2026 Undergraduate Ceremony Program

will.i.am’s influence extends globally through his work engaging educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to expand participation in AI and emerging technologies. In recognition of his contributions to engineering and innovation, he was named an honorary fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology UK in 2017. In 2025, he was appointed goodwill ambassador for the United Nations International Telecommunication Union’s AI Skills Coalition and professor of practice at Arizona State University, where he continues to explore the evolving relationship between human creativity and artificial intelligence.  

Through his artistic achievements, technological leadership, and philanthropic dedication, will.i.am has demonstrated the transformative power of combining innovation with purpose. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to global education, technology, and social progress, WPI is pleased to confer upon William Adams the degree of Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa.

Professor Martin is a professor of mathematics and a leader in algebraic and combinatorial mathematics. He has published almost 50 papers, noteworthy for a pure mathematician in his area and especially noteworthy since Professor Martin does not pursue easy problems. Instead, he develops new modes of thinking and explores fundamentally new ideas to remain at the forefront of his field. He is widely respected and serves as an ambassador for the discipline. Professor Martin has organized numerous conference sessions and delivered tutorials that bring together leading mathematicians from around the world. He has been invited to speak in 18 countries, reflecting the global reach and influence of his work. He has collaborated extensively with researchers at WPI, at other universities in the U.S., and with colleagues in Japan.

Distinguishing him from many of his peers, Professor Martin has a deep and sustained interest in understanding where mathematical theory finds meaningful application, and he actively works to connect his research to areas such as cryptography and quantum information. His more applied research has been supported by funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Security Agency, particularly noteworthy given the theoretical nature of his work and focus on rigorously developing new areas. Fun fact: Professor Martin’s research on random number generation (in a paper cited over 800 times) was implemented by Broadcom Inc. for use in the Apple iPhone 7, with an estimated 50 million sold.

Professor Martin’s research has led to a wealth of exciting project opportunities for students at WPI. He has advised about 50 Major Qualifying Projects (MQPs), spanning topics that include random number generation, encryption and cryptography, and quantum graphs and walks. He has also successfully integrated these cutting-edge areas into the classroom. Students often note the boundless energy and enthusiasm he brings to teaching highlight his contagious passion for the subject and the engaging, puzzle-like nature of his problem sets. In many of his lectures, he eschews the standard “blackboard” lecture and instead treats his lectures more like conversations. Professor Martin embraces teaching challenging material and thrives in courses that allow him to guide students through the rigorous and theoretical foundations of mathematics—the harder, the better.

And not just in the classroom. For more than 20 years, Professor Martin has been the advisor to the WPI Math Club, working closely not just with math majors but also with students across campus who share a love of mathematics. He has devised an endless array of games and projects that energize students and bring course concepts vividly to life. He has been a tireless advocate for dedicated space for the club and cultivated a thriving community that shares his passion and values for mathematics. Beyond the club, each year Professor Martin crafts creative and challenging problems for WPI’s annual Math Meet, where students from regional high schools come to campus for a mathematics competition—and Professor Martin grades the exams behind the scenes to ensure the event’s continued success.

Within the math department, Professor Martin’s energy and intellectual curiosity are shared with colleagues, sparking conversations that begin in the lounge and often find their way into classrooms and beyond. Professor Martin has served on just about every departmental committee, leaving a lasting impact on the curriculum and playing a vital role in the tenure and promotion of his colleagues. He has extended this exceptional service to WPI, with multiple terms on the Committee on Appointments and Promotions and department head searches, playing an important role in shaping academic leadership across the university.

In summary, Professor Martin fully embraces WPI’s vibrant synergy between research and teaching on campus. He lifts students in classrooms and projects to make theoretical mathematics accessible, and bridges mathematical theory research with practical applications through substantive partnerships. He is a community-builder who has made a positive difference in the lives of WPI students, his math department colleagues and research collaborators, and the countless students, faculty, and staff who have interacted with him as a professor, colleague, and friend. In short, he exemplifies the best qualities that faculty aspire to at WPI.