Dr. Frederic Sala

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Frederic Sala is an Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, specializing in data-driven systems with a focus on machine learning and particularly interested in data-efficient systems. His current research encompasses data-centric AI, foundation models, and automated machine learning. Sala serves as the Chief Scientist at Snorkel AI, where he develops a data-first approach to AI. Prior to his current role, he held a postdoctoral position at Stanford University in the Hazy group and completed his Ph.D. in electrical engineering at UCLA. His work has significantly contributed to building and refining data-centric systems, utilizing innovative benchmarks such as TPBench to advance AI model capabilities. Frederic's research interests lie in the intersection of AI and machine learning, especially in optimizing data for model training, employing advanced techniques in weak supervision and efficient annotation. He has been recognized with several awards, including the UW-Madison SACM Students' Choice Professor of the Year Award and the DARPA Young Faculty Award for his impactful contributions to the field of AI education and research.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

— Present

University of Wisconsin-Madison • Madison, WI

Conducting research and teaching in the field of electrical engineering, particularly data-driven systems and machine learning.

Chief Scientist

— Present

Snorkel AI • N/A

Leading research initiatives focused on a data-first approach to AI.

Postdoctoral Researcher

— Present

Stanford University, Department of Computer Science • Stanford, CA

Engaged in research within the Hazy group.

Awards

#

SACM Students' Choice Professor of the Year Award

#

DARPA Young Faculty Award

Requirements for University of Wisconsin–Madison

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:92
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:125
Overall
Required:125
Prerequisites
Programming experience (Data Structures, Machine Organization) One year college-level calculus
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose
  • CV/Resume
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Unofficial transcripts
Specialization Notes

Department: Department of Computer Sciences