Cloud Hosting

Contact:Lori Fogleman, Baylor University Media & Public Relations, 254-709-5959 Follow us on Twitter:@BaylorUMedia

WACO, Texas (April 11, 2024) Baylor University today announced a $1.5 million gift from the family of George Heilmeier through the Heilmeier-Jarvie Family Foundation, of Plano, Texas, establishing The George Heilmeier Chair in Electrical and Computer Engineering to attract, retain and support innovative research and teaching within the School of Engineering and Computer Science.

The Heilmeier Chair supports the Materials Science initiative within Baylors strategic planIlluminate and qualifies for matching support through the Give Light campaigns Illuminate Chair Matching Program.The George Heilmeier Chair in Electrical and Computer Engineering is the fourth endowed chair established within the School of Engineering and Computer Science through Give Light.

Baylor University is truly grateful for the Heilmeier-Jarvie familys generous support in establishing an endowed chair in memory and in honor of Dr. George Heilmeier, said Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D. Dr. Heilmeiers impact through his life of service is a compelling example of how innovative, impactful scholarship and research do not require an abandonment of our faith.Faith can inspire, and we are grateful for this timely reminder that honors Dr. Heilmeiers legacy and will support faculty scholars for generations to come.

The Heilmeier Chair was established by the family of George Heilmeier, an electrical engineer renowned for his early career work leading the team of inventors that created liquid crystal displays (LCD) a significant advance in technology that led to todays flat-screen televisions and computer monitors, as well as cell phones and watches.After his successful discoveries in Materials Science, Heilmeier went on to serve his country as director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) after holding positions as a White House Fellow and special assistant to the Secretary of Defense.

The Heilmeier Chair will support the School of Engineering and Computer Science, with the express purpose of attracting and retaining a distinguished Christian faculty member who will further Baylors mission through innovative research and teaching that addresses the worlds most challenging problems in the fields of electrical and computer engineering.

Our family established this endowment to honor the legacy of my father in terms of the impact of his professional career, and, just as critically, of his Christian faith which animated his life and service, said Heilmeiers daughter Beth Jarvie, B.B.A. 87. My father was a great innovator, but more importantly, he was a man of deep and abiding faith. Providing resourcing and support for faculty looking to follow in his professional footsteps within an institution that continues to chart its course based upon faith and Christian principles is something that my father would be honored to know is connected to his legacy.

Deep and abiding faith

A man of deep faith and strong convictions, George Heilmeier came from humble beginnings as the son of a church janitor and homemaker in Philadelphia. His parents, George and Anna Heilmeier, fostered in their only son a commitment to hard work, an attitude of humility and a foundation of deep and abiding faith that would direct and animate the younger Georges personal and professional life.

Heilmeier, who was valedictorian of his Abraham Lincoln High School class, achieved success at all levels of education,earning his bachelors degree in electrical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, followed by masters and doctoral degrees from Princeton University. In 1962, Heilmeier married the love of his life and wife of 52 years, Janet Faunce Heilmeier, as he embarked on what would prove to be a highly successful career in the field of Materials Science.

Heilmeiers work as an electrical engineer laid the foundation for many of the technologies that enhance and improve modern life, including his renowned early work in liquid crystal displays while employed at Radio Corporation of America, or RCA, during the 1960s.

We are deeply privileged to be entrusted with an endowed chair position named after Dr. Heilmeier, whose name and work are renowned in this field, said Daniel J. Pack, Ph.D., dean of Baylors School of Engineering and Computer Science. When one considers Dr. Heilmeiers career and life of faith in Christ, along with commitment of the School of Engineering and Computer Sciences to excellence in research and teaching with a Christian worldview, I cant think of a more appropriate home for The George Heilmeier Chair. We are forever grateful to Heilmeier and Jarvie families for this honor.

Deep thinker, mentor

After this success, Heilmeier declined lucrative offers from private industry and instead served his country in the 1970s through the U.S. Department of Defense, ultimately leading as DARPAs director. In this position, Heilmeier managed projects, including stealth aircraft, lasers and artificial intelligence. During this time, he was twice awarded the Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Medal, the highest civilian award given by the department. As a leader, he was known for his commitment to excellence, holding high standards for his employees, while working tirelessly to meet the security needs of the country. He was a deep thinker, who fostered engaging discussions with his staff and those he mentored, guiding them and inspiring a deeper understanding and knowledge of the projects upon which they worked.

After leaving DARPA in 1977 and relocating to Texas for his family, he became the vice president at Texas Instruments, later being promoted to Chief Technical Officer. He later retired from Bellcore, now known as Telcordia, where he led in several roles as CEO and chairman until transitioning to chairman emeritus in 1997.

Beyond his achievements and his service, Heilmeier was known as an unassuming source of support within his community and within his church. A near-constant presence as an usher and greeter, Heilmeier was known for his steady, steadfast faith and humble stewardship of the resources he believed God entrusted to him. At the time of his death in 2014, stories of his quiet generosity to others and of the ways he had ministered to his church community, charities and other institutions illustrated his quiet approach to philanthropy that the family continues to this day through the Heilmeier-Jarvie Family Foundation. George and Janets daughter, Beth Heilmeier Jarvie, works with her mother to honor her fathers legacy through the foundation, which supports scientific advancement and Christian causes.

"As much as my father was committed to scientific discovery and advancing the field where he made such a lasting impact, he felt passionately about his Christian faith and supporting Christian approaches to the issues and needs within the world, Jarvie said. He loved his family, and while he was a constant, caring presence in our lives, his lasting impact comes from the faith that shaped his life and ordered his steps. We are proud to be able to carry on this legacy through our familys foundation and through this gift to Baylor.

Over the course of his career, Heilmeier earned 15 patents and received numerous awards, including the National Academy of Engineering Founders Award, the National Medal of Science, the John Scott Award for Scientific Achievements from the City of Philadelphia, the IEEE Medal of Honor, the Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Medal and the John Fritz Award. In 2005, he also received the Kyoto Prize, Japan's highest private award for lifetime achievement in the arts and sciences.

I am beyond grateful for the life of George Heilmeier, said Steve Jarvie, Beth Jarvies husband. Not only was he a wonderful father-in-law and grandfather, but he also modeled his faith, integrity and devotion to me and our family every day.

The Heilmeier Catechism

As impactful as his contributions were to the fields of Material Science and engineering, Heilmeiers contribution to research and evaluation through the Heilmeier Catechism continues to be a method taught in higher education, governmental entities and scientific settings throughout the world. Created during his time as director at DARPA, Heilmeier crafted the set of eight questions to help agency officials think through and evaluate proposed research programs. Since its development in the late 1970s, the Heilmeier Catechism has been adapted and taught as an evaluative tool in support of everything from doctoral thesis selection to charitable grant decision making to use in government and private business sectors.

"George Heilmeier was living proof that rational scientific discovery and a deep, compassionate faith are not incompatible, said Charles Jarvie, Beth Jarvies father-in-law. He lived his faith every day, and he walked the walk. George shared his faith with his family, to whom he was very close. He fashioned a career that literally affects all of us every day for the better.

At Baylor, the Heilmeier-Jarvie families established the George Heilmeier Chair in Electrical and Computer Engineering to honor Dr. George Heilmeiers memory and the impact of his work on the fields of Materials Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering. The gift for this endowment was made by the familys foundation with the support of Janet Heilmeier, Beth Heilmeier Jarvie and her husband, Steve, B.A. 87, and their three children, Ashley, B.B.A. '15, B.S.N. '16), Megan (TAMU B.A. 13) and Michael (B.B.A. 16, M.A. 16).

Baylor publicly launched the Give Light campaign on Nov. 1, 2018. To date, the campaign has raised $1.48 billion. The campaign has seen 98,358 alumni, parents and friends give to the Universitys priorities, as well as establishing 852 endowed scholarships and 46 endowed faculty positions. For more information or to support the campaign, visit theGive Light: The Campaign for Baylor website.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylors School of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) has been preparing its students for more than 25 years as innovators for worldwide impact by training graduates for professional practice and responsible leadership with a Christian worldview. Students can choose from majors including bioinformatics, computer science, data science, electrical and computer engineering, general engineering and mechanical engineering. ECS also offers graduate programs in all areas of study within the School. We stand out from the crowd through Christian commitment, R1 research, a strong community, personalized career support, expert accessibility, and leading practical experience. Visit theECS website to learn more and follow onInstagram andFacebook.

Read this article:

$1.5 Million Gift to Baylor University Establishes Electrical and Computer Engineering Chair - Baylor University

By Hub staff report

Johns Hopkins University on Thursday presented design plans for the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) facility to the Baltimore City Department of Planning's Urban Planning Architecture Advisory Panel (UDAAP).

DSAI, a cornerstone of JHU's Ten for One strategic plan, will be a leading hub for data science and artificial intelligence to drive research and teaching in every corner of the university and magnify our impact in every corner of the world. The institute will bring together world-class experts in artificial intelligence, machine learning, applied mathematics, computer engineering and computer science to fuel data-driven discovery in support of research activities across the institution.

In all, 80 new affiliated faculty will join JHU's Whiting School of Engineering to support the institute's pursuits, in addition to 30 new Bloomberg Distinguished Professors with substantial cross-disciplinary expertise to ensure the impact of the new institute is felt across the university.

The initiative is led by the Whiting School of Engineering and the new facility will sit adjacent to existing engineering buildings on the south side of the Homewood campus. "The basic idea is to place the people who generate the data beside the people who analyze the data," said Whiting School Dean Ed Schlesinger.

The two-building facility will be organized into "neighborhoods," purposely collocating disciplines including bioengineering, materials, energy and environment with thematic wings dedicated to areas such as health and medicine, scientific discovery, and engineering systems. Unlike traditional academic silos, these groupings will create a world-class AI space for cross-disciplinary research and translation and will help establish an innovation district in the heart of Baltimore.

Just this fall, the federal government designated the greater Baltimore region as a "Tech Hub." Through DSAI, Hopkins can make vital contributions to Baltimore's growth as a tech hub, creating long-term jobs, attracting top talent, and spurring the growth of new companies that will compete in one of the world's most promising fields.

"This institute intends to spur a virtuous cycle of new research, product innovation, startups, private investment, and jobs," says Christy Wyskiel, senior adviser to the president for innovation and entrepreneurship. "Our vision is that researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and companies will look to Baltimore as the place to develop and launch products and companies based on data science and AI technology."

Design architect and architect of record, ZGF, is designing the DSAI facility to appear as a series of smaller buildings arranged along the site, creatively dispersed and rotated to provide setbacks featuring a raised hillside, trees, and rich landscaping along Remington Avenue.

"This is an amazing site, part of the main campus, yet so connected to the experience of Remington," said ZGF design architect Vlad Pajkic. "The building's concept, based on the deliberate and inventive arrangement of thematic research neighborhoods, will give the facility a more human scale, appropriate for its location and its function."

The building will target a USGBC LEED Gold Rating. With on-site energy production and electrification, DSAI will be the Homewood campus' first net zero ready carbon facility (excluding emergency generation as mandated by the City of Baltimore). The design, especially storm water and erosion control, will strictly abide by the city's rigorous Site Plan Review Committee process, which prohibits overcharge into adjacent natural habitats or city infrastructure. No building or associated site work will encroach on the university's Forest Conservation Easement.

This project will include significant improvements to the Remington Avenue streetscape and replace three existing structures: the temporary facility that housed the Early Learning Center since 2015, a chiller plant facility that until recently served the Wyman Park Precinct, and the central plant that served the original Merchant Marine Hospital complex. The new facility and the associated open greenspace will also complement the soon-to-be-completed SNF Agora Institute.

The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company and Mahogany Inc. are managing construction for the project, which is anticipated to add 500 trade jobs to boost Baltimore's economy and will indirectly contribute to thousands of new jobs around the city. In alignment with JHU's HopkinsLocal program, the project will also include 20% MBE/WBE and 20% LBE participation. According to Jeff Hargrave, founder and president of Mahogany Inc.: "Being part of such a transformative project means everything to Mahogany and our city. John Hopkins' commitment to improving our city is truly remarkable."

Preparatory work is scheduled to begin in fall 2024. JHU anticipates the buildings will be occupied by summer 2029.

Read more here:

Johns Hopkins University presents building plans for Data Science and AI Institute to city panel - The Hub at Johns Hopkins

April 11, 2024

Ahhyun Lee, a senior studying computer science, is engineering a better world by harnessing the power of emerging technologies to improve medical treatments. She was one of 13 Mizzou students selected to present her research at Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol last week.

Read on for a Q&A with Lee about her research, which focuses on using artificial intelligence to enhance protein function prediction.

Please introduce yourself.

My name is Ahhyun Lee, a senior majoring in computer science. I am from Busan, South Korea, and I have been actively participating in research projects and various student organizations at Mizzou.

Through the Undergraduate Research Fellowship program within the College of Engineering, I have been able to gain valuable research experiences and in-depth understanding of computer science, particularly in artificial intelligence and its application to bioinformatics. Also, I am currently involved in student organizations such as Mizzou Engineering Student Council, Mizzou Computing Association, Upsilon Pi Epsilon and the College of Engineering Student Ambassadors.

What is your research focus?

My current research focuses on utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) techniques for enhancing protein function prediction. AI is gaining popularity because of its great potential for various applications. I am studying and researching deep learning algorithms, a subfield of AI, to explore various ways of improving precision in protein function prediction in the field of bioinformatics.

How did you become interested in this topic?

As a computer science major, I have become deeply interested in the field of artificial intelligence. With the increasing attention to AI today, the field is being applied to a number of other areas. Since I have also been quite interested in life sciences and health care, learning that the field of computer science, especially AI, can intersect with these domains sparked great motivation in me. The research into protein function prediction that I am currently involved in contributes to advancements in biomedical research and new drug discovery. As an undergraduate student, I still have much to learn to strengthen my knowledge, but being able to do research at the intersection of computer science and bioinformatics gives me a great sense of academic accomplishment.

Are you working with any faculty on the project?

I am currently working with Dr. Jianlin Cheng within the electrical engineering and computer science department. His research interests are in artificial intelligence, bioinformatics and machine learning. I have been working with him since fall 2023 through the Undergraduate Research Fellowship program, and I am gaining valuable research experiences and substantial field knowledge under his guidance.

Can you explain your experiment/project process?

My research aims to enhance protein function prediction using artificial intelligence technology. I am particularly engaged in research on models utilizing deep learning, focusing on protein language models and graph neural networks, which leverage both protein sequences and structural data. I am exploring ways to develop more accurate models by studying and researching various algorithms in collaboration with Dr. Cheng and a graduate student mentor.

What were your findings?

I was able to learn and discover that we can attain improved prediction of protein function through deep learning techniques with protein language models and graph neural networks. Currently, there are various computational methods with different approaches to predict protein functions. However, we have explored ways to utilize both protein sequences and structures, as opposed to conventional methods that primarily rely on protein sequences. This approach resulted in improved and more accurate predictions compared to other deep learning-based methods.

What do you hope people take away from this project?

My research falls within the specific field of protein function prediction. However, to understand this field, it requires knowledge not only in computer science but also some understanding of bioinformatics, biology and artificial intelligence. Through my research, I hope that people will be able to see how current technological advancements can progress through the convergence of various disciplines.

As I integrate my background knowledge into learning about other fields for my research, I want to encourage other students and individuals to utilize their knowledge in various areas to make meaningful contributions to a better life and society.

Why did you want to present your research at the capitol and what did you take away from the experience?

I wanted to share my research experience and show my progress to a wider audience. Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol was a great opportunity for me to demonstrate my research activity and interact with state legislators and people from different academic backgrounds.

During the event, by presenting my work, I was able to improve my presentation skills and learn how to convey my ideas more effectively to the audience. I was also able to learn about various research studies conducted by other students and witness how vibrant the research community is across the UM System. This research day was an invaluable experience for me to be better prepared for my future career and academic path.

Thank you for sharing!

Get involved in research that can change the world as an undergraduate. Choose Mizzou Engineering!

View original post here:

Presenting engineering undergraduate research to legislators: A Q&A with Ahhyun Lee - University of Missouri College of Engineering

image:

Avi Wigderson

Credit: Peter Badge

Hebrew University extends its heartfelt congratulations to former faculty member of Hebrew University Professor Avi Wigderson on being honored with the esteemed Turing Award for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of theoretical computer science.

In response to the announcement, Hebrew University President Prof. Asher Cohen expressed pride in Professor Wigderson's achievements, stating: "We are immensely proud of Professor Avi Wigderson's remarkable accomplishment. His dedication to advancing the frontiers of theoretical computer science exemplifies the spirit of innovation and excellence that we cherish at Hebrew University. This prestigious recognition is a testament to his exceptional talent, intellect, and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge. On behalf of the entire Hebrew University community, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Wigderson on this well-deserved honor."

Professor Avi Wigderson, a former faculty member of Hebrew University and currently affiliated with the Institute for Advanced Studys School of Mathematics, has been recognized for his pioneering work in computational complexity theory and algorithms, significantly advancing our understanding of computation and its limits.

Wigderson's research spans various topics within theoretical computer science, including randomness in computation, interactive proof systems, and the power of algebraic methods in algorithm design. His seminal contributions have profoundly impacted various areas of computer science, inspiring generations of researchers and shaping the field's direction.

Prof. Wigderson was a cherished faculty member for nearly 15 years. Notably, quite a few of his groundbreaking papers that earned him acclaim were written during his tenure at Hebrew University. Several of his notable papers were collaborative efforts with colleagues Noam Nisan and Michael Ben-Or. This era marked a dynamic period in theoretical computer science, with Hebrew University emerging as a pivotal hub, largely due to Prof. Wigdersons contributions and presence.

The Turing Award, often referred to as the "Nobel Prize of Computing," is presented annually by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) to individuals who have made significant contributions of lasting importance to the field of computer science.

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.

Read this article:

Hebrew University congratulates Professor Avi Wigderson on prestigious 2023 Turing Award - EurekAlert

Computer science faculty and students consistently contribute to leadership in teaching and research at The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In 2024, the university andGrainger College of Engineering will honor CS faculty members for their excellence in classrooms and research labs in two public events.

TheGrainger College of Engineering Annual Engineering Awards Ceremony takes place on April 29, and the Student Awards ceremony happens on April 27.

CS professor Nancy M. Amato has received The Grainger College of Engineering's 2024 College Award for Leadership of Institutional Impact in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

CS professor Yael Gertner has received The Grainger College of Engineering's 2024 Collins Award for Innovative Teaching.

CS professor Dakshita Khurana has received The Grainger College of Engineering's 2024 Deans Award for Excellence in Research for Assistant Professor.

CS professorEric Shaffer has received The Grainger College of Engineering's 2024 Rose Award for Teaching Excellence.

CS professor Josep Torrellas has received The Grainger College of Engineering's 2024 Tau Beta Pi Daniel C. Drucker Eminent Faculty Award.

CS professorTiffani L. Williams has received The Grainger College of Engineering's 2024 Award for Sustained Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

CS professorTianyin Xu has received The Grainger College of Engineering's 2024 Deans Award for Excellence in Research for Assistant Professor.

CS science graduate studentZander Kelley has received The Grainger College of Engineering's 2024 Ross J. Martin Award.

The Celebration of Teaching Excellence is an annual event hosted by the Office of the Provost at Illinois, honoring recipients of the Campus Awards for Excellence in Instruction. This year, the following computer science faculty members were given awards for their achievements in teaching and research:

CS professorAbdussalam Alawini has received the 2024 campus award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.

CS professorMohammed El-Kebir has received the 2024 campus award for Excellence in Guiding Undergraduate Research.

CS professorLuke Olson has received the 2024 campus award for Excellence in Graduate & Professional Teaching.

Read the original post:

Computer science professors and a grad student earn 11 Grainger Engineering college and Illinois campus 2024 ... - Illinois Computer Science News