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Events for October 26, 2017

  • Causal Inference in Complex Networks

    Thu, Oct 26, 2017 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

    Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars


    Speaker: Negar Kiyavash, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    Talk Title: Causal Inference in Complex Networks

    Abstract: One of the paramount challenges of this century is that of understanding complex, dynamic, large-scale networks. Such high-dimensional networks, including social, financial, and biological networks, cover the planet and dominate modern life. In this talk, we propose novel approaches to inference in such networks, for both active (interventional) and passive (observational) learning scenarios. We highlight how timing could be utilized as a degree of freedom that provides rich information about the dynamics. This information allows resolving direction of causation even when only a subset of the nodes is observed (latent setting). In the presence of large data, we propose algorithms that identify optimal or near-optimal approximations to the topology of the network.

    Biography: Negar Kiyavash is Willett Faculty Scholar at the University of Illinois and a joint Associate Professor of Industrial and Enterprise Engineering (IE) and Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). She is the director of Advance Data Analytics Program in IE and is further affiliated with the Coordinated Science Laboratory (CSL) and the Information Trust Institute. She received her Ph.D. degree in ECE from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2006. Her research interests are in design and analysis of algorithms for network inference and security. She is a recipient of NSF CAREER and AFOSR YIP awards and the Illinois College of Engineering Dean's Award for Excellence in Research.

    Host: Urbashi Mitra, ubli@usc.edu, EEB 536, x04667

    Location: Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB) - 248

    Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

    Contact: Gerrielyn Ramos

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  • Fred S. Grodins Keynote Lecture

    Thu, Oct 26, 2017 @ 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM

    Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering

    Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars


    Speaker: Na Ji, PhD, Associate Professor Departments of Physics and Molecular Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley

    Talk Title: Probing neural circuits with shaped light

    Series: Annual Grodins Keynote Lecture

    Abstract: To understand computation in the brain, one needs to understand the input-output relationships for neural circuits and the anatomical and functional relationships between individual neurons therein. Optical microscopy has emerged as an ideal tool in this quest, as it is capable of recording the activity of neurons distributed over millimeter dimensions with sub-micron spatial resolution. I will describe how we use concepts in astronomy and optics to develop next-generation microscopy methods for imaging neural circuits at higher resolution, greater depth, and faster speed. By shaping the wavefront of the light, we have achieved synapse-level spatial resolution through the entire depth of primary visual cortex, optimized microendoscopes for imaging deeply buried nuclei, and developed a video-rate (30 Hz) volumetric imaging method. We apply these methods to understanding neural circuits, using the mouse primary visual cortex as our model system.

    Biography: Na Ji studied chemistry and physics as an undergraduate in the University of Science and Technology of China, then pursued her graduate degree at the University of California Berkeley. In 2006, she moved to Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, where she worked with Eric Betzig on improving the speed and resolution of in vivo brain imaging. She started her own group in Janelia in 2011, where, in addition to imaging technology development, her lab applies the resulting techniques to outstanding problems in neurobiology. Na Ji, PhD, is currently at Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Department of Molecular Cell Biology at the University of California, Berkeley.

    Host: Department of Biomedical Engineering; Reception will be held at the Andrus Gerontology Courtyard from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

    More Information: Grodins Template_FINAL_BGedits.pdf

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

    Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

    Contact: Mischalgrace Diasanta

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  • CAIS Seminar: Dr. Sze-Chuan Suen (University of Southern California) - A POMDP Model for Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Screening

    Thu, Oct 26, 2017 @ 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM

    Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science

    Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars


    Speaker: Dr. Sze-Chuan Suen, University of Southern California

    Talk Title: A POMDP Model for Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Screening

    Series: Center for AI in Society (CAIS) Seminar Series

    Abstract: This lecture satisfies requirements for CSCI 591: Research Colloquium.

    Patients with drug resistant disease may need different treatment than those with drug-sensitive disease. However, identifying these patients may be difficult since tests to determine disease strain may be time consuming or costly. In this project, we develop a model using POMDP and simulation techniques to identify when and which first-line tuberculosis patients are most likely at risk for drug resistance and should be screened to reduce costs and increase health outcomes.


    Biography: Sze-Chuan Suen received her PhD in the department of Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University in 2016. Her research interests include developing applied mathematical models to identify epidemiological trends and evaluate health policies to support informed decision-making. Her research draws from techniques in simulation, dynamic systems modeling, optimization, and decision analysis.


    Host: Milind Tambe

    Location: Seeley Wintersmith Mudd Memorial Hall (of Philosophy) (MHP) - 101

    Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

    Contact: Computer Science Department

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  • SpaceX Info Session

    Thu, Oct 26, 2017 @ 05:30 PM - 08:00 PM

    Viterbi School of Engineering Career Connections

    Workshops & Infosessions


    Information Session and Resume Review

    Location: SGM 101

    Audiences: All Viterbi

    Contact: RTH 218 Viterbi Career Connections

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  • Professor Lotfi Zadeh Father of Fuzzy Logic Memorial

    Thu, Oct 26, 2017 @ 05:30 PM - 07:30 PM

    Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science

    Receptions & Special Events


    Agenda
    5:30 Welcome
    5:45 Memory of Professor Zadeh
    6:00 USC Thornton performance
    6:30 Refreshment Break
    6:50 Impact of Fuzzy Logic on Science and Engineering
    7:20 Professor Zadeh and Fanni Reunion
    7:30 Conclusion

    More Information: LotfiZadehFlyer_S_P.pdf

    Location: Montgomery Ross Fisher Building (school Of Social Work) (MRF) - 340

    Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

    Contact: Juli Legat

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