The Software Technologies Applied Research (STAR) Lab, housed within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo, is a dynamic hub for applied software engineering innovation. Our mission is to pioneer advanced methodologies and tools that enable the development of high-quality, cost-effective software systems, driving impactful solutions for real-world challenges.
Automated software development plays a pivotal role in boosting programmer productivity, enhancing product quality, reducing maintenance costs, and improving application performance. At the STAR Lab, our research focuses on developing practical, domain-specific, component-based design methodologies to enable the synthesis of large-scale applications.
Our research activities are rooted in two complementary themes:
- A scientific approach to understanding complex software systems.
- An engineering focus on controlling, modifying, and designing these systems.
We explore a wide range of topics, including:
- Program Understanding: Gaining deep insights into software behavior and functionality.
- Reverse Engineering: Decoding and analyzing existing systems to facilitate innovation.
- Feature-Oriented Software Design: Designing systems around specific, customizable functionalities.
- Extensible Software Systems: Crafting adaptable software that evolves to meet diverse application needs.
- Adaptive Software Systems: Developing software that self-reconfigures to optimize performance dynamically.
- Software Architectures: Constructing component-based applications.
- Object-Oriented Design Patterns: Applying proven design strategies to build robust, reusable software solutions.
Through this comprehensive approach, the STAR Lab pushes the boundaries of software engineering, creating transformative solutions for the challenges of tomorrow.
News
Electrical and computer engineering professor Dr. Ladan Tahvildari named 2026 IBM Champion for second consecutive year
Dr. Ladan Tahvildari, professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo, has once again been named an IBM Champion, earning the distinction for 2026. This recognition highlights her continued leadership and contributions to the global IBM technology community, building on her selection as an IBM Champion in 2025.
The IBM Champion designation is awarded annually to individuals who demonstrate exceptional advocacy, technical expertise, and meaningful engagement within IBM’s technology ecosystem. Recipients are recognized for their contributions to advancing innovation, sharing knowledge, and supporting the broader technology community through research, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.
Dr. Ladan Tahvildari named IEEE Computer Society Golden Core Member
Dr. Ladan Tahvildari, professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo, has been named a Golden Core Member of the IEEE Computer Society—an honour that celebrates her long-standing dedication and impactful contributions to the advancement of the computing field worldwide.
Electrical and computer engineering professor, Dr. Ladan Tahvildari, named IBM Champion for 2025: a recognition of leadership and contributions to the technology community
Electrical and computer engineering professor, Dr. Ladan Tahvildari has been named an IBM Champion for 2025. This prestigious recognition is awarded in acknowledgment of her exceptional leadership and significant contributions to the IBM technology community over the past year.