Illinois Tech College of Computing

We’re excited to share the latest edition of the Illinois Tech College of Computing Magazine, featuring stories that spotlight research, student and faculty achievements, and alumni making an impact across the tech landscape.

In this issue, explore how our community is:
- Staying ahead of evolving cyber threats with cutting-edge hacking research
- Advancing autonomous vehicle safety beyond human driving performance
- Using mathematical and machine-learning models to help advertisers maximize impact

Discover the latest innovations shaping the future of computing. Read the newest issue: https://bit.ly/4ucc6Y6

College of Computing Magazine 2026 AI summary is ready AI Summary Beta The College of Computing Magazine 2026 highlights advancements and achievements in technology, focusing on topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity,

For Ananya Bhooplam Praveen (M.A.S. DSC 2nd Year), hands-on learning at Illinois Tech opened doors to industry connections, startup innovation, and real-world problem solving.

Through internships, hackathons, research-driven projects, and Illinois Tech’s startup accelerator, Ananya built the confidence and technical skills to thrive in data science. Her experiences even helped lead her team to a first-place finish at AnDackaThon 2026 for developing a real-time marine risk intelligence system.

“Being an Illinois Tech student makes me feel challenged in a positive way while also supported throughout my learning journey,” she says.

Learn more:

Finding Career Guidance Beyond the Classroom Integrating projects, experiential learning, and real-world problem solving into the academic experience has helped Ananya Bhooplam Praveen (M.A.S.

What happens when classroom learning meets real-world problem solving? Riya Poudyal (CIS, M.S. BUSA 4th Year) found out early.

Riya gained hands-on experience collaborating with industry leaders through P33 and Protiviti, developing automation and web-scraping solutions used in the corporate world. Through Illinois Tech’s IPRO Program, she also partnered with students across disciplines to help create prototypes for the Bronzeville Trail Task Force.

Those experiences helped Riya build the technical and collaborative skills that led to an internship at McDonald’s headquarters, later turning into a full-time role as a business technical analyst.

“At Illinois Tech, I feel like I am at a powerful platform that I need to make the most out of,” says Riya.

Learn how Riya is combining technology, business, and collaboration to make an impact: https://bit.ly/4uCCCe8

The Intersection of Tech and Business Riya Poudyal (CIS, M.S.

Congratulations to the College of Computing Class of 2026.

Our graduates leave Illinois Tech prepared to advance fields including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computer science, data science, and more.

Wishing the best to our graduates as they begin the next stage of their professional journey.

Congratulations to Mohammad Heidarinejad on receiving the 2026 Outstanding Educator Award from the Architectural Engineering Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Recognized for his teaching in building energy and environmental systems and his dedication to student mentorship, Heidarinejad continues to prepare students to tackle real-world challenges in high-performance building design, HVAC systems, and energy modeling.

The award also reflects the impact he has had on generations of students, many of whom credited his guidance, support, and commitment to their academic and professional success.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

https://bit.ly/49fdrFT

A Profound Impact: Engineering Professor Named Outstanding Educator Illinois Tech Associate Professor of Architectural Engineering

Chicago’s tech ecosystem became the launchpad for Otioh Konan’s (AI 3rd Year) journey into artificial intelligence.

Through student organizations, interdisciplinary projects, and hands-on coursework at Illinois Tech, Otioh is building the skills to develop technology with real-world impact. From creating an AI robotics assistant to designing ProFeed, a student-professor feedback web app, she is combining front-end development, ethical AI, and innovation to shape solutions centered around people.

“Being at Illinois Tech has given me the opportunity to explore both the technical and human sides of computing through hands-on projects, collaboration, and involvement in student organizations,” she says.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3PNREhR

A City and Campus of Opportunities Chicago is recognized as a global tech hub, meaning it’s the perfect place to thrive for someone such as Otioh Konan (AI 3rd Year).

Abdul Hadi Khan (M.A.S. CYF ’26) is proving how College of Computing students are at the forefront of securing our nation’s future. Working alongside Associate Professor Maurice Dawson at the C2SAFE research center, Khan has published work in military journals on the cyber defense of space systems and AI-driven psychological operations.

As he prepares to graduate, Abdul credits the program’s unique integration of applied learning and research-driven education for his readiness to solve real-world problems. He highlights that learning from professors who are both academic experts and active industry professionals has made his experience uniquely practical and impactful.

By bridging the gap between theory and hands-on offensive and defensive security practices, Abdul is ready to lead in the complex landscape of global cybersecurity.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/42vNHRJ

Research on the Cyber Battlefield Abdul Hadi Khan (M.A.S.

The moment is here. 🎓

This Saturday, the Illinois Tech community comes together to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 at our 157th Commencement.

Graduates from the College of Computing will be recognized during the second combined ceremony beginning at 2 p.m. (CDT) at Credit Union 1 Arena, alongside Lewis College of Science and Letters.

🔗 Watch the ceremony live: https://go.iit.edu/ceremony-2
🔗 Event details: https://www.iit.edu/commencement

Illinois Tech Commencement 2026 Ceremony Two Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

What advice would you share with your first-year self?

Fourth-year student Rojeena in Computer Information Systems, reflects on her journey and shares the insight she wishes she had from day one as graduation approaches.

Illinois Institute of Technology Professor of Applied Mathematics Fred Hickernell has been named to the 2026 class of Fellows by the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM), recognizing his outstanding research and service to the applied mathematics community.

SIAM cited Hickernell for his mathematical and statistical innovations in high-dimensional integration and approximation, along with his scientific leadership, mentorship, and service to the field. His research group at Illinois Tech also develops open-source computational tools—supporting researchers in finance, engineering, and science as they tackle increasingly complex, data-intensive problems.

Hickernell will be honored at the SIAM Annual Meeting in Cleveland in July 2026. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4tgYbzy

Applied Mathematics Professor Honored as SIAM Fellow The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics has named Illinois Tech Professor of Applied Mathematics