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Events for September 30, 2019

  • Fall 2019 Joint CSC@USC/CommNetS-MHI Seminar Series

    Mon, Sep 30, 2019 @ 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM

    Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

    Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars


    Speaker: Eva Kanso, University of Southern California

    Talk Title: Sea Star Inspired Crawling and Bouncing

    Abstract: The oral surface of sea stars is lined with arrays of tube feet that enable them to achieve highly controlled locomotion on various terrains. The activity of the tube feet is orchestrated by a nerve net that is distributed throughout the body; there is no central brain. How such a decentralized nervous system produces a coordinated locomotion is yet to be understood. We developed mathematical models of the biomechanics of the tube feet and the sea star body. In the model, the feet are coupled mechanically through their structural connection to the sea star body. We formulated hierarchical control laws that capture salient features of the sea star nervous system. Namely, at the tube foot level, the power and recovery strokes follow a state-dependent feedback controller. At the system level, a directionality command is communicated through the ring and radial nerves to all tube feet. We studied the locomotion gaits afforded by this hierarchical control system. We found that these minimally-coupled tube feet coordinate to generate robust forward locomotion, reminiscent of the crawling motion of sea stars, on various terrains and under various heterogeneity in the tube feet parameters and initial conditions. Our model also predicted a transition from crawling to bouncing consistent with our experiments performed on Protoreaster nodosus. We conclude by commenting on the implications of these findings for understanding the Echinoderms decentralized nervous system and their potential application to autonomous robotic systems.

    Biography: Eva Kanso is a professor, and the Zohrab H. Kaprielian Fellow, in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Southern California (USC). Prior to joining USC, Kanso held a two-year postdoctoral position in Computing and Mathematical Sciences at Caltech. She received her Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering as well as an M.A. degree in Mathematics from UC Berkeley. She got her Bachelor of Engineering from the American University of Beirut with distinction. At USC, Kanso studies the physics of how organisms interact with their environments. Kanso combines methods from fluid and solid mechanics with techniques from dynamical systems and control theory to analyze the interplay between the morphology of living systems and the environment to produce biological functions.



    Host: Urbashi Mitra, ubli@usc.edu

    More Info: http://csc.usc.edu/seminars/2019Fall/kanso.html

    More Information: 190930_Eva Kanso_CSC Seminar.pdf

    Location: Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB) - 132

    Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

    Contact: Brienne Moore

    Event Link: http://csc.usc.edu/seminars/2019Fall/kanso.html

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  • Viterbi Impact Program (VIP) Speaker - Los Angeles Public Library, Exploration & Creativity Dept.

    Mon, Sep 30, 2019 @ 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM

    Workshops & Infosessions


    Diane Olivo-Posner, Principal Librarian/Associate Director, and Vivienne Byrd, Lead on Full STEAM Ahead & Citizen Science Initiative from the Los Angeles Public Library will be here sharing valuable insights, and to discuss the role Los Angeles Public Library plays in serving the Los Angeles community. They will also be sharing opportunities available through the DTLA Mini Maker Faire both as Makers or as volunteers.

    VIP Speaker Session -“ Vivienne Byrd and Diane Olivo-Posner
    Los Angeles Public Library
    Exploration & Creativity Dept.
    Date: Monday, September 30th, 2019
    Time: 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
    Location: Ronald Tutor Hall (RTH) 211
    FREE FOOD

    Location: Ronald Tutor Hall of Engineering (RTH) - 211

    Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

    Contact: Myra Fernandez

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  • WIE Dinner and Discover - Resume Workshop

    Mon, Sep 30, 2019 @ 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM

    USC Viterbi School of Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering Student Affairs, Viterbi School of Engineering Student Organizations

    Workshops & Infosessions


    Come and enjoy dinner and have your RESUME in order before the Viterbi Career and Internship Fair! Join Viterbi Women in Engineeering (WIE) and representatives from the Career Center for the first segment of our Dinner and Discover Workshop Series!

    Location: Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB) - 132

    Audiences: Undergraduate and graduate students.

    Contact: Monica De Los Santos

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  • USC Graduate Engineering Info Session: Ankara

    Mon, Sep 30, 2019 @ 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM

    Viterbi School of Engineering Graduate Admission

    Workshops & Infosessions



    Candidates with a strong academic background and a Bachelor's degree (or those in the process of earning a Bachelor's degree) in engineering, computer science, applied mathematics, or physical science (such as physics, biology, or chemistry) are welcome to attend this session to learn more about applying to graduate engineering programs at the University of Southern California. Attendees will also receive an application fee waiver.

    Topics covered:

    Master's & Ph.D. Programs in engineering and computer science
    How to Apply
    Scholarships and Funding
    Student Life at USC and in Los Angeles
    Application Tips

    There will also be suffucient time for questions during the information session.
    Register Here

    Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

    Contact: USC Viterbi Graduate Programs

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