The ±«Óătv (±«Óătv) College of Engineering is proud to announce that two of its distinguished faculty members, and , have been selected as . This prestigious recognition reflects their outstanding contributions to engineering research and the global impact of their work.
Dr. Chang: Privacy-preserving Machine Learning
Dr. J. Morris Chang, a Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at ±«Óătv, is widely known for his research in cybersecurity and machine learning. At ±«Óătv, he has served as the lead PI for several research projects on cyber security, data privacy and machine learning funded by DARPA, USSOCCOM and Cyber Florida. His recent textbook, co-authored with his PhD students, provides comprehensive coverage of “”, Manning Publications, 2023 (ISBN: 9781617298042) 330 pages.
As a , Dr. Chang will work on the project titled “ in collaboration with the host institution, . This Fulbright award would allow him to engage in research and teaching collaboration with the faculty and students at National Taiwan University, specifically, in the area of privacy-preserving AI.
It also allows him to bring the privacy concerns and the privacy preservation techniques into the fastest growing AI industries in Taiwan.
Dr. Chang said, “I am very excited about the teaching and research opportunities offered by this prestigious Fulbright award. I am particularly eager to study the privacy related issues on the social network applications used widely in Taiwan and teach their students a graduate-level course on privacy-preservation machine learning by using my recent textbook.”
Dr. Mauricio Arias: Focus on Environmental Sustainability
E, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at ±«Óătv. He leads the Watershed Sustainability Lab at ±«Óătv and his research adopts an interdisciplinary approach to address regional water management challenges.
He has been recognized for his contributions to water resources management and sustainability, particularly in watersheds in the tropics. His research emphasizes the need for balance between natural ecosystems and human infrastructure, considering the effects of climate change in water management in water bodies around the world.
As part of the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, Dr. Arias is the lead grantee on the project titled “” He will collaborate with experts abroad, including the host institution –, Institute of Engineering, . He will work to address to better understand how mangroves -a family of tree species widespread through the Yucatan and Florida peninsulas- can help us protect natural and build infrastructure in the coast of Yucatan and Florida, both highly vulnerable to hurricanes like Milton, which recently impacted both peninsulas. Arias international work will support global efforts to use nature-based solutions to adapt to climate change and promote sustainable water resource management.
“I am very excited about this opportunity Fulbright and ±«Óătv have given me. This has been already a great opportunity (I’ve been in Mexico since August) to learn about coastal processes that affect the Gulf of Mexico. It has also been a great opportunity for me and my family to fully immerse in the rich Mexican culture”, said Dr. Arias.
Mauricio Arias and his host (Paulo Salles) exploring mangroves along the Yucatan Peninsula.
Celebrating Excellence at ±«Óătv
The selection of Dr. Chang and Dr. Arias as highlights the ±«Óătv College of Engineering’s ongoing commitment to advancing research with global impact. This prestigious award is a testament to the exceptional accomplishments of its faculty and the university's role as a leader in innovation and international collaboration.
The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program supports over 1,700 fellowships annually for faculty, researchers, and professionals across the United States and abroad, fostering global partnerships and cultural exchange. Dr. Chang and Dr. Arias will join this esteemed network of scholars dedicated to making meaningful contributions in their fields and beyond.
For more information on their achievements and the Fulbright ±«Óătv Scholar Program, visit the ±«Óătv Faculty Honors website at awards.research.usf.edu.
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