Yuheng Bu, currently an assistant professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the University of Florida, will be joining the UC Santa Barbara College of Engineering’s Computer Science Department in July 2025. He earned his bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering from Tsinghua University and completed his PhD in electrical and computer engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he then went on to serve as a postdoctoral research associate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

COE: Why are you excited to join UCSB's College of Engineering and Computer Science Department?
YB: I am excited to join UCSB's Computer Science Department for its strong AI, security, and theory research, as well as its seamless industrial collaborations. The department’s expertise in machine learning and trustworthy AI aligns closely with my work, and its proximity to the tech industry offers unique opportunities for real-world impact. UCSB’s collaborative environment fosters innovation and diverse perspectives, and I look forward to contributing to this dynamic community.

COE: What is your focus of research and why do you think it will flourish here at UCSB?
YB: My research lies at the intersection of machine learning and information theory, where I develop theoretically grounded learning algorithms for applications, such as watermarking generative AI, fair machine learning, uncertainty quantification, and model compression. I am driven by a research philosophy that bridges fundamental theory with impactful real-world applications. UCSB’s seamless integration of theory and practice, coupled with its vibrant research culture, strong industry connections, and exceptional students, provides the perfect environment to advance my research.

COE: What are the real-world implications of your work?
YB: By improving the fairness and reliability of AI systems, we can ensure that decisions made by these technologies are just and trustworthy. Additionally, developing effective methods to watermark AI-generated content helps protect intellectual property and prevents the spread of false information. A recent USA Today article highlighted my work in creating an AI watermarking system designed to detect AI-generated content and combat misinformation, emphasizing the importance of such technologies in maintaining the integrity of digital content.

COE: What is your biggest goal while here at UCSB?
YB: My foremost goal at UCSB is to establish a research group that advances both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of trustworthy AI. This includes developing rigorous, mathematically sound frameworks alongside real-world implementations to ensure AI systems are reliable and ethical. I am committed to mentoring students and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, leveraging UCSB's vibrant research environment and strong industry connections to drive innovation in this field.