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Events for September 16, 2014

  • Epstein ISE Department Seminar

    Tue, Sep 16, 2014 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering

    Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars


    Speaker: Dr. Victor M. Zavala, Assistant Computational Mathematician, Mathematics and Computer Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory Fellow, Computation Institute, University of Chicago

    Talk Title: "Advances in Large-Scale Nonlinear Programming: Theory, Computation, and Applications in Energy Systems"

    Abstract: We present advances in theory, computation, and applications of large-scale nonlinear programming. In particular, we present a new filter line-search framework (PIPS-NLP) for general nonconvex problems that does not require inertia (eigenvalue) information of the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker system to identify descent directions. Instead, the proposed inertia-free approach performs inexpensive curvature tests along computed search steps. We prove that the approach is well-posed, delivers descent directions, and is globally convergent. In addition, the inertia-free approach enables the use of a wide range of matrix-free and parallel linear algebra techniques and libraries that cannot provide inertia information. We demonstrate these capabilities by solving previously intractable problems that arise in natural gas and power grid infrastructures. These problems have millions of variables and constraints and result from the combination of stochastic optimal control, partial differential equations, and network features.

    TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2014
    ANDRUS GERONTOLOGY BLDG (GER) ROOM 206
    10:00 - 11:00 AM

    Biography: Victor M. Zavala is currently an assistant computational mathematician in the Mathematics and Computer Science Division at Argonne National Laboratory and a Fellow in the Computation Institute of the University of Chicago. He received a B.Sc. degree from Universidad Iberoamericana (2003) and a Ph.D. degree from Carnegie Mellon University (2008), both in chemical engineering. His research interests are in the areas of mathematical modeling and large-scale optimization of energy systems.

    Host: Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering

    More Information: Seminar-Zavala2.doc

    Location: Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center (GER) - 206

    Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

    Contact: Georgia Lum

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  • Epstein Institute / ISE 651 Seminar Series

    Tue, Sep 16, 2014 @ 03:30 PM - 04:50 PM

    Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering

    Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars


    Speaker: Archis Ghate, Associate Professor, Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle

    Talk Title: "Countably Infinite Linear Programs: Theory, Algorithms, and Applications"

    Series: Epstein Institute Seminar Series

    Abstract: In this talk, we will consider linear programs (LPs) with a countably infinite number of variables and a countably infinite number of constraints. These countably infinite linear programs (CILPs) arise in a variety of applications such as countable state Markov decision processes (MDPs), infinite-stage minimum cost network flow problems, non-stationary infinite-horizon planning problems, and robust optimization. Standard results, intuition, and interpretations in finite-dimensional LPs do not extend to CILPs. For example, weak and strong duality may not hold, extreme points may not be equivalent to basic feasible solutions, dual variables may not have a shadow price interpretation, and a finitely implementable Simplex algorithm is not known. In this talk, we will explore sufficient conditions under which such theoretical results and algorithms can be developed for CILPs. Several examples and counterexamples will be discussed to explain key ideas. Non-stationary infinite-horizon MDPs will be used as a flagship example where everything works out nicely.

    TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2014
    GRACE FORD SALVATORI HALL (GFS) ROOM 101
    3:30 - 4:50 PM


    Biography: Archis Ghate is an Associate Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Washington in Seattle. His research focuses on stochastic and dynamic optimization. He received his PhD from the University of Michigan, MS from Stanford University, and completed his undergraduate education at the Indian Institute of Technology. He is a recipient of the NSF CAREER award and the award for Excellence in Teaching OR from the Institute of Industrial Engineers. His doctoral students have won the Dantzig dissertation award and the Bonder scholarship from INFORMS, as well as other competitive awards from the University of Washington.


    Host: Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering

    More Information: Seminar-Ghate.doc

    Location: Grace Ford Salvatori Hall Of Letters, Arts & Sciences (GFS) - 101

    Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

    Contact: Georgia Lum

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  • Navigating the Internship/Job Search

    Tue, Sep 16, 2014 @ 04:30 PM - 05:30 PM

    Viterbi School of Engineering Career Connections

    Workshops & Infosessions


    Are you looking for an industry position and want to know where to begin? This workshop will give you the tips needed to help you find an engineering internship, co-op or full time position!

    Location: Seeley G. Mudd Building (SGM) - 101

    Audiences: All Viterbi Students

    Contact: RTH 218 Viterbi Career Services

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  • Google Tech Talk

    Tue, Sep 16, 2014 @ 05:30 PM - 08:00 PM

    Viterbi School of Engineering Career Connections

    Workshops & Infosessions


    Join representatives of this company as they share general company information and available opportunities.

    Location: Mark Taper Hall Of Humanities (THH) - 201

    Audiences: All Viterbi

    Contact: RTH 218 Viterbi Career Services

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  • ASBME GM#1: HTE@USC

    Tue, Sep 16, 2014 @ 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM

    Viterbi School of Engineering Student Organizations

    Student Activity


    Interested in exploring the intersection between healthcare and advanced engineering technologies? Come to ASBME's meeting with the director and a representative from USC's very own Health, Technology and Engineering (HTE) program! Collaborate with medical students in solving real-world healthcare problems and become the link between the Viterbi and Keck Schools. Dr. Tolomiczenko will showcase projects initiated by HTE that undergraduates can actively participate in - so come out and take advantage of this opportunity to do research!

    Location: James H. Zumberge Hall Of Science (ZHS) - 252

    Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

    Contact: Associated Students of Biomedical Engineering

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