Justin Solomon is an associate professor in the MIT Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and a member of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory who is using geometric techniques to solve complex problems in data science and artificial intelligence, among other areas. These techniques draw upon the geometric structures within datasets to highlight similarities and differences and to predict future behavior. He heads the Geometric Data Processing Group, a team dealing with both low-dimensional data (such as aligning 3D organ scans) and high-dimensional statistical research building generative AI models.
His early interest in computer graphics and a summer internship at Pixar Animation Studios set him on a path to Stanford University where he double-majored in math and computer science before completing his PhD focusing on optimal transport. It’s the technique of efficiently moving a distribution from one place to another, with applications across many fields. This broad usefulness of geometry in solving different problems triggered the creation of Solomon’s research group at MIT. He was attracted to MIT for the opportunity to work with brilliant minds and solve practical problems that could create substantial impacts across different disciplines.
Solomon is also committed to broaden access to geometrical research for those who are traditionally underrepresented in the field. He’s started the Summer Geometry Initiative, a six-week paid geometry research program for undergraduates from varied backgrounds.
Current research under his leadership is exploring the application of geometric tools to improve unsupervised machine learning models, particularly as they relate to unlabeled 3D data. Using geometry-driven methods, the models could become better at identifying patterns in complex, unlabeled 3D scenes, improving learning effectiveness. His passion for geometry is not far from his other interests. He loves playing classical music on the piano or cello. He currently plays cello with the New Philharmonia Orchestra in Newton, Massachusetts. He finds a harmonic alignment between his research fields, computer graphics and his musical practices, seeing both as analytical and mutually beneficial.
