New Faculty Spotlight: Jordan Rodriguez
Welcome new Lecturer!
Jordan Rodriguez, dual University of Arizona alum (BS in CS, 2025 and MS in CS, 2026), is continuing his journey at UA as a faculty member! Jordan will be joining as a lecturer this fall 2026. We asked Jordan to answer our "Getting to know you" questions. Responses below.
Educational background/short bio:
I was born and raised here in Tucson, and began my interest in Computer Science here in town at University High School. I graduated with my B.S. in Computer Science here at the University of Arizona in 2025, and through the Accelerated Master's Program graduated with my M.S. in Computer Science just recently. While in the department, I was a TA and Course Coordinator for CS 120, where I found my passion for teaching.
Research interests:
I have a wide array of interests and have worked on research projects in biomedical engineering, AI, and NLP. I have worked on signal processing and predictive modeling using wearable sensors, for both motion analysis and blood pressure prediction. My Master's thesis was a project that brought explainability to AI patent search using a system that dynamically edited boolean queries to reproduce the results of an AI search system.
Why did you apply to join the University of Arizona Department of Computer Science?
I applied to the department because I found a home here throughout my degree. The teachers have been approachable, and have inspired me in many ways with their passion and dedication. I've found there's a general appreciation for the beauty and elegance of computing, which I appreciate and resonate with. I was inspired to bring more students into that culture through teaching.
What made you interested in pursuing a career in higher education/the academy?
Working as a TA, I found teaching very fulfilling. That feeling of passion, combined with the inspiration of the teachers that I knew had impacted my life so positively, inspired me to get on the path to become a teacher myself. I love the academic environment that combines teaching, bringing in the next generation of computer scientists, and research, exploring and expanding the boundaries of the field.
What are you looking forward to most in continuing at the UA?
I look forward to the opportunity to grow and help others grow. I look forward to the challenges along the way and hope I can contribute a unique perspective and make a positive impact on my students and on the department as a whole.
Any other information you would like students, staff, faculty, alumni, etc. to know about you.
I love to read. I am working my way through the canon that I know I must read, right now The Count of Monte Cristo. My favorite author is Kurt Vonnegut and my favorite book is Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. I'm interested in Zen Buddhism, and regularly practice yoga and meditation.