Learn how augmented reality headsets allow clinicians to guide physical therapy.There's no known cure for Parkinson's disease. But a computer science research team at Carolina is using a cutting-edge solution to improve patient outcomes and quality of life: augmented reality.
Computing at Carolina
Ever since Carolina's first computer arrived in the 1950s, the University has been a place for research and work that enriches learning and prepares Tar Heels for meaningful careers. Whether it be in the computer science department, the new School of Data Science and Society or any other corner of Carolina, Tar Heels are using their specialties to make a difference.
Keep reading to see how computer science and data science research comes to life at Carolina.
Founded in 1964, Carolina’s computer science department is the second oldest in the U.S. and continues to make a difference today. In 2020, ShanghaiRankings Consultancy’s Ranking of World Universities ranked the department No. 17 worldwide and No. 11 in the U.S. The department’s graduate program was also ranked No. 24 by U.S. News & World Report in 2023.
Throughout its history, the department has successfully collaborated with other departments at Carolina, reflected in recent work involving medical robots and drug discovery.
As one of Carolina’s newest schools, the School of Data Science and Society envisions “a world made healthy, safe and prosperous for all through data-informed decisions,” according to Dean Stan A. Ahalt. Having hired its first faculty, SDSS currently offers a Master of Applied Data Science degree and plans to launch Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science undergraduate degrees in data science later this year in collaboration with the College of Arts and Sciences.
Work around campus
Read about Pearl Hacks and why the annual hackathon is a highlight for many.One Carolina student group is celebrating a decade of making tech more inclusive by empowering women and gender-nonconforming individuals.
Learn how Carolina is giving AI training a human touch.In a partnership with Meta, Carolina’s computer science department is transforming artificial intelligence. The University joined forces with an international consortium of 14 universities to participate in the Ego-Exo4D Project.
Tar Heels in tech
Multimodal AI built with Tar Heel research
A computer science professor and his student teamed with Microsoft Research to produce breakthrough technology.
Community connections drive career
Winter graduate Pramit Thapa hopes to use his computer science experience to give back to the Nepalese community.
Expert outlines impact of quantum computing
Eric Ghysels said the new technology is a “paradigm shift” that will impact financial decision-making and internet security.
Geographer tracks climate-driven migration
Using publicly available data, Clark Gray unpacks the complexities of displacements caused by extreme environmental conditions.
Student statistician brings research to game day
Junior Conor Kerr teamed up with Carolina Athletics and statistics scholars to create the Sports Analysis Intelligence Laboratory.
Tech industry innovator enters academia
Professor Richard Marks talks about how he’s applying his Google and PlayStation experience in the classroom.
In photos
Decades of computers
Carolina's first computer, the UNIVAC 1105, arrived on campus in 1959 and was one of four computers in the U.S. to process data for the 1960 census.
By the 1980s, students were using computers in their learning.
In 1998, Chancellor Michael Hooker announced a computer requirement for first-years beginning in 2000.
Laptops are ubiquitous around campus nowadays.
But they were seen around campus as early as the 1990s — even if they were a bit larger.
Bringing a computer to campus also used to a bit tougher than it is now.
And while we may think of virtual reality as a newer form of technology ...
Carolina students have been testing it out since the 20th century.
Nowadays, Carolina's supercomputer, the Longleaf cluster, enables research endeavors across the University, servicing nearly 200 departments and institutions.
The Carolina Gaming Arena in Craige Residence Hall opened Sept. 7, 2021, as the first esports arena in the ACC.