Director's Message to UMIACS March '25

Using technology to improve education outcomes isn’t a new idea. But there are emerging scientific discoveries and novel concepts—including several featured in this newsletter—which could certainly impact how we teach and learn in the future.

One example involves UMIACS faculty member Wei Ai, who is collaborating with education experts to bring the power of AI to bear on improving math learning outcomes. This innovative approach has drawn the attention of philanthropic organizations, which have stepped up and provided $4.5 million in funding. Our UMIACS tech staff is providing much of the computational support for this work.

In quantum, QuICS fellow Nicole Yunger Halpern is continuing her innovative approach to educating a broad audience about quantum mechanics—and other scientific matter—with a workshop that combines quantum steampunk (Nicole’s term for her work in quantum thermodynamics) with science fiction. Nicole is also working with a talented sculptor to bring a unique quantum steampunk sculpture to various public events during the next year, enlightening and inspiring others to learn more about this fascinating topic.

And check out this new video on the work being done by Jun Nishida and his students in the Embodied Dynamics Laboratory. Collectively, the lab is exploring connections between the digital world and human embodiment and cognition, which can ultimately contribute to the formation of physical skills, knowledge, subjectivity and behavior.

UMIACS is proud to support all these efforts—and more—as we continue to advance new discoveries and new knowledge that will have a positive impact on society. 

—Mihai Pop, UMIACS director