As an example, financial markets often appear as chaotic systems driven by whim and chance. But SCS graduates see a different picture. They apply the same rigor used in debugging a distributed system to the analysis of market structures. They understand how to build robust, verifiable models that account for risk and uncertainty. They possess the mental agility to pivot when the data contradicts their model — a hallmark of both a good scientist and a successful financier.

Consider also how a new generation of advocates are using computation to help those who need it to navigate the complexities of the healthcare landscape. By identifying systemic biases in healthcare delivery and creating platforms that grant patients better access to care and benefits, our alumni and students are using computer science to advocate for the vulnerable. They know how to define a problem with precision, how to iterate until a solution is found and how to scale that solution to benefit millions.

In this issue of The LINK, you will read about School of Computer Science alumni, faculty and students who are pushing these boundaries. You will see examples of computational discovery in finance, healthcare advocacy, and privacy and security, among other fields. These stories are a testament to the fact that computer science is no longer a siloed discipline. It is the connective tissue of modern intellectual life.

As we look toward the future, I am confident that our students will continue to be on the forefront of discovery. By mastering the art of applying computation to the scientific method, they are not just preparing for a career, they are ready to take on the world’s toughest challenges.

I hope you enjoy this issue and find inspiration in the remarkable work of our community.