CS theory, or theoretical computer science, is the study of the mathematical foundations of computation. By understanding the “why” and “how” behind computing at its most basic and logical level, CS theory explores what can be computed, how efficiently problems can be solved, and the fundamental limits of computation. It includes: algorithms, computational complexity, automata theory, computability theory, cryptography, and learnability.
CS theory has helped advance innovation in many areas of computer science, including machine learning, cryptography, and quantum computing. It's also connected computer science to other fields like economics, statistics, and physics.
Theory Faculty
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Roberto Giacobazzi
ProfessorOffice: GS 711
Interests: Theory of computation, programming languages, abstract interpretation, program analysis and verification, logic in computer science, history of computing.
(Ph.D., University of Pisa in Italy, 1993)
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Chicheng Zhang
Assistant ProfessorOffice: 720
Interests: Interactive machine learning, Reinforcement learning and bandits, Learning theory
(Ph.D., University of California at San Diego, 2017)
PhD Students
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Sattwik (Sunny) Das
PhD StudentOffice: GS 721
Advisor: Dr. Roberto Giacobazzi
Interests: Programming Languages, Compilers, Theoretical Computer Science, Cryptography, Quantum Computing
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Thang Nhat Duong
PhD StudentOffice: GS 718
Interests: Artificial Intelligence (NLP, ML, Vision)
Advisor: Dr. Chicheng Zhang
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Yichen Li
PhD StudentOffice: GS 718
Interests: Reinforcement Learning and Imitation Learning
Advisor: Dr. Chicheng Zhang
