Parkland’s Matheus Maldaner Named to UF Hall of Fame, Excels in AI Research and Leadership

by Martin Lenkowsky March 23, 2025

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Parkland’s Matheus Maldaner Named to UF Hall of Fame, Excels in AI Research and Leadership

Matheus Kunzler Maldaner {UF}

Parkland resident Matheus Kunzler Maldaner has certainly made his parents proud and, given a few more years, is likely to make the University of Florida proud of his future accomplishments in the expanding field of AI research.

Matheus, 23, came to the United States from Porto Alegre, Brazil, when he was 17 and was only conversant in a few words of English. His life changed quickly, as he’s not only fluent in English but was inducted into the prestigious University of Florida Hall of Fame this month. He is also president of the Data Science and Informatics (DSI) student organization.

According to UF’s Artificial Intelligence & Informatics Research Institute (AIIRI), “…since 1921, the UF Hall of Fame has recognized seniors and graduate students who have consistently demonstrated an outstanding commitment to improving the University of Florida through campus and community involvement, participation in organized campus activities, and scholastic achievement.”

Matheus graduated from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2021 and credits some of his teachers with greatly enhancing his English language skills. His family resides in the Parkland Reserve community.

He admits being somewhat surprised about his induction into the university’s Hall of Fame. “I did not know the magnitude of the award,” he said, adding that his picture will forever hang on a wall in one of the buildings is quite an honor.

Matheus will be graduating this May but plans to continue his studies at UF to obtain his master’s degree. And after that? “No concrete plans,” he said, “but I might just apply someplace colder. Florida is too warm sometimes.”

Matheus, his sister Luana and his parents Kelly and Jones Maldaner in Rothenburg, Germany last year. {Courtesy}

He would like to continue doing more research and get more of his work published to enhance his resume before applying for entry into PhD programs.

As for a peek well into his future, he envisions himself still conducting AI research either for a large high-tech company like Google or somewhere in academia.

He finds the prospect of continuing with research exciting and challenging. “How much has not been done yet?” he asked. What’s scary is how fast it’s changing. It will never be repetitive. I love learning new things.”

Matheus’s mom, Kelly, says her son’s always been very determined and studious. “He likes to learn everything about everything,” she said.

“He’s a good boy and a good son. He’s always tried to do his best. Every place he goes, he tries to make a difference.”

And come this fall, his proud parents, including his father, Jones, will have two people to visit in Gainesville. His younger sister, Luana, will be entering UF as a freshman. She is now a graduating senior at MSD. Over this summer, Matheus will be doing a research internship at Microsoft in Redmond, Wash.

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Martin Lenkowsky

Martin Lenkowsky moved to Coral Springs from NYC in 1982. He has a bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College. He has been both writer and editor for a number of South Florida publications since 1983. He considers features writing his specialty.