Cornell University has announced the addition of several prominent scholars in artificial intelligence (AI) and data science as part of its Radical Collaboration initiative. This effort aims to strengthen interdisciplinary research and education within the university. The newly appointed faculty members are expected to enhance Cornell’s capabilities in data science across multiple departments.
David Shmoys, Laibe/Acheson Professor of Business Management & Leadership Studies and director of the Cornell Data Science and Engineering System (CDSES), expressed optimism about the impact of these new hires. “These intellectual giants will bring new strengths to Cornell, not just within their home departments, but across the full space of units with a projection on data science,” he said. “More than one department would have been excited to have them join.”
Thorsten Joachims, vice provost for AI strategy and director of the AI Initiative and Radical Collaboration, also highlighted the importance of this recruitment. “These leaders in their respective fields reflect Cornell’s broad vision for AI and Data Science,” Joachims stated. “They reflect how we are collaborating across disciplines to advance our understanding and the state of the art in AI.”
The new faculty members include:
- danah boyd, Geri Gay Professor of Communication in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). Boyd’s research explores the intersection of technology and society, focusing on how youth navigate online spaces. She is the author of the recently released book Data Are Made, Not Found.
- Jelena Bradic, professor of statistics and data science in the Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science and CALS. Her research areas include causal inference and machine learning, particularly in public health applications. Before joining Cornell, she was a professor at the University of California, San Diego.
- Maryam Fazel, who will join the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering in spring 2027 as a professor. Fazel specializes in optimization and machine learning, and she is currently associated with the University of Washington, where she has led NSF-funded research initiatives.
- Shoham Sabach, an associate professor in the School of Operations Research and Information Engineering. Sabach’s research includes mathematical optimization and applications in AI. Prior to his position at Cornell, he was an associate professor at Technion in Israel and a scholar at Amazon Research.
- Jiang-Xun Wang, an associate professor in the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Wang integrates AI with physics-based models to enhance various applications, including environmental prediction and manufacturing processes. Previously, he served at the University of Notre Dame.
The Radical Collaboration initiative is a concerted effort across multiple Cornell departments, including CDSES, the Cornell AI Initiative, and the Brooks School of Public Policy, among others. This initiative spans academic years 2025 to 2027, aiming to foster collaboration and innovation in AI and data science at Cornell.
