Engineering

Two Columbia professors — a neuroscientist whose work on the visual system could lead to a cure for blindness and a theoretical computer scientist who has helped define the limits of computation — are among the 84 new members elected this week to the National Academy of Sciences. 

When recommendation algorithms are turned loose on a social network with homophily, women become less visible, says a new study by Columbia researchers.  

In a new study, Columbia researchers find that street trees with protective guards soaked up runoff water six times faster than trees without guards. 

Researchers at Columbia and Lehigh universities have come up with a new approach to self-driving cars and other self-taught systems.

Anil Lalwani wants to deliver medicine directly into the inner ear, the best way to treat ear-related disorders.

Ken Shepard is part of a growing push to develop brain-computer interfaces to repair senses and skills lost to injury or disease.

Amir Imani wrote his first computer program, a family phone book, at age 9. The experience sealed his interest in computing. “I always loved making and breaking things,” he said. “Coding gave me a way to explore the enigmatic world of computers.”

Tap dancing and engineering may not seem like they have anything in common. But for graduating senior Vikas Arun, pairing these two passions makes plenty of sense.

By the time Jonathan (Jonny) Cohen started his freshman year at Columbia Engineering, he had launched a startup and been named—twice—to Forbes magazine’s “30 Under 30” list of energy sector leaders for his work in green technology.

Cohen, who graduates in May with a degree in mechanical engineering, has been devising inventions since grade school. One of his first, at age 9, was an intercom system built from scrap parts that he found around his house.

Dear fellow members of the Columbia community:

I am pleased to announce my appointment of Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic to the rank of University Professor, our highest academic honor.