Visionaries Collection
Voices That Shaped The Future

Explore a series of in-depth interviews with the visionaries behind some of the most important breakthroughs in computing, AI, and digital innovation. From internet architects to emerging researchers, this collection captures the people and ideas redefining our technological future.

Keith Uncapher

In 1972, at the age of 52, Uncapher took a bold risk, left RAND and formed an institute that would jumpstart the digital revolution.

Vint Cerf

One of the Internet's founding fathers explores its history and transformative impact, offering insights into what lies ahead.

Robert Kahn

A principal Internet architect recounts its genesis, emerging radio, satellite, and computer networks to revolutionize communication.

Terry Benzel

Since helping the White House go online, Terry Benzel has led the charge in tackling the dynamic challenges of cybersecurity.

Paul Mockapetris

His invention enabled hundreds of millions of domains, a communication revolution, and the task of managing a vast network.

Eve Schooler

She brought the first live concert online, then built the tools used for videoconferencing and a host of multimedia applications.

Deborah Estrin

Her work on sensor networks revolutionized mobile health, environmental monitoring and how we solve global challenges.

Kevin Knight

Kevin Knight's machine-learning systems to decrypt the world's languages have transformed communication.

Ewa Deelman

How her Pegasus software enabled the Nobel-winning discovery of gravitational waves, validating Einstein's theory.

Craig Knoblock

Knoblock has led ISI through the Age of Al, pioneering machine learning advancements that revolutionize data integration and problem-solving.

Stephen Crago

Transforming the U.S. microelectronics industry and enhancing national security with advancements in heterogeneous computing technologies.

Nina Mehrabi

How ISI's emerging researchers are reducing biases in Al to create a more equitable and reliable legal process.

Ellis Horowitz

He started as a grocery store worker in New York, then went on to shape computer science in the era of brilliant tech.

Robert Balzer

Balzer, ISI's employee nr. 1, recalls how the Pentagon Papers ignited ISI's creation, drawing the brightest computer scientists.

Kristina Lerman

She studies the inner-workings of social networks to counter misinformation and break down echo chambers.

Mayank Kejriwal

His work with Al is setting a precedent for using advanced technology to address the world's most pressing issues.

John Wroclawski

How can future internet models be designed to enhance cybersecurity, foster collaboration, and drive technological transformation?

Prem Natarajan

Empowering diverse teams at ISI to drive innovation and tackle moonshots at the edge of the doable.

Pedro Szekely

Exploring the mysteries of the semantic web, transforming data into knowledge to revolutionize human-machine interaction.

Second Spectrum

Making the invisible visible, machine learning and computer vision redefine sports analytics, uncovering insights that reach beyond the arena.

Yolanda Gil

Yolanda Gil's work on intelligent systems that learn, reason, and explain has shaped how Al collaborates with humans, powering discoveries from Siri to scientific breakthroughs.

Yigal Arens

Yigal Arens's work in information integration advanced how intelligent systems connect and interpret data from diverse sources.

Zachary Lemnios

Zachary Lemnios advanced defense innovation and microelectronics, partnering with ISI to expand access to chip design and seed a new generation of technologists.

Carl Kesselman

From the Higgs boson to biomedical labs, Carl Kesselman transforms data into a reliable foundation for innovation.

Yannis Yortsos

Dean Yortsos charts ISI's 50-year journey and explores how engineering must rise to meet the intertwined futures of technology and humanity.

Dan Keston

The Keston Family Endowment empowers researchers at USC's Information Sciences Institute to transform bold ideas into working prototypes.

Alex Spangher

He is developing Al tools to support local news, surface untold stories, and expand the voices we hear.

Yao-Yi Chiang

Yao-Yi Chiang transforms historical maps into living data, revealing how our cities, environments, and infrastructure have evolved over time.

Fred Morstatter

His work helps machines grasp the cultural context behind human behavior, from conflict zones to social platforms.

Herb Schorr

He helped ISI grow not just in size, but in ambition, relevance, and impact.

Robert Felderman

In an era of dial-up, Felderman dreamed of lightning and built the networks to carry it.

Wael Abd-Almageed

He doesn't just detect deepfakes, he dismantles them frame by frame.