Dr. Marios Savvides

Professor

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Biography

Marios Savvides is the Bossa Nova Robotics Professor of Artificial Intelligence and the Director of the CyLab Biometrics Center at Carnegie Mellon University. He received a Bachelor of Engineering in Microelectronics Systems Engineering from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology in 1997, followed by a Master of Science in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute in 2000, and a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from CMU in 2004. His research focuses on developing core AI machine-learning algorithms successfully applied in robust face detection, face recognition, iris biometrics, and object detection. Notably, he led the development of a long-range iris capture system that can acquire irises from 12 meters away and has contributed significantly to various biometrics and AI challenges. Professor Savvides has also served in key roles within IEEE, including vice president of the IEEE Biometric Council. He has authored or co-authored over 240 publications and holds 40 filed patent applications, with 15 issued patents. He has received multiple awards for his innovative contributions to technology, including the 2009 Outstanding Research Award from CMU and the 2015 Gold Award from the Edison Awards for Applied Technologies in biometrics. His work has gained significant media attention, including presentations at the World Economic Forum and mentions in major news outlets.

Research Interests

Experience

Bossa Nova Robotics Professor of Artificial Intelligence

2007-01-01 — Present

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

Lead research in AI and robotics, focusing on biometrics and machine learning applications.

Director

2007-01-01 — Present

CyLab Biometrics Center • Pittsburgh, PA

Oversee research at the CyLab Biometrics Center focusing on innovative biometric solutions.

Chief AI Scientist

2020-01-01 — 2022-01-01

Bossa Nova Robotics • Pittsburgh, PA

Led research on AI algorithms for inventory management using autonomous robots.

Awards

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Outstanding Research Award

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Edison Awards for Applied Technologies

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Immigrant Entrepreneur Award

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Artificial Intelligence Excellence Award

Requirements for Carnegie Mellon University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
GRE General
Verbal
Required:158
Quantitative
Required:149
Analytical Writing
Required:4
Overall
Required:4
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field Research experience/publications
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • GRE scores (optional but reported in profile)
  • English Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
Specialization Notes

Admission is extremely competitive with no strict GPA cut-offs; holistic review is used.