Adrian B. Faust

I am a Computer Science Ph.D. student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, advised by Professor Nancy Amato in the Parasol Lab. My research explores the application of deep learning to solve complex robotic motion planning tasks, focusing on how learned solutions can effectively plan for and mitigate real-world uncertainty. 

I received my Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with Honors and a minor in Mathematics from the University of New Mexico. During my time at UNM, I performed research in the Tapia Lab, advised by Professor Lydia Tapia, resulting in an RA-L journal paper, an honorable mention for the 2026 CRA Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award, and a Best Presentation Award at the 2025 Southwest Robotics Symposium. I was also the School of Engineering Outstanding Senior in Computer Science, and had the privilege of serving as the student speaker at the 2026 School of Engineering Convocation. 

Beyond academics, I served as the Software Team Lead for the Lobo Motorsports FSAE team, highlighted by our 2026 car completing all dynamic events, securing multiple top-20 worldwide finishes, and achieving the best EV finish in program history at Michigan International Speedway. Additionally, I co-founded the UNM Men’s Lacrosse Team, where I competed as a defenseman against both MCLA and NCAA schools. This summer, I am a Technical Intern at Sandia National Laboratories, working on automated materials discovery using deep learning.