The University of Illinois Springfield has named Yanhui Guo, associate professor of computer science, as the recipient of the Louise Hartman Schewe and Karl Schewe Professorship in the College of Health, Science and Technology (CHST). The professorship will support Guo’s efforts to apply artificial intelligence to improve education through research, innovation and community collaboration.
Guo’s work focuses on developing AI-powered solutions to enhance teaching methods, student learning and engagement. Planned initiatives include creating an interdisciplinary research hub focused on AI to bring together experts from multiple fields, advancing deep learning and predictive modeling tools for use in education and launching an Interdisciplinary Scientific AI Supercomputing Hub (ISAS) to collaborate with schools in Springfield and central Illinois.
“These efforts will not only advance CHST’s strategic goals but also strengthen community engagement, foster scientific discovery in education and enhance technological capabilities,” Guo said. “With the support of this professorship, I aim to advance pioneering research at the intersection of AI, education and technology. My vision is to leverage AI to address pressing challenges in educational science and technology, with a focus on improving teaching methodologies, student outcomes and community engagement in learning.”
The Schewe Professorship recognizes individuals who are established leaders or have the potential to become leaders in their field. Recipients demonstrate the ability to make a meaningful impact through dynamic partnerships and innovative research within the university and Springfield communities.
Guo has an extensive research background in computer vision, machine learning, data analytics, Neutrosophic set theory, computer-aided detection and diagnosis and cybersecurity. He has authored five books, published more than 130 journal papers and 40 conference papers and secured more than 10 research grants. He also holds two patents and has served as an associate editor for several international journals.
In 2008, Guo pioneered the application of Neutrosophic set theory in image processing, leading to significant advancements in the field. He is also the co-founder and chief scientist of MedSights Tech Inc., a company specializing in computer-assisted surgery systems.
Guo earned a doctorate in computer science from Utah State University. He previously worked as a research fellow in the Department of Radiology at the University of Michigan and as an assistant professor at St. Thomas University before joining UIS. In 2019, he was named a University Scholar, the highest faculty honor in the University of Illinois System.
The professorship is named in honor of Louise Hartman Schewe and Karl Schewe, who were strong advocates for education. Louise, a former teacher and civic leader in Springfield, was inspired by the impact of faculty endowments and included a gift in her will to support the UIS professorship. Through her bequest, she also honored her late husband Karl, a member of the Chicago Board of Trade and A.G. Edwards and Sons.