DEPARTMENT NEWS
Welcoming the new Chair of the Department of Computer Science: Bruce Draper
Professor Bruce Draper has been a faculty member in our department since 1996 researching human-avatar interaction, gesture recognition and action recognition. He recently sat down for a Q&A about his goals, leadership philosophy, and what he thinks is in store for computer science in the coming years.
CSU researchers examine the future of artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence isn’t science fiction anymore. AI research is redefining culture, computing and corporate workplaces around the globe. At CSU leading faculty members have been examining AI technology across disciplines, and this special report explores the importance of artificial intelligence research. Here’s what you need to know about the potential and impact of this empowering, disruptive and complicated technology.
Two computer science faculty receive NSF Early Career Awards
Assistant Professors Francisco R. Ortega and Vinayak Prabhu have been awarded a combined total of $1.13 million from the prestigious National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program. The CAREER Award recognizes early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their organization.
Funding from NSF and NIST powers research into cybersecurity of supply chain at CSU
The modern supply chain is built on a complex network that connects transportation, manufacturing and other key systems across the country. However, the aging technology that underpins those key relationships through the internet is an increasingly soft and enticing target for cyberattacks. Indrakshi Ray is working on how to protect cyber-physical elements in the supply chain.
An outstanding track record: Soccer player turned track star proves her worth as a student athlete
As if being a D1 soccer player and All-American track and field athlete wasn’t enough, Gabi McDonald continues her trend of being a powerhouse at CSU with a double major in computer science and computer information systems.
Sudeep Pasricha named Fellow of IEEE, world’s largest professional technical organization
Sudeep Pasricha, professor of computer science and electrical and computer engineering, contributes to the smart thinking behind today’s smart technologies. He was selected as an IEEE Fellow for his contributions to design and optimization of chip-scale communication architectures for manycore computing. The rank of Fellow is awarded to less than 0.1 percent of voting members each year.
NSF-backed research seeks to provide new, precise irrigation tools to producers
Professor Sangmi Pallickara is leading an interdisciplinary CSU research team working with farmers to proactively schedule and better monitor irrigation use in their fields using sensors, satellite imagery and deep learning technology. This project is funded by a new $1.2 million award from the National Science Foundation
Sarath Sreedharan recognized at ICAPS
Assistant Professor Sarath Sreedharan’s dissertation, “Foundations of Human-Aware Explanations for Sequential Decision-Making Problems,” received Honorable Mention at the 2023 International Conference on Automated Planning and Scheduling (ICAPS). Sarath’s dissertation was also awarded the ASU Dean’s Dissertation Award in 2022.
Students recognized by the National Center for Women & Information Technology
Graduate student Rachel Masters, honorable mention, and undergraduate Jalynn Nicoly, award finalist, were honored with NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Collegiate Awards for their research on the mental health benefits of virtual reality nature immersion. The annual award recognizes technical contributions to projects that demonstrate a high level of innovation and potential impact.
Graduate student awarded for interdisciplinary research to identify instances of Deja Vu
Graduate student Iliana Castillon was awarded third place in the ACM Graduate Research Competition at the CMD-IT/ACM Richard Tapia conference. Iliana’s research poster was titled, “Predicting the Occurrence of Deja Vu using Eye Features.” She is currently doing research with her advisor, Assistant Professor Nate Blanchard, and Professor Anne Cleary from the psychology department.
DHS launches new Connected Communities Toolkit in partnership with Colorado State
Professors Indrajit and Indrakshi Ray are part of a team that developed and recently launched the Connected Communities Toolkit – a Department of Homeland Security “how-to” guide to help municipal leaders plan for future digital infrastructure needs. The toolkit addresses potential policy and technical knowledge gaps around issues like cyber-security and disaster preparedness.
Nikhil Krishnaswamy talks AI to NPR Pulse
Will AI take your job or make it better? Assistant Professor Nikhil Krishnaswamy recently talked with NPR in Philadelphia about how A.I. is transforming the way we work. The Pulse is a podcast about the people and places at the heart of health and science.
CSU developing trustworthy AI in weather, climate, and coastal oceanography
How can we predict water temperatures so we can rescue endangered sea turtles? How can we quickly forecast extreme weather events like tornadoes and hail? How do we correct weather forecasting biases? Computer science researchers Chuck Anderson and Jason Stock are collaborating with atmospheric, ocean, and social scientists across the U.S. to develop fast, accurate AI-powered weather models.
Two graduate students received awards at the 2023 CSU GradShow
Paahuni Khandelwal and Krishnavamsi Gujju were recognized for their research at the this year’s GradShow. Paahuni received the College of Natural Sciences Outstanding Scholar Award for her research, “A Physics-Guided Deep Learning Approach to Generate Daily 30m Soil Moisture Maps at the CONUS Scale.” Krishnavamsi received the Graduate Student Council New Graduate Student Award for his research on Learning Analytics Dashboards for Students.
New high-performance computing system opens doors for CSU research
Michael Kirby, Data Science Research Institute director and professor of computer science and mathematics, has new computing power. The Riviera High Performance Computing System for interdisciplinary data science research allows scientists to address big data problems such as bioinformatics, genetics, infectious disease and future research in pandemic preparedness and earth system science.
Cogen 2023 Summer interns get hands-on experience with local companies and labs
Computer science graduate student Al-Bashir Muhammad spent 10 weeks last summer working as a CSU Energy Institute Cogen Intern at the institute’s methane emission and technology evaluation center (METEC). The CSU Energy Institute partners with local companies to form these full-time, paid internships in clean-tech ventures and research.
Exploring the future of human-robot interaction: CSU’s latest addition to the laboratory
There’s a new robot in town. Artificial intelligence researcher Sarath Sreedharan has big plans for robot Shakey Jr. Sarath’s current research focuses on human-robot interactions, developing AI systems that can make robust sequential decisions and cooperate with people. Shakey Jr. will help him study how humans and AI can work together in industrial and home settings.
Computer science students awarded at CSU undergraduate research showcase
Are parking lots cooking our cities? Can virtual nature relieve stress like the real thing? How can we visually explore vast amounts of urban sustainability data? These real-world questions motivated computer science undergraduate research projects and earned awards at the annual Celebrate Undergraduate Research and Creativity showcase (CURC).
NEW FACULTY AND STAFF
Mohammed Safayet Arefin
Assistant Professor
Josh Brekel
Instructor
Sophie Deam
Academic Success Coordinator (Data Science)
Ibrahim Lazrig
Instructor
Ariana Mims
Instructor
Jessica Sweeney
Student Staff Assistant
Sarah Bermingham
Student Staff Assistant
As we work together to explore, invent, and achieve at the lightening-fast pace our field requires, we encourage you to stay connected with the Department of Computer Science. Thank you and enjoy!
Send your Computer Science news, events, and story ideas to lisa.knebl@colostate.edu
