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Patrick McDaniel, an internationally recognized computer scientist and leader in cybersecurity and trustworthy artificial intelligence, has been named the inaugural associate dean for research for the University of Wisconsin–Madison College of Computing & Artificial Intelligence (CAI). 

McDaniel, the Tsun-Ming Shih Professor of Computer Sciences, will lead CAI’s research enterprise at a time when advances in artificial intelligence and computing are changing research across disciplines. As CAI’s senior leader for research, he will shape the college’s research strategy, foster ambitious research and collaboration, build the infrastructure and support needed to pursue research at greater scale, and represent CAI’s research priorities across UW–Madison and beyond. 

“Patrick is a highly recognized researcher and educator who brings incredible expertise and experience to this critical role in our new college,” Founding Dean Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau said. “CAI has an enormous opportunity to build on UW–Madison’s strengths and become a global leader in computing and AI research. Patrick has the research stature, breadth of perspective, and leadership experience to help us think ambitiously about what that can look like and turn that ambition into action.” 

CAI brings together researchers in Computer Sciences, Statistics, and the Information School whose work ranges from the mathematical and statistical foundations of computing and AI to the development of new technologies and the ways those technologies affect people and the public good. McDaniel will build on that breadth to create new opportunities for research that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries. 

“We have a remarkable opportunity to help shape what comes next in computing and AI. By bringing together computer science, statistics, and information science, CAI can ask bigger questions and pursue new directions that will define the future of computing and its impact on society,” said McDaniel. “I see my goal as building the research environment and infrastructure that turns that intellectual ambition into action — giving our faculty and students the resources, partnerships, and support to pursue consequential research at scale.” 

McDaniel has already played an important role in shaping the college’s path. In 2023, he led a task force of national experts charged with considering the future of the former School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences. The group recommended the creation of a standalone college built around its three departments, helping lay the groundwork for what would become CAI. 

McDaniel’s own research spans cybersecurity, trustworthy artificial intelligence, computer and network security, distributed systems, and technology policy. He directs the National Science Foundation-funded Center for Trustworthy Machine Learning, a multi-institutional research center focused on the security and trustworthiness of machine learning systems. Before coming to UW–Madison, he spent 18 years at Penn State University, where his leadership roles included directing the Institute for Networking and Security Research. 

McDaniel also served as program manager and lead scientist for the U.S. Army Research Laboratory’s Cyber Security Collaborative Research Alliance, a large multi-institutional cybersecurity research program. His work has contributed to national conversations and research priorities around cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. 

A fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), McDaniel has received honors including the ACM SIGOPS Hall of Fame Award and ACM SIGSAC Outstanding Innovation Award. 

McDaniel joined UW–Madison in 2022. He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Ohio University, a master’s degree in computer science from Ball State University, and a PhD in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of Michigan. 

Outside of his academic work, McDaniel is an avid pilot and automotive enthusiast. 

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