Dan Rubenstein

Professor of Computer Science

Dan Rubenstein designs, builds, and analyzes computer networked systems. His significant contributions are in the area of multimedia networks, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, wireless systems, and ultra-low power networked systems.

Of particular interest to Rubenstein is the understanding of the performance of the design of systems, measured by a combination of mathematical analysis and prototype implementation. He works closely with theorists as well as with systems-building colleagues, holds a handful of patents, and was a co-founder of Infinio Systems, whose core technology was developed in Rubenstein’s research lab.

Rubenstein received a BS in mathematics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), an MS in mathematics from UCLA, and a PhD in computer science from UMass Amherst.  He has received five best paper awards for his research on a variety of topics in network research. He has taught at Columbia Engineering since 1992.

Research Areas


  • Computer Networks
  • Wireless Networks
  • Multimedia Networks
  • Performance Evaluation
  • Network Security
  • Distributed Protocol Design and Analysis

Additional Information


  • Professional Affiliations
    • IEEE
    • ACM
  • Honors & Awards
    • IEEE Outstanding Paper on New Communication Topics, 2011.
    • ACM CoNext Best Paper Award, 2008.
    • IBM Faculty Achievement Award, 2004.
    • IEEE ICNP Best Paper Award, 2003.
    • NSF CAREER Award, 2002.
    • ACM SIGMETRICS Best Student Paper Award, 2000.
  • Professional Experience
    • Chair of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, 2005-2010; 2016–
    • Professor of Earth and Environmental Engineering, Columbia University, 2016-
    • Samuel Ruben–Peter G. Viele Professor of Electrochemistry, Columbia University, 2008–
    • Professor of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, 2002-
    • Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, 1995–2002
    • Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, 1992–1995