Cornell Bowers CIS News June 2024

A color photo of a woman smiling for a photo

Dear Bowers CIS students,

As we bid farewell to another academic year, I hope you have found time to reflect on the recent flurry of activities and achievements within our college.

The pride and excitement that filled the air during last month’s commencement ceremony were palpable. Witnessing our newest graduates cross the stage and embark on the next chapter of their lives was a remarkable experience.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the more than 1,200 students — the largest graduating class in the college’s history — who are now officially alumni of Cornell Bowers CIS. Your journey as part of our college does not end here; rather, it marks the beginning of a lifelong connection with our community.

As we transition into the summer months, I encourage each of you to take a moment to pause and recharge. Whether you find yourself in Ithaca or elsewhere, I hope you find time to relax and be re-energized amidst any projects, jobs, or endeavors you may be pursuing.

Warmly,

Kavita Bala

Dean

Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science

dean@cis.cornell.edu

Kexin (Phyllis) Ju ’24, center, honors her high school mentor, Chuan Du of China, left, and her Cornell faculty mentor, Kyle Harms, right, a senior lecturer in the Department of Information Science, at the 36th Annual Merrill Presidential Scholars lunch

Merrill Scholars honor mentors who inspired them

The scholars are graduating seniors selected by deans of the university’s 10 undergraduate colleges and schools based on outstanding scholastic achievement, evidence of leadership, and their desire to positively affect the world beyond Cornell.

Prithwish Dan ’24

Kexin “Phyllis” Ju ’24

Zak Kent ’24

Archit Mehta ’24

Esther Wang ’24

Ambrose Yang ’24

Naiqi Zhang ’24

Tairan Zhang ‘24

A color photo of a man smiling for a photo

When Fulbright disappeared, Mohammad found opportunity at Cornell

With support from the college, and a lot of hard work and persistence, Mohammad completed his Masters of Engineering in computer science.

Hussain Ahmad Mohammad, M.Eng, ’23

Twin Bowers CIS entrepreneurs bring AI to academia

Twins Alsa Khan and Muhammad Jee explain how their AI platform, Mr. EzPz, could help to make artificial intelligence more reliable for students as well as educators.

A color photo showing a man and a woman standing outside

Community Work-Study Program celebrates 50 years

Ying Lin Zhao ’26

CS major helps Cornell Men’s Fencing Club claim collegiate national title

Gabriel Montalvo-Zotter ’24

Three from Cornell Bowers CIS receive awards recognizing inclusive excellence

Promise Ekpo

Gemmechu Hassena

Aditya Vashistha

Foster named to DARPA ISAT Study Group

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the research and development arm of the U.S. Department of Defense, has named Nate Foster, professor of computer science, the vice chair of the Information Science & Technology (ISAT) Study Group, beginning in August.

A color photo showing pictures of 2 men with a red background

Kato named IMS fellow; Matteson named IMS and ASA fellow

Kengo Kato and David Matteson, both professors in the Department of Statistics and Data Science, have been named fellows of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (IMS), considered the premier organization of mathematical statisticians and probability scholars in the world. Additionally, Matteson was also named a fellow of the American Statistical Association (ASA), the world’s largest community of statisticians.

Graduates from Cornell Bowers CIS’s class of 2024 pose in front of Gates Hall before Commencement on Saturday, May 25.

‘Architects of the future’ recognized during Cornell Bowers CIS ceremonies

More than 1,200 graduates – the largest graduating class in the college’s history – were recognized in separate department recognition ceremonies. For undergraduates in the class of 2024 and their friends and family, graduation activities were notably special: many did not get to celebrate in-person high school graduations in 2020 due to the pandemic.

A color photo showing graduates walking outside of Gates Hall with the text "2024 Cornell Bowers CIS" overlaying it

Graduates reflect on Bowers CIS experience: Strong foundations, new opportunities

Hear from undergraduate and graduate students in their own words, as they look back on their foundational years at Cornell Bowers CIS.

Celebrating exceptional leaders at the DEIB Awards and CIS Formal

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion held their annual Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Awards ceremony, recognizing exceptional leadership by faculty and students and honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to uplift the Bowers CIS community.