Jelani Nelson named Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow

Jelani Nelson, assistant professor of Assistant Professor of Computer Science, has been named a 2017 Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow.

Nelson is among 126 early-career scholars who “represent the most promising scientific researchers working today,” according to the Sloan Foundation.    

Nelson’s research focuses on developing efficient algorithms for massive datasets. He explores how to create compressed versions of datasets that retain useful, accurate information.

Nelson received his PhD in Computer Science from MIT. His previous honors include the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) in 2017, the National Science Foundation CAREER award, ONR Director of Research Early Career Award and ONR Young Investigator Award.

Winners of the Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship receive $60,000 to be used as they wish to further their research.

Previous Sloan Fellows at SEAS have included Demba Ba (2016), Shmuel Rubinstein (2016), Ryan Adams (2015), Ariel Amir (2015), Stephen Chong (2014), Krzysztof Gajos (2013), Vinothan Manoharan (2011), Marko Loncar (2010), Todd Zickler (2008), and Maurice Smith (2007).

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation is a philanthropic, not-for-profit institution that supports original research and education in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and economics.