Erasmo Tani is an assistant teaching professor of computer science in the Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science. Before joining Cornell, he was a postdoctoral researcher at Sapienza University of Rome and, briefly, a visitor at the Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago. Tani obtained a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Chicago, an M.S. in computer science from Boston University, and an M.Eng. in mathematics and computer science from the University of Bristol.
What is your academic focus?
I am a theoretical computer scientist. I work on designing new algorithms for fundamental problems and work to understand the limitations intrinsic to many computational and statistical tasks. At Cornell, I will be teaching undergraduate computing classes.
Could you briefly summarize your research?
My work has focused on solving algorithmic problems that arise in data science and machine learning. A significant part of my research centers on generalizing algorithms that work on traditional network data, modeled by graphs, to their higher-order counterpart – a class of combinatorial objects known as hypergraphs.
What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
Like many people working in computing, I was drawn to the subject by its entertaining puzzles. Growing up, I loved riddles and brainteasers, and when I first approached computer science as a young student, I found that it provided me with seemingly never-ending fun. Over time, I also gained an appreciation for the impact that a person working in this field could have. Computing is increasingly pervasive, and understanding the subject better means gaining more control over our lives, and potentially helping others do the same.
Why Cornell?
Cornell is a fantastic place to be involved in computer science scholarship. Working here, I am surrounded by leading experts in many subfields of computing, making it easy to follow cutting-edge research developments. The students, who are among the most prepared in the country and internationally, have a reputation for being intellectually curious and passionate about learning. Ithaca is also an absolutely stunning and incredibly peaceful place, a real boon for my quality of life!
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
When I am not working, I really enjoy spending time with my wife. I also love learning new things, and I can often be found reading textbooks on subjects ranging from natural and social sciences to engineering and technology. Occasionally, I try to show off what I have learned at pub trivia nights, often with little success. I also enjoy juggling, biking, and rollerblading.