Boston University Invests in Future Leaders with New Career Advancement Professorships, Research Spanning AI to the Cosmos
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Boston University has named seven scholars as its newest Career Development Professors, recognizing emerging leaders whose work is deeply rooted in technological innovation – from artificial intelligence and its impact on society to unraveling the mysteries of the universe.
The annual professorships, awarded by the BU Provost’s office, provide three years of financial support for salaries and research, bolstering the university’s commitment to attracting and retaining top academic talent. “Supporting our faculty at every stage of their careers is central to Boston University’s success,” stated a senior university official. “These professorships not only recognize the unusual promise of these emerging scholars, but also reflect our commitment to recruiting and retaining world-class academic talent.”
Exploring the Universe with Artificial intelligence
Hongwan Liu, an assistant professor of physics in the College of Arts & Sciences, exemplifies the intersection of seemingly disparate fields. His research focuses on leveraging machine learning AI to hunt for dark matter, the elusive substance believed to constitute the majority of matter in the universe. According to one nominator, Dean Stan Sclaroff, Liu’s work has already increased the calculated number of stars associated with a dark matter stream in our galaxy by 20-fold. “His colleagues anticipate he’ll be one of the key people driving new ideas on dark matter in the next decade,” Sclaroff wrote. Liu’s approach uniquely connects physics at the smallest scales – where undiscovered forces govern particle interactions – with the vastness of cosmic structure and evolution.
The Rise of large Language models and the Future of Communication
The impact of artificial intelligence extends far beyond astrophysics. Sophie Hao, a CAS assistant professor of linguistics and computer science, is a leading expert on Large Language Models (LLMs).Her work explores the cognitive and linguistic foundations of these models, aiming to understand how they process and generate human language. Hao’s research delves into the ethical implications of LLMs, including issues of bias, misinformation, and accessibility.
Healthcare AI and Autonomous Systems
Wei-Lun (Harry) Chao,joining BU in January 2026 as an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering,will focus on healthcare AI,autonomous driving,machine learning,and computer vision. His work addresses critical challenges in applying these technologies to real-world scenarios, particularly where data is imperfect. Previously at Ohio State University, Chao co-led the school’s autonomous vehicle team, competing in motorsports cosponsored by General motors.
The Impact of AI on the Job Market
Emma Wiles, an assistant professor of information systems at the Questrom School of Business, is investigating the effects of AI on labor markets and online employment platforms. Her research reveals that individuals using AI to write their résumés experienced an 8% higher probability of being hired and a 10% increase in wages, as the technology clarifies their skills to employers. Moreover, Wiles found that employers utilizing AI to draft job postings reduced writing time by 44% and were more likely to publish them online. “She is a talented researcher,” stated Susan Fournier, Questrom’s dean, “poised and trained to make critical contributions to the school’s research on the tech evolution of business.”
Unraveling the Mysteries of Nerve Injury
Travis Rotterman, an assistant professor of pharmacology, physiology, and biophysics at the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, is researching nerve injury using cutting-edge genetic methods. His work provides critical insights into the complex circuitry underlying motor adaptations following neurological damage, offering cautionary notes on the differences between restoring anatomical connectivity and achieving functional recovery. “His innovative work…has provided critical insights into the complex circuitry underlying motor adaptations,” noted Hee-Young Park, dean ad interim of CAMED.
These seven new Career Development Professors represent a diverse and dynamic cohort, poised to lead the next generation of innovation at Boston University and beyond. Their research,united by a common thread of technological advancement,promises to address some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing society today.
