Celebrating 60 years of Computer Sciences
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Established in 1964, the Department of Computer Sciences is celebrating just over sixty years of excellence. In this special anniversary edition of Badger Bytes, our alumni newsletter, we take a journey through the decades, highlighting our incredible alumni, and spotlighting students as we anticipate CS's bright future.
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Dear Badgers,
We are paying the price for last year’s mild winter with a big dose of cold weather this year. Still, a lot of sunshine and not much snow, so our faculty candidate visitors from gloomier climes are not too deterred, though they sometimes forget to bring their warmest coats!
Yes, we are embarked on another busy hiring season, with candidates visiting almost daily. It’s inspiring to see the great work being done by young colleagues in the discipline. We are lucky to be doing research, advising students, and teaching in one of the most prominent areas of modern science. I’m optimistic for another successful recruiting season, building on the record number of seven new faculty hired last year.
This summer, we’ll be moving into our exciting new home: Morgridge Hall! It promises to be the best spot in the nation for a CS department. As with any move, we’re preparing by sorting, discarding, and packing our belongings.
As we round out our 60th year, this issue features profiles of some of our alumni who have made their marks in the profession and in the world and students who are carrying their work forward. I hope you enjoy reading about them as much as I did.
Steve Wright
Chair, Department of Computer Sciences
George B. Dantzig Professor | Sheldon B. Lubar Chair | Hilldale Professor
University of Wisconsin–Madison
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Six decades of excellence. Six alumni spotlights.
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Ellis Horowitz MS'67, PhD'69
Pioneering computer scientist and educator in data structures, algorithms, and software development
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Mary Ann Horton MS'77
Trailblazing computer scientist, Internet innovator, and activist
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Brent Seales MS'88, PhD'91
Innovative expert in digital preservation and machine learning
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Sowmya Subramanian MS'97
Visionary in incubating and growing strategic initiatives in AI
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Camille Fournier MS'05
Skilled and influential computer scientist and software engineer in both for- and non-profit AI
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Mike Epley '10
Innovative technology leader in building high-performance systems
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Mikayla Buford '20
Accomplished computer scientist in community-engaged design research
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Would you like to be profiled for the CS website or a future Badger Bytes edition? Know someone who you would like to see profiled? Let us know by emailing communications@cs.wisc.edu. We'd love to hear from you!
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Behind the CS 60th anniversary stickers
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The CS department commissioned a wildly popular sticker sheet from SoHe student Grace Edwards x'25. The sheet includes four CS highlights from the last 60 years of CS, including the CS Badger (left) and Sister Mary Kenneth Keller (PhD'65), a Catholic nun, UW-Madison alumna, and the first person in the country to receive a PhD in computer science.
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Interested in a set of stickers for your laptop, water bottle, or notebook?
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Looking ahead: four student profiles
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Emerging computer scientist advancing machine learning and AI research
"I never expected I would have the chance to work on climate change!"
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Graduate student specializing in data privacy and natural language processing
"The cutting-edge research in theory and systems in the Computer Sciences department at UW-Madison motivated me to pursue graduate studies here."
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Senior studying language technologies and natural language processing
"I’ve always been fascinated with human nuances—the way languages, cultures, emotions, and anything inherently human shapes the world."
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Undergraduate focusing on human-computer interaction and sustainable technology
"I’m fascinated by how technology can be designed to enhance user experiences while also being environmentally responsible."
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Join the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) Badger Effect!
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When Morgridge Hall opens later this year, one of its most prominent art installations will be The Badger Effect, a 26-foot-long mosaic inspired by the power of collaboration—and you can be a part of it.
Representing the ripple effect Badgers have when they come together, The Badger Effect seeks to raise $1 million through donations of $2,019, in honor of the year CDIS was founded. Donate by March 31 to have your tile in place for the building's grand opening!
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What CS donors have to say:
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"Hopefully, a few students will see [the phrase 'Shipping is feature' on the tile], be curious, and read a little bit about that philosophy of software development."
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"After two and a half years studying at UW–Madison, my family and I wanted to contribute and leave our mark in the new building."
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As UW's largest and most popular major continues to grow, we're working hard to maintain the same level of excellence and sense of community you enjoyed as a student—but to succeed, we need your help. Keep an eye out for ways to support Computer Sciences on Day of the Badger!
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Save the Date: Upcoming Events
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Join fellow Badgers for Talking Tech in Chicago, an exclusive, in-person event where experts will dive into how agentic AI is affecting how we work and live.
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