Erik Jacobsen ’97, it is the best advice he can give to future software engineers. “There is always a …

New Computer, Data & Information Sciences Building Named for John and Tashia Morgridge

For the first time, a University of Wisconsin–Madison building will bear the name of John and Tashia Morgridge, alumni and visionary partners to UW–Madison, who have for decades made significant contributions to the university, beginning …

CDIS Student Spotlight: David Viggiano

David Viggiano x’24 is a computer scientist who thinks like a philosopher. The senior from Glen Rock, New Jersey came to the University of Wisconsin-Madison because of the vast array of strong programs. Unsure of …

CDIS Launches “The Badger Effect” Campaign: Empowering Future Technology Leaders

The School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is proud to announce the launch of “The Badger Effect,” a unique campaign aimed at empowering the next generation of technology …

RISE Initiative to focus on strategic faculty hiring in Artificial Intelligence

In her second address before the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin outlined several areas of emphasis for the year ahead, including the new Wisconsin Research, Innovation …

Data Privacy Day 2024: A Roundtable with CDIS Experts

Each year, January 28 marks Data Privacy Day, an internationally recognized event to highlight the importance of keeping sensitive digital information safe and secure.  As digital technologies continue to pervade society and produce increasingly vast …

Artist selected for CDIS Art Installation

The School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison selected an artist to create a sculpture for the new building opening in 2025. Clayton Binkley, a Seattle-based sculpture artist, will …

Celebrating December 2023 Graduates

In December 2023, a total of 460 students graduated from the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS). Our newest alumni will make their mark in their respective fields, connecting technology and humanity and …

A Team Room in Tribute: How Norman Murray’s Legacy Lives on at UW–Madison

John “Norman” Murray was the embodiment of the Wisconsin Idea. In 1948, he left his hometown of Clayton, Wisconsin, a town in northwestern Wisconsin with a population of less than 500 people, to attend the …

Student Spotlight: Chloe Foor

A senior majoring in Computer Sciences, Information Sciences, and History, Chloe Foor x’24 is using her interdisciplinary education to study the human-centered aspects of technology. Specifically, Foor hopes to increase accessibility of historical information. “I …

Beaming with pride: CDIS supporters make their mark on new building

The School of Computer, Data, & Information Sciences (CDIS) invited UW supporters including students, donors, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members to make history by signing a 16-foot steel beam that now resides in the …

Rise of the Machines

The School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences was featured in the Winter 2023 issue of On, Wisconsin due to the rapid growth of our Computer Sciences and Data Science major.

Students collaborate with government agencies and respond to simulated cyberattack

Over 130 students in CS 542, Introduction to Software Security, gathered for several hours in Union South’s Varsity Hall to learn about the real world challenges they will face when implementing secure software and systems.

UW–Madison expands government and academic cyber cooperation with cyber tabletop exercise for second year

University of Wisconsin–Madison Computer Sciences students aren’t waiting for the new School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) building to be complete before getting together in large numbers to work on today’s most challenging cybersecurity challenges.

UW-Madison CS professor Sharon Li named 2023 Innovator of the Year

As AI models are released into the wild, Sharon Li wants to ensure they’re safe. Computer Sciences professor Sharon Li has been named MIT Technology Review’s Innovator of the Year. Learn more about Li’s inspiration, …

Student Spotlight: Aaron Torres

After growing up seeing rapid advancements in technology, Aaron Torres x’24 wanted to work on solving technical problems that have an impact on a large scale. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Torres is now a senior …

Student Spotlight: David Salazar

After David Salazar x’24 was gifted video game consoles like the Nintendo64, Gameboy, and PlayStation, he became deeply curious about the mechanics behind video games like Super Mario, Pokémon, and Spyro. Some online searches lead …

Faculty Spotlight: Alejandra Quintos

Growing up in Puebla, Mexico, Alejandra Quintos always had a natural ability for mathematics, but was unsure of what one could do with a degree in math. After taking a probability and statistics class during …

CDIS Job Fair draws thousands

Over 1800 students stopped by the School of Computer, Data, and Information Sciences job fair held on September 26 to network with local and national businesses looking for talent for internships and job openings. 

How Fill the Hill impacts CDIS students

Fill the Hill, the annual alumni fundraiser now in its 11th year, is a vibrant display of Badger pride. Each fall, a flock of bright pink plastic flamingos descends upon Bascom Hill, each one representing …

Spring 2023 Commencement: Celebrating 7 Graduates from the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences

With graduation celebrations underway this week, seven notable School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences graduates share their next chapters, relive favorite moments, and dispense some words of wisdom on what they’ve learned and how …

Michele Besant Awarded iSchool 2023 Alumni of the Year

The Information School at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is pleased to announce Michele Besant (MA ’93, PhD ’99) has been selected by the Alumni Board as the recipient of the 2023 Alumni of the Year …

American Library Association Awards Reaccreditation

Did you know that every seven years the iSchool must reaccredit its master of arts in library and information studies (LIS) program? All programs accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) go through a very …

Best wishes to Debra Shapiro

Best Wishes to Debra Shapiro Congratulations to Debra Shapiro, who will retire from the iSchool on June 30. Shapiro (MA LIS ’91) joined the department professionally in 2000 to work in continuing education services, and …

UW-Madison Computer Sciences graduate program rises to 12th in US News rankings

The 2023-24 US News & World Report Best Graduate School rankings are out, and the UW-Madison Computer Sciences department has risen five places, from 17th to 12th, the largest rise among top departments in the country. Furthermore, …

A Fond Farewell to Professor Zhengjun Zhang: Celebrating a Remarkable Career at UW Madison Department of Statistics

As an educator, Professor Zhang has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the highest standards of teaching. His students fondly remember his engaging lectures, filled with anecdotes that brought complex concepts to life. Many students have …

A Fond Farewell to Brian: Celebrating a Statistical Legend

As the sun sets on an illustrious career, we salute Brian’s remarkable journey as he retires from the University of Wisconsin Madison Department of Statistics.

Groundbreaking: CDIS building to foster high-tech innovation, collaboration

In 1957, newly commissioned 2nd Lt. John Morgridge was installed at a Dover Air Force Base tabulating center alongside the latest in computing technology: a 25-ton, 6,000-square-foot Honeywell DATAmatic 1000. How things have changed, said …

Computer Science jumps 5 spots in U.S. News Rankings

UW–Madison graduate programs are once again ranked among the nation’s best in the 2023-24 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools.” “UW–Madison has a long tradition of providing our students a world-class education,” says …

The CHTC Philosophy of High Throughput Computing – A Talk by Greg Thain

The Center for High Throughput Computing (CHTC) is proud to be home to a breadth of research on campus, with over 300 projects and 20 million core hours used by departments on the University of Wisconsin-Madison …

CS & Psychology undergrad Pragati Maheshwary honored twice by Google this year

“I aspire to contribute to the field of computing research by bringing educational reforms through the innovation of new tools and technologies that can support the development of children with disabilities in all dimensions.” – …

CDIS Building’s sustainability initiatives focus on conserving water, reducing energy consumption, and promoting biophilia

The School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) designed our new building to be the most sustainable structure on campus, a preeminent example of a design that is forward-looking. To accomplish this vision, the …

Jonathan Senchyne Elected To American Antiquarian Society

Congratulations to iSchool Associate Professor Jonathan Senchyne who was elected to membership in the American Antiquarian Society at its semiannual meeting at the Century Association in New York City. The American Antiquarian Society (AAS) is …

Governor, chancellor to break ground on new home for UW’s newest school

The University of Wisconsin–Madison will break ground Tuesday on a home for a group of academic programs and research vital to the future of Wisconsin’s economy and in hot demand among students. A nearly 350,000-square-foot …

Alumni spotlight on Zachary Henkel (BS 2000)!

Zachary Henkel (BS 2000) compares his work as Principal Software Engineer at Microsoft to gardening: “Sometimes I’m hauling dirt or digging ditches, but when everything aligns, I can sit back and watch the flowers bloom.” …

CDIS students launch a startup, Coldreach, and gain backing from Y-Combinator

Xiaohan Shen (BA ’23) and Hankel Bao (BA ’23) met while studying computer science and data science at UW–Madison and soon after co-founded Easyjobs, an AI-based tool that helps job seekers stay organized and save …

Samantha Fabros Lee Found Her Place As An Information Science Major

When she graduates in May, Samantha Fabros Lee will be one of the first students to earn an Information Science BS. Lee, a senior from New Jersey, is one of a rapidly growing number of …

Two UW–Madison students awarded prestigious 2023 Goldwater Scholarships

University of Wisconsin–Madison juniors Yi Won (Paul) Chung and Carl Shirley have been named winners of 2023 Barry Goldwater Scholarships, the premier undergraduate scholarship in mathematics, natural sciences and engineering in the United States. Both students …

STEM Major Spotlight in The Daily Cardinal: Computer Science

Computer science is a lot more than just programming. The major involves the study of logic and proofs, getting into the nitty gritty of software and hardware and understanding what makes algorithms quicker or slower.

UW–Madison students claim first place in the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC)

Debug with a Cout, a team of extraordinary students from the computer sciences department, placed first in the regional round of the 2023 International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC). Undergraduates Joseph Cai and Boying Li, as …

Fire up the GPUs: UW-Madison, Morgridge project sparks next-level computing

A form of computing machinery that was once the province of hardcore video gamers — the graphic processing unit, or GPU — has recently taken the world of scientific research by storm. Originally designed in …

From the Desk of the Director: Gearing up for Day of the Badger

It has been a tremendous journey as we build the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With your continued support and encouragement, we have made significant strides in …

CDIS experts separate AI facts from fiction for The UW Now series

A thousand people joined The UW Now’s March 14th livestream titled “Artificial Intelligence — Facts vs. Fiction.” In addition to featuring Sharon Yixuan Li, Jignesh Patel and Blaine Hoak from the School of Computer, Data …

On Wisconsin reports the new CDIS building and other buildings are changing the campus landscape

On Wisconsin, the UW–Madison alumni magazine, reported on the development of the new School of  Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) building – in the article “Building for the Future.” The article notes that with …

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel honors CDIS alum John Boyer ’82

When John Boyer tried signing up for a service dog training program, staff denied him entry because their instructional materials were made for the blind but not the deaf. Boyer ticked both of those boxes, …

Statistics represented on WARF Innovation Award-winning team

A UW–Madison research team’s efforts to develop a new diagnostic test for Sjögren’s syndrome earned the 2022 WARF Innovation Award. The multidisciplinary team includes faculty member Michael Newton and graduate student Zihao Zheng from the …

Google Quantum Computing Utilizing HTCondor

Google’s launch of a Quantum Virtual Machine emulates the experience and results of programming one of Google’s quantum computers, managed by an HTCondor system running in Google Cloud. HTCondor Software Suite (HTCSS) provides an array …

Daily Cardinal reports on growth of CDIS majors

The Daily Cardinal reported on UW-Madison’s fastest growing majors – data science and computer sciences – in the article “Data science, computer science majors show biggest increase in student enrollment.” In addition to noting the …

New major in information science draws wide array of students with human-centered approach

As a high school student, Natalia Torres had little interest in computer science or programming. She rarely played video games and would never have considered herself an expert in technology.  Maya Gadlin had a very …

CS capstone course featured by UW for providing students a taste of the real-world

While learning in the classroom and lab is the foundation of a University of Wisconsin­–Madison education, many students also get invaluable experience outside the classroom before graduating. Through capstone courses, internships and partnerships with employers, …

Data Science and Computer Sciences are the hottest majors at UW–Madison

Higher education is constantly evolving to reflect the changing interests of students and specialized needs of employers. At UW–Madison, the majors with the greatest enrollment growth are a good barometer of the university’s responsiveness to these trends.

NSF leader will present on newly formed Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnership

In a fireside chat on March 23, 2023, Dr. Erwin Gianchandani will share insight on the newly-formed Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) within the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). The College of Letters …

Webcam Provides a Bird’s Eye View of CDIS Building Construction

Today the construction site for our new building is blanketed in deep snow. But very soon the site will fully awaken and the new home for the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) …

Computer Sciences Chair Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau Elected as AAAS Fellow

Six University of Wisconsin­–Madison scholars have been elected fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the world’s largest general scientific society.

CHTC Leads High Throughput Computing Demonstrations

Data Science for understanding science communication involves learning to use statistical methods (e.g., chi-square, analysis of variance, correlation and regression analysis, nonparametric tests) and computational methods (e.g., automated text analysis, computer vision) – all of …

CHTC Empowers Computational Materials Science Research

Groundbreaking research is in the works for the Computational Materials Group (CMG) at UW-Madison. Ajay Annamareddy, a research scientist within CMG, has been a leading user of GPU hours with the Center for High Throughput Computing (CHTC). He …

Saying ‘grazie’ to a mentor

Field’s Capstone Course a Win-Win for Students and Industry Partners

When badger alum Amber Field identified a gap in the education system where students weren’t learning how to collaborate effectively, she found the perfect opportunity to return to her alma mater. Field graduated from UW–Madison …

iSchool Alum’s Reading Recommendations for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Our nation commemorates Martin Luther King Jr. and his fight for racial equality on Monday, January 16, 2023. The Act establishing the day states “the holiday should serve as a time for Americans to reflect …

Semi-Finalists Selected for CDIS Art Installation

The School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) is one brushstroke closer to commissioning art for the northeast entrance to the new building opening in 2025. Four artists have been selected as semi-finalists who …

Ionic Co-Founder Max Lynch Shares Insight from His Entrepreneurial Journey

Even before earning his bachelor’s in computer science, Max Lynch ’10 acted on his entrepreneurship spirit. Along with his friend, Ben Sperry ’10, Max developed programs that would lead to the founding of Ionic, a …

CHTC Research Computing Facilitators Foster Innovation

As the core research computing center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the leading high throughput computing (HTC) force nationally, the Center for High Throughput Computing (CHTC), formed in 2014, has always had one simple …

CHTC Hosts Machine Learning Demo and Q&A Session

Over 60 students and researchers attended the Center for High Throughput Computing (CHTC) machine learning and GPU demonstration on November 16th. UW-Madison Associate Professor of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics Anthony Gitter and CHTC Lead Research …

Professor Eftychios Sifakis instrumental in developing innovative new AI tool for aging actors

High-throughput computing: Fostering data science without limits

UW-Madison cultivates new cyber academic cooperation, partnerships with government

Students in a UW-Madison software security course took part in the first cyber tabletop exercise facilitated by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) at an academic institution.