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, taught by Professor Bart Miller, gathered for several hours in Union South’s Varsity Hall on November 7, 2023, to learn about the real world 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

UW–Madison’s IceCube Neutrino Observatory Wins HPCwire Award

The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s collaboration with the San Diego Supercomputer Center on the IceCube Neutrino Observatory received recognition with the HPCwire 2022 Readers’ Choice Award for Best Use of High Performance Computing (HPC) in the …

UW–Madison iSchool Professor B. Ian Hutchins emphasizes importance of preprints

In a recent paper that was published in The Lancet Global Health Journal, iSchool professor B. Ian Hutchins and his research team shared results demonstrating that preprints are likely accurate enough to be used more …

Tribal Libraries, Archives & Museums Program Event Celebrates Successes

For fourteen years members of the iSchool have been working together with the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe (Gaa-Miskwaabikaang) as part of the Tribal Libraries, Archives and Museums (TLAM) program. In late October a broad group came together for a reunion, educational events, career and college fair, and to celebrate the progress of the Red Cliff tribal library.

iSchool Alumni Profile- Karen Brown, 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award

iSchool Alumni Profile – Chandra Prabha, “Home Is Where I Feel At Home”

Professor Patrick McDaniel Takes CDIS to New Heights

What keeps Professor Patrick McDaniel inspired after decades of innovating in the computer sciences field? He says it’s the students.  “One of the important things to know about being a researcher is that you don’t …

CDIS Takes Over Badger Talks LIVE to Share Knowledge with Wisconsin

This month, the School of Computer, Data & Information Science (CDIS) will take over Badger Talks LIVE to feature individuals who bring incredible resources and talent to Wisconsin. Badger Talks is a virtual talk series …

Tom Erickson Shares Career Insight with The Innovators’ Tribune

With the goal of passing on wisdom to the next generation of entrepreneurs, The Innovators’ Tribune recently interviewed the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences’ Founding Director Tom Erickson. In addition to discussing his …

Turing Award Winner & UW Alumnus Pat Hanrahan’s Visit Rendered Huge Crowds

UW–Madison Collaborates with Army to Advance in AI Field

How important is artificial intelligence? With the growth of cyber threats and security needs, AI is a recurring topic of discussion universally. The Army’s Artificial Intelligence Scholars and Artificial Intelligence Technicians program was developed to …

From the Desk of the Director: School Update

Three years ago, UW–Madison took a bold step to be a leader in the information age and created the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS). Our three nationally ranked departments – Computer Sciences, …

CDIS Partners in New Technology Entrepreneurship Office

The School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) has partnered with the College of Engineering and College of Letters & Science to establish the Technology Entrepreneurship Office (TEO). Focused on STEM-based innovation, TEO will …

Statistics Assistant Professor Analyzes the Impact of Playing Youth Football

Assistant Professor Sameer Deshpande’s aims to identify statistical methods to predict long-term health implications that young athletes may face. In line with the value of collaboration embraced by the School of Computer, Data & Information …

CDIS Faculty Members Honored in Investiture Ceremony

On September 30, 2022, the College of Letters & Science hosted the college’s first investiture ceremony honoring new appointments of endowed faculty positions for the 2022-23 academic year and the donors that make these esteemed …

Upcoming Event Highlights Research Opportunities with Homeland Security

The School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences is partnering with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s Science & Technology Directorate to share how people can access research-oriented and grant funding from the DHS. The …

People and Robots Laboratory Featured in UW TV Spot

The School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences’s People and Robots Laboratory was featured in the new UW–Madison TV spot that debuted during this weekend. The 30-second commercial begins with “Welcome to the University of …

Center for High Throughput Computing Part of $4.3 Million Investment from WARF

Bolstered by a $4.3 million investment from the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), UW–Madison’s research computing hardware is getting a significant upgrade—giving UW researchers the sustained shared infrastructure they need to help them push the bounds …

RED Talks focus on Machine Learning & Metaverse this Fall

RED Talks return in-person for fall with two alumni sharing insight on topics that are on top of mind for our students, faculty and staff. In October, Raj Rajamani shares how SentinelOne created $50 billion …

Computer Sciences and Sociology departments promote equitable hiring process

How can artificial intelligence be equitable? What makes it so biased now? The Badger Herald interviewed Jerry Zhu, professor of Computer Sciences at UW–Madison to discuss his interdisciplinary AI project with the sociology department.  The …

Tom Erickson Shares Search for Art in WKOW TV Interview

Tom Erickson, the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) founding director, was interviewed by WKOW 27 News on September 22, 2022. He shared background about our school and artist search for our new …

Computer Sciences Moves Up U.S. News List, Ranked 16th Overall and 8th Best Public

The University of Wisconsin–Madison has been ranked 38th overall and 10th among public institutions (both in three-way ties) in U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-23 rankings of best colleges. Last year, UW–Madison was ranked 42nd in …

CDIS Welcomes Seven New Faculty Members

One chancellor, 8,600 freshmen and seven School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) faculty members started their first semester at UW–Madison this week. CDIS is excited to see how each new badger weaves their …

UW-Madison’s High Throughput Computing Expertise Shared with Global Collaborators

The OSG User School 2022 welcomed collaborators from across the globe to learn how to use high-throughput computing (HTC) in their scientific research. This included Mike Nsubuga, a software developer responsible for creating a Covid-19 …

Artist Search Begins for CDIS Building’s Outdoor Art Installation

The School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) will commission art for the planter area outside of the northeast entrance to the new building opening in 2025. This is an exciting opportunity to make …

UW–Madison team places in top 2% at national cybersecurity competition

A team of UW-Madison undergraduates from the Cybersecurity UW Club (CSEC), known as 0xb4dgers, placed 49th out of 3,658 entrants in the Spring 2022 Cyber Skyline NCL Team Game. Although there’s some question as to …

UW-Madison’s School Of Computer, Data & Information Sciences Adds Three Programs to Growing Portfolio

UW-Madison’s School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) is adding three new degree programs to its growing portfolio to meet mounting interest from employers and students while also increasing access to technology curriculum at …

“Tom Erickson”: An Experiment in an AI and Machine Leadership

Since Aug. 2019, the School of Computer, Data, and Information Sciences has been on the cutting edge of Artificial Intelligence research, development and implementation. So much so, that they let it call the shots.  The …

New CDIS Virtual Building Tour Showcases State-of-the-Art Sustainable Building

The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) — a unique, forward-thinking collaboration focused at the intersection of technology and humanity — just released a virtual tour of its new building …

Prestigious Minerva Research Initiative Award of $2.1 Million Fuels Work for Department of Defense

Artificial intelligence, including machine learning, is changing the way the Department of Defense (DoD) is evaluating its work as a national funder of science research. To advance this effort, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Analytics …

UW-Madison “smart cookies” in High Demand for Employers at CDIS Career Fair

The School of Computer, Data, and Information Sciences’s spring job fair enabled students to get a jump start on their careers by making connections with potential employers and influential players. The Computer Sciences Department has …

CDIS Job Fair Proves Popular

Students flocked to School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences job fair on Feb. 15 at Union South, to meet with representatives from a variety of companies offering opportunities.

Madison Magazine – Tom Erickson returned to campus to lead the new School of Computer, Data and Information Sciences

UW–Madison alumnus Tom Erickson spent his career helping technology firms around the world succeed, and now he’s back.

Strong Interest in Data Science Fuels Student Declarations at UW-Madison

100 declared the Data Science Certificate within four months of launch.  The newly launched Data Science certificate program was launched in Sept. 2021, and was met with immediate popularity. The Data Science major was introduced …

AAAS Honors UW-Madison Computer Sciences Faculty Members Mark D. Hill, Somesh Jha, and Jignesh Patel as Lifetime AAAS Fellows

Madison, WI and Washington, D.C. — The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world’s largest general scientific society and publisher of the Science family of journals, has elected three faculty from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Computer …

Channel 3000 – UW partners with U.S. Cyber Command for cybersecurity education

MADISON, Wis. — U.S. Cyber Command selected UW to join its new cybersecurity education initiative, officials announced Monday. The Academic Engagement Network, created earlier this month, is designed to prepare students to assist CYBERCOM in …

UW-Madison Joins U.S. Cyber Command’s Academic Engagement Network

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has been selected by U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) to join a new initiative to increase the nation’s capabilities in cybersecurity education, research, and workforce development. The U.S. Cyber Command Academic Engagement …