September 22, 2026

In the classroom, One-U Responsible Artificial Intelligence Initiative (One-U RAI) faculty fellow Ana Marasović faces what one student calls the “formidable challenge” of teaching complex, rapidly evolving technologies reshaping the world: natural language processing and large language models, like those that power ChatGPT. Her students say she meets this challenge deftly and warmly, with exceptional care for their education and well-being.

Earlier this semester, Marasović earned two annual awards for outstanding teaching: one from the Kahlert School of Computing, her home department, and another from the overarching Price College of Engineering. In their recommendation letters, students cited the assistant professor’s kindness, expert knowledge, thorough preparation for class, ability to break down mathematical and computational concepts into digestible parts, and encouragement of questions and participation.

A selection of student quotes:

“She has a knack for building up to a complex topic in small pieces, so that a topic that initially feels overwhelming is completely clear by the end of the lecture.”

“Professor Marasović is genuinely caring and approachable, and it shows both inside and outside the classroom.”

“I appreciated how Dr. Marasović brought her experience as a prominent researcher in her field into the classroom… She also discusses her own research when appropriate, and there were several times when she showed a paper that a top researcher had published within the past week. Overall, her intimate knowledge of the topics discussed during the lectures made them much more effective and fun to attend.”

“Professor Marasović has had a lasting impact on me—I have even found myself contemplating pursuing a Ph.D. in this field. Her enthusiasm and teaching style have encouraged me to continue in this direction, and for that I am truly grateful. Among the many great professors in the Price College of Engineering, Professor Marasović still clearly stands out.”

Marasović also brings her expertise to the university more broadly. She led the initial design of CS 3350, a course integral to the school’s launch of an AI bachelor’s, minor, and emphasis, and she was one of four instructors who launched the highly successful Faculty Upskilling in AI program.

"As AI reshapes higher education—including within computer science itself—Ana exemplifies the thoughtful leadership we need in the classroom,” said Manish Parashar, chief AI officer for the University of Utah and executive director of its Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, which runs One-U RAI. “Her exceptional teaching ability, genuine care for students, and commitment to a positive learning environment make her an incredible asset to our institution."

Banner image: Ana Marasović presents a research poster at the Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute's 2025 Technical Exchange, also known as SCI X.