Researchers, policymakers gather to decode the future of AI

150 experts, legislators, and practitioners convened at Morgridge Hall for the inaugural AI Meets Society (AIMS) Symposium. 

How UW–Madison and industry are working together to shape Wisconsin’s AI future

As businesses explore how to apply AI effectively and responsibly, UW researchers, faculty, and students are offering their knowledge in the emerging space.

Epic founder Judy Faulkner MS’67 returns to campus

Judy Faulkner inspires the next generation of UW–Madison technology builders in a fireside chat on entrepreneurship.

Welcoming our first student ambassadors

Our new student ambassador program welcomes prospective students at Visit Bucky events by offering tours of Morgridge Hall and a glimpse into student life at UW–Madison.

Sreya Sarathy ’25 talks mentorship, the job market, and helping others find financial security

Computer Sciences and Data Science alum Sreya Sarathy shares advice on how students can find community, navigate the job market, and explore her new city, Milwaukee.

An uncommon space at the heart of campus

Students across the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences power the Rebecca M. Blank Student Commons, a hub of learning and collaboration in Morgridge Hall.

From the lab to the NICU: UW–Madison researchers pioneer contactless health monitoring

A team of UW–Madison computer scientists is pioneering a new approach to health monitoring: using radar to measure breathing and heart rate without physical contact.

Christian Willis MS’25 secures the systems behind everyday life

iSchool alumnus Christian Willis shares how human-centered cybersecurity led him to Walmart Global Tech — and why Arkansas BBQ is worth the hype (but he’ll always be a Badger). 

Inside MadHacks: The Midwest’s premier hackathon

For 24 intense hours on November 22–23, Morgridge Hall turned into a hub of caffeinated creativity as MadHacks 2025 drew over 400 participants from across the country — the largest turnout in the event's history. For the first time, the student-run hackathon took place in the School of Computer, Data & Information Science's new home, Morgridge Hall.

Inaugural World Usability Day celebration reaches across campus

The School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences hosted its inaugural World Usability Day celebration, where the global movement for accessibility and human-centered design turned interactive at Morgridge Hall. 

2025 in Photos

Explore our favorite moments from the past year in pictures below—just a glimpse of everything that made 2025 unforgettable at CDIS.

Celebrating Winter 2025 CDIS graduates

We are excited to congratulate the hundreds of new graduates of the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) this December.

UX Professor of Practice Leah Ujda Talks UX with the New York Times

UX Professor of Practice Leah Ujda weighs in on Instagram user experience (and that divisive repost button) with the New York Times.

UW Board of Regents approves UW–Madison proposal to create College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence

The new college will build upon the university’s strengths in computer, data, library and information sciences and statistics.

Inaugural Long Night Against Procrastination event draws students from across campus

The University of Wisconsin–Madison regularly hosts events, like the recent Long Night Against Procrastination at Morgridge Hall, to support students’ academic and mental well-being with snacks, self-care breaks and even cuddly therapy dogs.

Collaboration with Microsoft and TitletownTech will accelerate AI-driven scientific discovery

Partnering with Microsoft through the Discovery Platform opens up exciting new possibilities — not just for computing, but across the full spectrum of scientific inquiry. — CDIS Director Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau.

CDIS Celebrates 2025-26 Scholarship Winners

We are excited to recognize the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences scholarship students for the 2025-26 academic year. These talented students, hailing from diverse backgrounds and pursuing various academic and research interests, exemplify the values of perseverance, innovation, and dedication.

Career Advice: Top tech employers share how to get an internship

During September’s career fair, CDIS spoke with 12 tech employers to learn how students can stand out — and land jobs — at top companies.

A sign to climb: Celebrating the opening of UW’s Morgridge Hall

The School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences celebrates the Ribbon Cutting of its new home, Morgridge Hall.

Computer Sciences undergraduate program now ranked #9 among public universities

The University of Wisconsin–Madison ranked among the top 40 institutions in the country for undergraduate education for the fourth consecutive year, according to the 2026 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings. …

Meet the Winners of the Morgridge Hall Sticker Competition

To celebrate the opening of Morgridge Hall, the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences launched a campus-wide sticker competition in early June. Centered around the theme Home Sweet Home, the competition invited students to …

What Morgridge Hall means for CDIS, the university and the state

Morgridge Hall is more than a building–it is a promise. A promise to the students who will shape the next generation of technology and society. A promise to the researchers tackling challenges that transcend disciplines and borders. A promise to Wisconsin that the benefits of the digital age will be shared widely and wisely. 

Preparing Students for the AI Era: CDIS and OpenAI Launch SAIL

As AI continues to reshape the global job market, universities are developing new programs to help students navigate the changing landscape. At the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS)launched forward-looking initiative, supported by OpenAI, designed to prepare students to lead in the AI era.

Catalysts of change: How CDIS partnerships are shaping what’s next

At the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) is doing more than advancing research and education in computing, data, and information — it’s forging powerful partnerships that are transforming how work is done across campus and throughout Wisconsin.

Morgridge Hall Progress Update — July 2025

We are thrilled to wrap up construction on Morgridge Hall. This is a significant milestone and the first step towards opening our doors to students, staff, faculty, and beyond. When construction is projected to be completed in early July, the next steps are to pass inspection and prepare to move faculty and staff into the building later this summer.

Two CDIS assistant professors receive L&S Distinguished Honors Faculty Awards

Two CDIS assistant professors—Kris Sankaran of the Department of Statistics and Jacob Thebault-Spieker of the Information School—have received the 2025 College of Letters & Science (L&S) Distinguished Honors Faculty Award for the significant positive impact …

CDIS Launches Morgridge Hall Sticker Competition

Morgridge Hall, the new home for the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences will open its doors this fall. To celebrate, we are creating limited-edition stickers. And we want help like students from you!

CDIS Director Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau sits down with the Cap Times

Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau, Director of the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences, sat down with The Cap Times to discuss the school's growth, Morgridge Hall, the impact of AI, and more.

CS Professor Ilias Diakonikolas wins ACM Grace Hopper Award for breakthrough techniques in algorithm design

Diakonikolas received the 2024 Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Grace Murray Hopper Award, one of the highest honors for young researchers in computing.

Celebrating Spring 2025 CDIS Graduates

We are excited to congratulate the many students who graduated from the the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) this spring. Our newest alumni will make their mark in their respective fields, connecting …

Apply to SAIL, a hands-on AI summer program

School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences launches Wisconsin Summer of AI Laboratory (SAIL).

AI Trailblazers Return to UW–Madison to Shape What’s Next

UW–Madison Computer Sciences alumnus Andy Konwinski ’07, co-founder of Databricks, Perplexity, and Laude Ventures, joined computing luminary Dave Patterson, UC Berkeley Professor Emeritus and co-inventor of RISC architecture, for a standing-room-only lecture that drew over 100 students from across campus who were eager to hear firsthand how leaders at the forefront of AI are thinking about its next chapter.

UX Professor of Practice Leah Ujda on bridging disciplines, building partnerships, and Pokémon Go

Ujda recently returned to campus to serve as UX Professor of Practice at CDIS, a role in which she teaches UX and professional development courses and builds partnerships between student organizations and leading companies.

A legacy of innovation: Professor Gurindar Sohi wins prestigious Computer Pioneer Award

Professor Gurindar (Guri) Sohi—Vilas Research Professor, John P. Morgridge Professor and E. David Cronon Professor of Computer Sciences at UW–Madison—has been honored with the 2025 Computer Pioneer Award in Honor of the Women of ENIAC from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Computer Society

CDIS Student Anna Staresinic Embraces Every Opportunity at UW–Madison

If Anna Staresinic x’25 had to sum up her journey at UW–Madison in one word, it would be “well-rounded.” “The idea of being well-rounded has followed me throughout my life. UW stood out to me …

Morgridge Hall Progress Update — March 2025

As 2025 gets underway, Morgridge Hall is in its final stages, with completion just months away. This state-of-the-art facility is rapidly transforming into a vibrant hub designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and discovery. We are …

Data science club hackathon enables hundreds of UW–Madison students to create and innovate together

It was a familiar scene: hundreds of students gathered in room 1240 of the Computer Sciences building, equipped with laptops, ideas, and in many cases, caffeine. But this was a Saturday morning, so these students …

CDIS Student Lucas Sernik Leaves His Mark on UW–Madison

After moving more than 5,000 miles from home, Lucas Abreu Sernik x’26 is making his mark at the University of Wisconsin–Madison—both in and out of the classroom. Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, Sernik was drawn …

Information Science students share their perspectives on the major in new video

In a new video, three iSci students sat down to discuss their experiences and perspectives on the major.

Computer Sciences Faculty Jerry Zhu Guides UW-Madison’s RISE-AI Initiative

University of Wisconsin–Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin recently unveiled the Wisconsin Research, Innovation, and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) Initiative, a bold and transformative program designed to position the university as a global leader in research and innovation. …

Celebrating December 2024 Graduates

In December 2024, a total of 561 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 …

U.S. Cyber Command visit highlights UW–Madison’s leadership in cyber research and education

The University of Wisconsin–Madison plays a leading role as a research and education partner for national cybersecurity. It reinforced this commitment recently by welcoming to campus a delegation from the United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), …

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 …