Matheus Kunzler Maldaner, President of the Data Science and Informatics (DSI) student organization, was inducted in the University of Florida Hall of Fame in March 2025. According to the UF Division of Student Life, “Since 1921, the University of Florida Hall of Fame has recognized seniors and graduate students who have consistently demonstrated an outstanding commitment to improving the University of Florida through campus and community involvement, participation in organized campus activities, and scholastic achievement. It is one of the most prestigious honors awarded to students by the Division of Student Life at the University of Florida.”
Matheus Kunzler Maldaner is a 4th year Data Science Major with a Computer Science Minor. He currently conducts research at the Florida Institute for National Security on Neurosymbolic AI; and at Carnegie Mellon University on auditing Generative AI models.
“Growing up in Brazil, my parents taught me the importance of helping others whenever I had the ability to do so. I applied for this award with the goal of bringing more visibility to the work that I – and every student in this field – have been doing towards the university. This award belongs to my mentors, friends and professors just as much as it belongs to me,” Matheus explains why he applied for this prestigious award.
In keeping with the UF Hall of Fame’s requirement of campus and community involvement and participation in organized activities, Matheus is currently the President of Data Science and Informatics (DSI) student group, affiliated with Artificial Intelligence & Informatics Research Institute (AIIRI) and the Vice President of Signal Processing Society. He is also the AI Club Director of Community Connections, and served as the Vice President of the American Statistical Association UF Chapter last year.
Matheus has been awarded numerous scholarships including UF AI Scholar (2024), HSF Scholar (2024), and Joe Glover’s Data Science Scholarship (2024). In his free time, Matheus successfully participates in competitions and hackathons, winning awards at ASA DataFest (Best Overall), OSC Hackathon (Best AI Hack), UF Swamphacks X (Best AI Hack), UF ShellHacks (Most Popular) and both UF AI Days Generative AI Arts (2nd Place) and UF AI Days Hackathon (Most Popular).
This coming Summer Matheus will be researching AI Agents at Microsoft before starting graduate school at the University of Florida, where he will pursue a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence Systems (MSAIS) along side his little sister Luana, who is an incoming Freshman. After his Master’s degree, Matheus seeks to continue his education by pursuing a PhD in Machine Learning.
“As to how I feel about receiving this award, I must say I was not aware of the sheer magnitude of it. While I knew only 25 students were selected per year, I was not aware that I would have my own portrait hung at the Reitz Union. My father always says that you should focus on what you love, and any achievements and recognitions will follow. While my contributions were never with the intent of seeking awards or recognitions, I am extremely grateful and humbled to be awarded such a high distinction and look forward to continue serving the University of Florida.”