From computer science education to AI theory, quantum computing, security and theoretical computer science, get to know five faculty members who joined the Department of Computer Science in 2026. 

Ohad Shamir’s research focuses on the theoretical foundations of machine learning with the goal of understanding how and why modern AI systems work and behave. 

Harry Sha still remembers his first computer science class. The assignments felt like fun puzzles that required creative problem-solving. It was his first year at Stanford University, and he was convinced he would study psychology. When the second computer science class in the sequence introduced algorithms and Sha built a mini version of Google Maps, he walked away feeling empowered.  

Thomas Ristenpart, a new professor in the University of Toronto’s Department of Computer Science, has spent a decade researching interpersonal technology abuse. His work examines how technology is weaponized in situations of interpersonal violence — and how it can be redesigned to better protect people. 

When Uma Girish presents her research on quantum computing, she often spends extra time explaining it — even to fellow computer scientists. Now an assistant professor in the research stream at the University of Toronto’s Department of Computer Science, Girish hopes to use her research and expertise to make quantum computing more accessible to peers without a background in the field. 

For Bahar Aameri, teaching computer science is about helping students see past the complexity. As a new assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science’s teaching stream, she is also committed to creating more inclusive pathways into computing. 

The Department of Computer Science announces the hiring of four faculty members.

The Department of Computer Science welcomes ten of its newest faculty members, joining throughout 2022 and 2023.