Badger Bytes is a regular newsletter for alumni, donors, and friends of UW–Madison's Department of Computer Sciences. To recommend this newsletter, share the new subscriber form.

Top April Story:

UW–Madison has named School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences director and Computer Sciences professor Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau as founding dean of the College of Computing & Artificial Intelligence, launching July 1, 2026. The college launches with $100 million in philanthropic commitments and significant campus investment, including funding for 50 new faculty positions to expand faculty research and student opportunities. The new college builds on UW–Madison’s strengths in computing while advancing leadership in AI and its impact across disciplines. "AI is already reshaping society," said Arpaci-Dusseau. "We have a responsibility to engage thoughtfully and prepare students for a changing world."

Read the full story here.

April Stories:

Before graduation, CS Capstone students are already doing the job

Taylor Wilmot x'26 explores how UW–Madison's CS Capstone course drops students into real business problems with real industry partners — and the results speak for themselves: full-time job offers, internships, and career-launching portfolio work, all before graduation.

Why one UW–Madison professor is teaching quantum computing upside-down

Associate Professor of Computer Sciences Aws Albarghouthi offers a “provocative vision” for how to teach quantum computing that overcomes common learning barriers for students: begin with computer programming.

Students pose with someone in a pink animal costume

CS students at WECode, the largest student-run women-in-tech conference in the world

Thanks to a generous donor, students from WACM (UW-Madison's Association for Computing Machinery chapter), including WACM president and graduating senior Carol Sze, found community and resources at WECode.

Brennen Hill x'26 is building AI inspired by the brain

Brennen Hill shares how his fascination with brain-inspired AI led him to found UW–Madison's Wisconsin Neuromorphic Computing and NeuroAI Lab — now 100 members strong — and ship real algorithms to real robots. Hill is heading to a PhD program, with big ambitions to reshape how AI is built.

Three Computer Sciences alumni recognized for extraordinary careers: the 2026 Distinguished Achievement Awardees

Michael Garey PhD'70, Eric Harslem MS'68, and Ellis Horowitz MS '67, PhD'69 have received CDIS Distinguished Achievement Awards for their accomplishments in the field of computer science. Congratulations to them all!

Alumni and friends can support and empower CS students by making a gift to our department's annual fund today.

Bucky illustration by Billy Powell x'28.

Department of Computer Sciences
College of Computing & Artificial Intelligence

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN–MADISON
1205 University Avenue | Madison, WI 53706