CCI Research Areas

RESEARCH IN CCI

The College of Computing and Informatics is an internationally recognized leader for innovative and pioneering research. Through our trend-setting work in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, data science and bioinformatics along with our strong industry partnerships with leading tech companies, our college plays a pivotal role in the growth of Charlotte as a major technology hub as our dedicated researchers continue to push the boundaries of key computing disciplines with major implications both near and far.

Learn more about some of the many research labs, centers and projects led by CCI’s team of world-class scholars.

ONGOING RESEARCH @ CCI

CHARLOTTE MACHINE LEARNING LAB (CHarMLab)

UNC Charlotte’s Machine Learning Lab is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of machine learning, the subfield of artificial intelligence research that works on the capability of machines to imitate intelligent human behavior in order to perform complex tasks as humans would. Their work harnesses the power of algorithms, data, and transformative applications to further research endeavors in research areas including artificial intelligence theory, computer vision technology, data science, natural language processing, reinforcement learning and time series analysis. The lab is led by director Xiang Zhang and co-director Christian Kuemmerle, both assistant professors of computer science.

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CENTER FOR AI DIGITAL TWINS AND HUMAN HEALTH (AI4HEALTH)

Led by principal investigator Pu Wang, associate professor of computer science and Ahmed Helmy, professor and the College of Computing and Informatics’ associate dean for research, the Center for AI Digital Twins and Human Health is dedicated to the advancement of research around digital twins: dynamic, virtual representations of physical objects or systems that use real-time data, simulations and machine learning algorithms to understand, predict and optimize functions. The center’s research encompasses the myriad roles digital twins could serve the fields of human health and physiology, including musculoskeletal health, elder care, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease detection, stroke rehabilitation, mental health and radiotherapy. The center is a cross-campus collaborative effort between CCI, the College of Health and Human Services and the William States Lee College of Engineering.

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CENTER FOR ENERGY SECURITY AND RELIABILITY (CESAR)

Founded in 2023, this UNC Charlotte center led by principal investigator Meera Sridhar, associate professor of software and information systems, is devoted to research surrounding the world’s growing need for secure energy sources. The center works in partnership with North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University, and is funded by the North Carolina General Assembly’s UNC System ROI grant program. CESAR is actively engaged in innovative research endeavors to develop cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to safeguard critical energy infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted supply in the face of evolving cyber threats. The center strives to actively engage with industry stakeholders and the wider community to translate research findings into real-world solutions, thereby fostering a safer and more sustainable energy future for all.

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CENTER FOR COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE TO PREDICT HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS (CIPHER)

Formally organized within the College of Computing and Informatics, CIPHER is a university-wide research center with constituents from CCI, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering, the College of Health and Human Services and the College of Education. Co-directed by Dan Janies, the Carol Grotnes Belk Distinguished Professor of Bioinformatics and Genomics, and Adam Reitzel, professor of biological sciences, the center’s goals are to coalesce expertise in computer science, bioinformatics, software and information systems, biological sciences, math, geography, public health, data science, education and communications. CIPHER projects focus on infectious diseases, including emerging viruses and ongoing threats such as malaria, the global spread of antibiotic resistance, food safety and failing ecosystem health. The center’s work hinges on genomics and computing technologies as applied to microbiology, biological and human diversity and health.

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SCHOOL OF DATA SCIENCE

The first in the Carolinas, UNC Charlotte’s School of Data Science convenes a multidisciplinary cohort of data scientists from every college within the University under a shared organizational umbrella within the College of Computing and Informatics. The school is led by interim executive director Dongsong Zhang, the Belk Endowed Chair in Business Analytics and Distinguished Professor of Business Information Systems and Operations Management, and its research endeavors are managed by director of research Jason Windett, associate professor of political science and public administration. SDS faculty research encompasses the six key domains of artificial intelligence and machine learning, nanoscale science and materials, online misinformation detection, smart and sustainable cities, leadership science and urban health. These areas reflect the diverse research efforts of faculty members aimed at addressing pressing global challenges through data-driven approaches.

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