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Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Events for August
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CS Colloquium: Jivko Sinapov - Multimodal Learning, Interaction, and Perceptions: The Path Towards Intelligent Collaborative Robots
Thu, Aug 17, 2023 @ 02:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Jivko Sinapov, Tufts University
Talk Title: Multimodal Learning, Interaction, and Perceptions: The Path Towards Intelligent Collaborative Robots
Abstract: Robots have the potential to transform the way we live and are increasingly deployed in applications ranging from assistive care settings to collaborative manufacturing. Enabling such robots to adapt in real time when facing novel situations, and problems, however, remains a challenge. In this talk, I will argue for a multimodal approach to learning, interaction, and perception for achieving robot autonomy in ever changing environments. First, I will describe how robots can transfer embodied knowledge across modalities e.g., touch, sound, and vision so that new robots, with different embodiments, sensors, and behaviors can still make use of the knowledge learned by other, more experienced, robots. Next, I will present results on how learned skills can be transferred from simple to complex environments as to afford the use of reinforcement learning methods that typically scale poorly in robotics domains. Finally, I will highlight multimodal approaches to interaction with people, including augmented reality and language, that help robots learn skills and concepts in order to be better partners and collaborators. We will conclude with a discussion on open questions and problems, along with our ongoing efforts to address them
Biography: Jivko Sinapov is an assistant professor in Computer Science at Tufts University where he leads the Multimodal Learning, Interaction, and Perception MuLIP lab. He received his Ph.D. in computer science and human computer interaction at Iowa State University in 2013 and subsequently worked as a postdoctoral associate at UT Austin prior to joining Tufts in 2017. His research interests include cognitive and developmental robotics, creative problem solving, human robot interaction, and reinforcement learning. Jivko received the NSF CAREER award in 2023 and is also the recipient of the Tufts ROUTE award for undergraduate research advising in 2022
Host: Jesse Thomason
Location: Seaver Science Library (SSL) - 202
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Melissa Ochoa
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Quantum Science & Technology Seminar - Zheshen Zhang - Friday, August 18th at 10am in EEB 248
Fri, Aug 18, 2023 @ 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Zheshen Zhang, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Talk Title: Entanglement-Enhanced Sensing and Data Processing
Series: Quantum Science & Technology Seminar Series
Abstract: The 20th century has witnessed the rise of quantum mechanics and its fueled scientific and technological revolution. The humankind is now on the verge of a second quantum revolution sparked by quantum information science and engineering (QISE). Entanglement as a quintessential quantum resource lies at the heart of QISE, giving rise to a plethora of quantum-enabled or enhanced capabilities that shift the landscape of communication, sensing, and computing. In this talk, I will present our recent experimental advances in entanglement-enhanced sensing and data processing. I will first describe entangled sensor networks for precise radiofrequency and optomechanical sensing beyond the standard quantum limit. Building on entangled sensors, I will introduce quantum-enhanced machine learning for data classification at a physical layer. Next, I will discuss a major endeavor to foster the transition from basic quantum research to near-term, widely impactful real-world quantum technologies: the construction of a quantum-network testbed as a distributed infrastructure to advance convergent QISE research and education.
Biography: Dr. Zheshen Zhang is an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Prior to joining University of Michigan, Dr. Zhang was an Assistant Professor at University of Arizona from 2017 to 2022, a Research Scientist, and a Postdoctoral Associate both at MIT from 2012 to 2017. Dr. Zhang received his PhD degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Georgia Tech. Dr. Zhang's research encompasses a broad spectrum of quantum networks, quantum communications, quantum sensing, and quantum computing. His team harnesses unique quantum resources such as entanglement to develop quantum sensors surpassing the classical measurement limits, quantum communication systems with enhanced security and capacity, quantum networks for long-range entanglement distribution, and quantum processors capable of tackling problems intractable on classical computers. His work was recognized by an NSF CAREER Award in 2022. Dr. Zhang currently serves on the Editorial Board of Communications Physics of Nature Portfolio and Progress in Quantum Electronics of Elsevier.
Host: Quntao Zhang, Wade Hsu, Mengjie Yu, Jonathan Habif & Eli Levenson-Falk
More Information: Zheshen Zhang Seminar Flyer.pdf
Location: Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB) - 248
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Marilyn Poplawski
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Epstein Institute, ISE 651 Seminar Class
Tue, Aug 22, 2023 @ 03:30 PM - 04:50 PM
Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Dr. Yigal Arens, Research Professor, Daniel J. Epstein Dept. of Industrial & Systems Engineering
Talk Title: Introduction/First Class
Location: SOS Building, B2
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Grace Owh
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Tue, Aug 22, 2023 @ 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
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Location: Sign into EngageSC to View Location
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Kevin Giang
Event Link: https://engage.usc.edu/viterbi/rsvp?id=390216
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AME Seminar
Wed, Aug 23, 2023 @ 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Pradeep Sharma, Chair of Mechanical Engineering Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Houston
Talk Title: Flexoelectricity and Electrets
Abstract: The ability of certain materials to convert electrical stimuli into mechanical deformation, and vice versa, is a prized property. Not surprisingly, applications of such so-called piezoelectric materials are broad-”ranging from energy harvesting to self-powered sensors. In this presentation, I will highlight a relatively understudied electromechanical coupling called flexoelectricity that appears to have implications in topics ranging from biophysics to the design of next-generation soft multifunctional materials. Specifically, I will argue, through computational examples, the tantalizing possibility of creating apparently piezoelectric materials without piezoelectric materials-”e.g. graphene, emergence of giant piezoelectricity at the nanoscale, and (among others) the mechanisms underpinning magnetoreception in certain animals.
Biography: Pradeep Sharma is the Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Distinguished University Professor and Chair of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Houston. He also has a joint appointment in the Department of Physics. He received his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland at College Park in the year 2000. Subsequent to his doctoral degree, he was employed at General Electric R & D for more than three years as a research scientist. He joined the department of mechanical engineering at University of Houston in January 2004. He is a member of the US National Academy of Engineering. His other honors and awards include the Young Investigators Award from Office of Naval Research, Thomas J.R. Hughes Young Investigator Award from the ASME, Texas Space Grants Consortium New Investigators Program Award, the Fulbright fellowship, the Melville medal, the James R. Rice medal from the Society of Engineering Science, ASME Charles R. Russ medal, the Guggenheim, and the University of Houston Research Excellence Award. He is a fellow of the ASME, the associate editor of the Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids, chief-editor of the Journal of Applied Mechanics and serves on the editorial board of several other journals. He specializes in the broadly defined fields of continuum mechanics of solids and theoretical and computational materials science.
Host: AME Department
More Info: https://ame.usc.edu/seminars/
Location: Seaver Science Library (SSL) - 202
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Tessa Yao
Event Link: https://ame.usc.edu/seminars/
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Alfred E.Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering - Seminar series
Fri, Aug 25, 2023 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Dr. Ajit Yoganathan, Professor and the Wallace H. Coulter Distinguished Faculty Chair Wallace H. Coulter School of Biomedical Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University
Talk Title: Cardiovascular Engineering - A 'Personal' Journey from Bench to Bedside
Abstract: Over the past few decades, significant contributions have been made by engineers to healthcare. The successful translation of fundamental engineering concepts has helped improve patient care and diagnosis. This impact has been particularly evident in the field of cardiovascular medicine where the roles of fluid and solid mechanics, and imaging are critical. In ~45 years of pioneering research, Professor Ajit Yoganathan's Cardiovascular Fluid Mechanics Laboratory at the Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, has been in the vanguard of this movement: advancing knowledge and technology in native and replacement heart valves, cardiovascular diagnostic techniques, and pediatric surgical/interventional planning. Using state-of-the-art fluid dynamic measurement techniques, Dr.Yoganathan and his group have developed methods to enable the optimization of replacement heart valve designs. Novel techniques in the assessment of native heart valve function have provided clinicians with improved tools to assess disease severity and helped identify effective treatment options. For the treatment of congenital heart defects, the development of novel computational modeling tools to simulate surgical procedures and their fluid dynamics outcomes have provided clinicians with new ways to plan for treatments for individual patients to increase the probability of success. Combined, these advances have helped bridge the lab bench to the patient's bedside/bassinet and integrate engineering science with the art of medicine.
Biography: For over 45 years Dr. Ajit Yoganathan has been a pioneer in basic and translational cardiovascular research, especially experimental and computational fluid mechanics as it pertains to artificial heart valves, the whole heart, and congenital heart diseases. His work involves the use of optical techniques such as laser Doppler velocimetry, digital particle image velocimetry, and clinical tools such as cardiac ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging to non-invasively study and quantify blood flow patterns and parameters in the cardiovascular system, both on the bench and in vivo. In his effort to take an interdisciplinary and translational approach to his research, Dr. Yoganathan has established collaborations with clinicians, scientists, and industry professionals world-wide and has played an important role in the development of U.S. and international standards for cardiovascular devices as Chair of the Cardiovascular Sub-Committee (SC2), International Standards Organization Technical Committee (TC 150) on Implants for Surgery since 2005. He has published over 40 book chapters and 450 peer reviewed articles in leading scientific journals; has given over 300 invited talks around the world; has more than 20 issued patents; and has mentored more than 50 doctoral students, 35 masters' students, and 40 post-doctoral trainees. Dr. Yoganathan has received a number of high honors and awards including membership to the prestigious National Academy of Engineering, the ASME H. R. Lissner Award in Bioengineering; the ASEE Theo Pilkington Award for Biomedical Engineering Education; the BMES Robert A. Pritzker Distinguished Lectureship Award; the AIMBE Professional Impact Award for Education; the Heart Valve Society's Inaugural HVS Lifetime Achievement Award; and AAMI Foundation's Laufman-Greatbatch Award. He is also a Founding Fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), an Honorary Fellow of the American Association of Thoracic Surgery (AATS), and a Fellow of both the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASEE) and the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES). It is noteworthy to mention that since 1975, all prosthetic heart valves implanted in the U.S. -“ more than two dozen valve designs - have been studied and evaluated in Dr. Yoganathan's Cardiovascular Fluid Mechanics lab.
Host: Peter Yingxiao Wang- Chair of Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering
More Info: zoom link available upon request
Location: 136
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Carla Stanard
Event Link: zoom link available upon request
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Epstein Institute, ISE 651 Seminar Class
Tue, Aug 29, 2023 @ 03:30 PM - 04:50 PM
Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Dr. Joseph Nuamah , Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial Engineering & Management, Oklahoma State University
Talk Title: Improving Human-System Interaction via Wearable Physiological Monitoring
Host: Dr. Andrea Belz
Location: SOS Building, B2
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Grace Owh
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AME Seminar - Laufer Lecture
Wed, Aug 30, 2023 @ 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Howard Stone, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Princeton University
Talk Title: Thin-Film Flows: From Similarity Solutions to New Insights in Molecular Biology
Abstract: Fluid mechanics has a rich history, as of course does mechanics more generally. The ideas bridge science and engineering disciplines, even as they generate new fundamental research questions in fluid mechanics. In this talk I sketch some recent themes* from my research group, which bridge a wide range of length scales. First, I give a brief survey of some of the fluid mechanics problems that we have been investigating in recent years. Second, whereas traditional similarity solutions in course work and research typically involve nonlinear equations with two independent variables, I will illustrate an experimentally motivated similarity solution involving three independent variables, for which we construct an analytical solution that can be compared with experimental measurements. Third, I discuss the formation of the spindle in a dividing cell, which is a fundamental aspect of molecular biology. Experiments documenting a condensed protein phase on growing microtubules are reported, followed by the appearance of the Rayleigh-Plateau instability, which produces discrete droplets along a microtubule: the drops drive branching nucleation, which is an important mechanism for the developing spindle.
*The research described was performed by many people in my research group, as well as some external collaborations.
Biography: Howard Stone received the B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from UC Davis in 1982 and the PhD in Chemical Engineering from Caltech in 1988. Following a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Cambridge, in 1989 Howard joined the faculty of the (now) School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Harvard University, where he eventually became the Vicky Joseph Professor of Engineering and Applied Mathematics. In July 2009 Howard moved to Princeton University where he is Donald R. Dixon 1969 and Elizabeth W. Dixon Professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
Professor Stone's research interests are in fluid dynamics, especially as they arise in research and applications at the interface of engineering, chemistry, physics, and biology. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS), and is past Chair of the Division of Fluid Dynamics of the APS. Currently he is on the editorial or advisory boards of Physical Review Fluids, Langmuir, and Soft Matter, and is co-editor of the Soft Matter Book Series. He is the first recipient of the G.K. Batchelor Prize in Fluid Dynamics (2008) and in 2016 recipient of the Fluid Dynamics Prize of the APS. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2009, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2011, the National Academy of Sciences in 2014, the Royal Society (United Kingdom) as a Foreign Member in 2022, and the American Philosophical Society in 2022.
Host: AME Department
Location: Ronald Tutor Campus Center (TCC) - 350 (Franklin Suite)
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Tessa Yao
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Tinker the Robot - Job/Volunteer Info Session
Wed, Aug 30, 2023 @ 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Tinker the Robot's mission is to ignite and cultivate a passion for science and engineering among the next generation of scientists and engineers, specifically targeting kids K-8 (elementary/middle school). Tinker the Robot is currently looking for passionate and energetic individuals who are either engineers, engineers-in-training, makers/DIYers, or creators to join the team. The teaching sessions will primarily take place after school hours, starting from 3 pm and onwards, in the central/south central Los Angeles area. Please note, this is not an on-campus job opportunity. This is a job/volunteer opportunity with a community partner.
Location: Online Event
Audiences:
Contact: Noe Mora
Event Link: https://engage.usc.edu/viterbi/rsvp?id=389952
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NL Seminar - Phishing Emails, Improvised Explosive Devices and Quantum: A Natural Language Understanding Perspective
Thu, Aug 31, 2023 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Information Sciences Institute
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Mitch Mithun, USC/ISI
Talk Title: Phishing Emails, Improvised Explosive Devices and Quantum: A Natural Language Understanding Perspective
Series: NL Seminar
Abstract: REMINDER:
Meeting hosts only admit guests that they know to the Zoom meeting. Hence, you are highly encouraged to use your USC account to sign into Zoom.
If you are an outside visitor, please inform us at nlg DASH seminar DASH host AT isi DOT edu beforehand so we will be aware of your attendance and let you in.
In this talk Mitch will present 3 projects he worked on in the past year as part of his post doctoral tenure at ISI. In the first project Mitch will explore his findings and discoveries in an effort to answer the question Why do humans still fall prey sometimes to Phishing emails. Specifically, he will talk about the recent collaborative effort between experts in cyber security and natural language processing in exploring several subtle signals typically found in phishing emails which fool humans and or AI models. He will also present a comparative analysis of performance between humans and AI models on these signals, providing insight into the learning ability of both.
In the second part, Mitch will present his work on how to explain and ground the predictions of Large Language Models from a schema curation perspective. Large Language Models are extremely adept at predicting a novel future event or missing events from a given set of events in a complex event. For example, if you ask Chat GPT to predict what are the key events that happen when an Improvised Explosive Device attack occurs, it will start with A person buys huge amount of Ammonium Nitrate as the first event. However how is this result explainable (and verifiable) by human intuition, given that the training data and or the training process of these LLMs are not publicly available?
In the third part, Mitch will present his work on using Quantum Natural Language Processing QNLP in low resource settings. QNLP is a very nascent field which deals with using quantum computers to solve natural language processing problems. QNLP these models are different than neural network-based models, including GPT, because they incorporate compositionality aka grammar fundamentally, while neural network based models rely on learning context through a bag of words approach. He will show that this advantage of QNLP models is more pronounced in few shot learning settings where the data to be trained on is very low.
Biography: Mitch was a post doctoral researcher at ISI where he was working with Marjorie Freedman and Ralph Weischedel in the networking and cyber security division. Mitch, graduated from his PhD from University of Arizona, along with his Masters in Computer Science, before joining ISI as a postdoc. Before that, he worked in the software industry for 10 plus years as a product manager in a research lab. He also has a master degree in Physics from Birla Institute of Technology and Science BITS, Pilani, India. His research interests include natural language processing, cyber security and quantum computation.
Host: Jon May and Justin Cho
More Info: https://nlg.isi.edu/nl-seminar/
Webcast: https://youtu.be/xPrATNWf-8ELocation: Information Science Institute (ISI) - Virtual and ISI-Conf Rm#689
WebCast Link: https://youtu.be/xPrATNWf-8E
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Pete Zamar
Event Link: https://nlg.isi.edu/nl-seminar/
