Applied Physics & Applied Mathematics Department, Columbia University

05/20/2026

Please join us in congratulating the 2026 undergraduate award winners in the Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics Department at Columbia Engineering.

Photo 1: Congratulations to Taifeng (Thomas) Wang, the 2026 Applied Physics Faculty Award winner! He was recognized for his strengths in mathematics, physics intuition, and artificial intelligence, which have supported his research success. He will continue his academic journey at Columbia University, where he is expected to interface more deeply with plasma theories and their applications to fusion plasma behaviors.

Photo 2: Congratulations to Szymon Snoeck, the 2026 Applied Mathematics Faculty Award winner! He was recognized for his outstanding achievements in applied mathematics, with a strong focus on algorithms and machine learning for high-dimensional data. Next year, he will start his PhD in computer science at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences at NYU.

Photo 3: Congratulations to Zoe Ning Zachko, recipient of the Francis B.F. Rhodes Prize for Materials Science. Driven by an interest in sustainable technologies, Zoe has engaged in research spanning lithium-ion batteries and catalytic materials. She is also committed to mentorship and STEM outreach, organizing programs for New York City public school students. She will begin her Ph.D. studies at Northwestern University in Fall 2026.

05/20/2026

Congratulations to Taifeng (Thomas) Wang, the 2026 Applied Physics Faculty Award winner in the Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics Department at Columbia Engineering!

Thomas was honored for his exceptional accomplishments in applied physics. A transfer student from Grinnell College, he distinguished himself through a rigorous academic program in Quantum Mechanics and Plasma Physics, outstanding academic performance, and significant research contributions. Working within the plasma physics group, he collaborated with Drs. Hansen, Logan, and Nelson, all of whom praised his technical ability, collegiality, and meaningful impact. He is recognized for his strengths in mathematics, physics intuition, and artificial intelligence, which have supported his research success. He will continue his academic journey at Columbia University, where he is expected to interface more deeply with plasma theories and their applications to fusion plasma behaviors.

05/20/2026

Congratulations to Zoe Ning Zachko, recipient of the Francis B.F. Rhodes Prize for Materials Science in the Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics Department at Columbia Engineering!

Zoe was awarded the Rhodes Prize for her exceptional proficiency in materials science. A graduating senior at Columbia University, she also pursued minors in applied mathematics and French. Driven by an interest in sustainable technologies, Zoe has engaged in research spanning lithium-ion batteries and catalytic materials. In the Billinge Group, she worked with Dr. Tina Na Narong on machine learning approaches to transition metal oxides, contributing to a publication in npj Materials. She currently conducts research at Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Center for Functional Nanomaterials, developing machine learning methods to accelerate experimental workflows. Beyond research, Zoe is committed to mentorship and STEM outreach, organizing programs for New York City public school students. She will begin her Ph.D. studies at Northwestern University in Fall 2026.

05/20/2026

Congratulations to Szymon Snoeck, the 2026 Applied Mathematics Faculty Award winner in the Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics Department at Columbia Engineering!

Szymon was recognized for his outstanding achievements in applied mathematics, with a strong focus on algorithms and machine learning for high-dimensional data. In his research with Professor Nakul Verma, he studied the limitations of popular data visualization algorithms, resulting in two publications at the 2026 International Conference on Algorithmic Learning Theory and the 2026 International Conference on Learning Representations. He continues to pursue his geometric focus, working on nearest neighbor search with Professor Alexandr Andoni. Next year, he will start his PhD in computer science at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences at New York University. Driven by a passion for geometry, Szymon continues to explore the intersection of theory and application in modern data science.

05/19/2026

Celebrating the Medical Physics Class of 2026! 🎓

Today we recognize an outstanding group of graduates whose hard work, research, and commitment to innovation are helping shape the future of healthcare and medical technology. From advancing radiation therapy and imaging science to improving patient outcomes, these students represent the next generation of leaders in medical physics.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 on this incredible achievement — we look forward to seeing the impact you will make in the field and beyond.

Link in bio

05/19/2026

Celebrating the Medical Physics Class of 2026! 🎓

Today we recognize an outstanding group of graduates whose hard work, research, and commitment to innovation are helping shape the future of healthcare and medical technology. From advancing radiation therapy and imaging science to improving patient outcomes, these students represent the next generation of leaders in medical physics.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 on this incredible achievement — we look forward to seeing the impact you will make in the field and beyond.

Read more: Columbia APAM – Celebrating the Medical Physics Class of 2026
https://www.apam.columbia.edu/celebrating-medical-physics-class-2026

04/22/2026

Applied Physics & Applied Mathematics Department's Prof. Carlos Paz-Soldan describes what a fusion future looks like. Read more in The Lever, Columbia Engineering's latest limited-series newsletter.

04/22/2026

🌍 Happy Earth Day!

In Columbia Engineering’s Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics (APAM) Department, faculty and students are deepening our understanding of the forces that shape our planet—from tropical cyclones and extreme precipitation to the dynamics of climate change.

Through a powerful blend of observations, theory, and numerical simulations, their research explores how complex atmospheric systems behave and evolve. By studying everything from turbulent convection to large-scale climate patterns, they are uncovering the mechanisms behind extreme weather and improving our ability to predict it.

Their work also sheds light on how our climate responds to rising carbon dioxide—and helps distinguish human-driven change from natural variability.

This Earth Day, we celebrate the curiosity, rigor, and discovery that drive a deeper understanding of our changing world. 🌱

04/22/2026

🌍 Happy Earth Day!

In Columbia Engineering's Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics (APAM) Department, faculty and students are deepening our understanding of the forces that shape our planet—from tropical cyclones and extreme precipitation to the dynamics of climate change.

Through a powerful blend of observations, theory, and numerical simulations, their research explores how complex atmospheric systems behave and evolve. By studying everything from turbulent convection to large-scale climate patterns, they are uncovering the mechanisms behind extreme weather and improving our ability to predict it.

Their work also sheds light on how our climate responds to rising carbon dioxide—and helps distinguish human-driven change from natural variability.

This Earth Day, we celebrate the curiosity, rigor, and discovery that drive a deeper understanding of our changing world. 🌱

04/14/2026

Congratulations to Chris Wiggins, NYT chief data scientist and Columbia Engineering APAM professor, on joining CNN to lead its new AI team focused on personalization, revenue, and data-driven journalism.
https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/cnn-chris-wiggins-head-ai-machine-learning-1236720466/

04/03/2026

Check out the Columbia Data Science and AI Exchange (DAX 2026) on April 14! https://www.daxnyc.ai

Curious about where AI is heading next? Mark your calendars for April 14 and join us for the Data Science and AI Exchange (DAX 2026), a critical event for AI researchers, data scientists, and innovators.

Discover innovations enhancing responsible AI, engage with expert panels on privacy, safety, explainability, and governance, and experience live demos from startups and Columbia University research teams at the Innovation Showcase. This is your opportunity to gain insights from both academia and industry while building a meaningful AI network.

From emerging technologies to real-world applications, DAX 2026 addresses today’s biggest trends and toughest challenges in AI. Whether you’re advancing research, leading AI initiatives, or exploring career opportunities, this is where ideas and expertise converge.

🎟️ Be part of shaping the future of data science and AI. Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dax-data-science-and-ai-exchange-2026-tickets-1983455590063?aff=oddtdtcreator