Stephanie Maaz 
Algorithms for changing systems.
I am Stephanie Maaz, a researcher in theoretical computer science / mathematics. I work on algorithms, with a current focus on dynamic and sequential settings where solutions have to adapt rather than simply exist.
In 2025, I completed my PhD at the University of Waterloo in the Algorithms and Complexity Group, advised by Naomi Nishimura and Amer E. Mouawad.
Publications
FO Value Discovery and Partial Vertex Cover Discovery
arXiv 2026
Separating Feasibility and Movement in Solution Discovery: The Case of Path Discovery
arXiv 2026
On Algorithmic Meta-Theorems for Solution Discovery: Tractability and Barriers
arXiv 2025
Kernelization Complexity of Solution Discovery Problems
ISAAC 2024
Solution Discovery via Reconfiguration for Problems in P
ICALP 2024
Parameterized Complexity of Reconfiguration of Atoms
WALCOM 2022; Algorithmica 2024
Selected News
Oct 2026Awarded the Humboldt Research Fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation to develop general algorithms for repairing or reconfiguring solutions.
Oct 2025Successfully defended my PhD thesis.
Sep 2025Gave a seminar on Surveying Graph Parameters for Algorithmic Meta-Theorems for Solution Discovery at UWaterloo.
Dec 2024Presented Kernelization Complexity of Solution Discovery Problems at ISAAC 2024.
Dec 2024Gave a seminar on Solution Discovery for Source Problems in P at UWaterloo.
Nov 2024Gave a talk on kernelization for the Mathematics for Theoretical Computer Science course at MBZUAI in Abu Dhabi.
Nov 2024Gave a seminar on Kernelization Complexity of Some Solution Discovery Problems at UWaterloo.
Jan 2024Gave a talk at the 1st Villeurbanne Reconfiguration Workshop in Lyon.
May 2023Became graduate student representative on the Senate at UWaterloo and a member of the Finance Committee.
May 2022Gave a talk at the Banff International Research Station in Banff, Canada.
Mar 2022Gave a talk on Parameterized Complexity of Reconfiguration of Atoms at WALCOM 2022.
Sep 2021Received the merit-based International Master's Award of Excellence.
Jun 2021Received the merit-based Henri Qais Naccache Computer Science Student Development Fund award.
May 2021Graduated with High Distinction (4.0/4.0), top 1% of graduating cohort, with a BSc in CS from AUB.
Selected Service & Teaching
2021-2024Teaching Assistant University of Waterloo; CS245 Logic and Computation, CS251 Computer Organization & Design.
2023-2025Senator and Member of the Finance Committee University of Waterloo; participated in academic governance and graduate research policy.
2023-2026External Reviewer WG'23, ICALP'25, IWOCA'26, ESA'26, ISAAC'26, SODA'26.
2013-2017Community Service Tutoring, educational and other outreach, and local community-development projects through CCECS/AUB or USAID Lebanon.