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Technology for Business LeadersTue, Jul 01, 2025
Executive Education
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Dr. Bhaskar Krishnamachari, Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Talk Title: Technology for Business Leaders
Abstract: Technology for Business Leaders provides a comprehensive exploration of digital transformation and its impact on contemporary business landscapes. Through a series of structured modules, participants will delve into the core concepts of digital technologies, Industry 4.0, innovation, and organizational change management. By analyzing case studies and leveraging practical frameworks, learners will develop the necessary insights and skills to drive successful digital transitions within their organizations.
Host: USC Viterbi Corporate and Professional Programs
More Info: https://viterbiexeced.usc.edu/technology-for-business-leaders/
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: VASE Executive Education
Event Link: https://viterbiexeced.usc.edu/technology-for-business-leaders/
This event is open to all eligible individuals. USC Viterbi operates all of its activities consistent with the University's Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor. -
Technology for Business Leaders
Wed, Jul 02, 2025
Executive Education
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Dr. Bhaskar Krishnamachari, Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Talk Title: Technology for Business Leaders
Abstract: Technology for Business Leaders provides a comprehensive exploration of digital transformation and its impact on contemporary business landscapes. Through a series of structured modules, participants will delve into the core concepts of digital technologies, Industry 4.0, innovation, and organizational change management. By analyzing case studies and leveraging practical frameworks, learners will develop the necessary insights and skills to drive successful digital transitions within their organizations.
Host: USC Viterbi Corporate and Professional Programs
More Info: https://viterbiexeced.usc.edu/technology-for-business-leaders/
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: VASE Executive Education
Event Link: https://viterbiexeced.usc.edu/technology-for-business-leaders/
This event is open to all eligible individuals. USC Viterbi operates all of its activities consistent with the University's Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor. -
Technology for Business Leaders
Wed, Jul 02, 2025
Executive Education
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Dr. Bhaskar Krishnamachari, Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Talk Title: Technology for Business Leaders
Abstract: Technology for Business Leaders provides a comprehensive exploration of digital transformation and its impact on contemporary business landscapes. Through a series of structured modules, participants will delve into the core concepts of digital technologies, Industry 4.0, innovation, and organizational change management. By analyzing case studies and leveraging practical frameworks, learners will develop the necessary insights and skills to drive successful digital transitions within their organizations.
Host: USC Viterbi Corporate and Professional Programs
More Info: https://viterbiexeced.usc.edu/technology-for-business-leaders/
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: VASE Executive Education
Event Link: https://viterbiexeced.usc.edu/technology-for-business-leaders/
This event is open to all eligible individuals. USC Viterbi operates all of its activities consistent with the University's Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor. -
Technology for Business Leaders
Thu, Jul 03, 2025
Executive Education
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Dr. Bhaskar Krishnamachari, Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Talk Title: Technology for Business Leaders
Abstract: Technology for Business Leaders provides a comprehensive exploration of digital transformation and its impact on contemporary business landscapes. Through a series of structured modules, participants will delve into the core concepts of digital technologies, Industry 4.0, innovation, and organizational change management. By analyzing case studies and leveraging practical frameworks, learners will develop the necessary insights and skills to drive successful digital transitions within their organizations.
Host: USC Viterbi Corporate and Professional Programs
More Info: https://viterbiexeced.usc.edu/technology-for-business-leaders/
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: VASE Executive Education
Event Link: https://viterbiexeced.usc.edu/technology-for-business-leaders/
This event is open to all eligible individuals. USC Viterbi operates all of its activities consistent with the University's Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor. -
Technology for Business Leaders
Mon, Jul 07, 2025
Executive Education
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Dr. Bhaskar Krishnamachari, Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Talk Title: Technology for Business Leaders
Abstract: Technology for Business Leaders provides a comprehensive exploration of digital transformation and its impact on contemporary business landscapes. Through a series of structured modules, participants will delve into the core concepts of digital technologies, Industry 4.0, innovation, and organizational change management. By analyzing case studies and leveraging practical frameworks, learners will develop the necessary insights and skills to drive successful digital transitions within their organizations.
Host: USC Viterbi Corporate and Professional Programs
More Info: https://viterbiexeced.usc.edu/technology-for-business-leaders/
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: VASE Executive Education
Event Link: https://viterbiexeced.usc.edu/technology-for-business-leaders/
This event is open to all eligible individuals. USC Viterbi operates all of its activities consistent with the University's Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor. -
PhD Dissertation Defense - Elizabeth Ondula
Mon, Jul 07, 2025 @ 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science
University Calendar
Title: Evaluating AI Model Decisions in Dynamic Environments
Date and Time: July 7th, 2025 | 10:00am - 11:30am
Location: EEB 132
Committee Members: Bhaskar Krishnamachari, Shanghua Teng, Timothy M. Pinkston
Abstract: Artificial Intelligence systems are increasingly being applied to operate in environments where both external randomness and internal model variability make reliable evaluation difficult. In practice, these models are deployed as decision tools and often incorporate provable performance guarantees, efficient resource use, and built-in monitoring for continual model recalibration as conditions shift. In this dissertation, we explore how to evaluate AI models given uncertainties in two representative applications: classroom occupancy control during an epidemic and multi-agent organizational deliberation. In the epidemic-driven classroom setting, we formulate occupancy control as a finite-horizon decision process, build modular simulation tools tailored to this model, and then, by varying algorithmic components and environment dynamics, uncover how specific design choices produce non-intuitive risk-sensitivity patterns, threshold effects, and scaling behaviors. In the multi-agent deliberation setting, we fuse sentiment analysis with a non-Bayesian opinion dynamics model to craft metrics for conversational coherence and decision stability, revealing how belief-update mechanisms can amplify volatility in role-based interactions. These contributions establish that effective AI evaluation requires domain-specific methodologies that account for unique uncertainty manifestations in each application context. The work offers theoretical insights into how algorithmic choices shape decision policies and practical frameworks for deploying AI models in practice.
Zoom Link: Link: https://usc.zoom.us/j/97125567405Location: Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB) - 132
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Elizabeth Ondula
This event is open to all eligible individuals. USC Viterbi operates all of its activities consistent with the University's Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor. -
Technology for Business Leaders
Tue, Jul 08, 2025
Executive Education
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Dr. Bhaskar Krishnamachari, Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Talk Title: Technology for Business Leaders
Abstract: Technology for Business Leaders provides a comprehensive exploration of digital transformation and its impact on contemporary business landscapes. Through a series of structured modules, participants will delve into the core concepts of digital technologies, Industry 4.0, innovation, and organizational change management. By analyzing case studies and leveraging practical frameworks, learners will develop the necessary insights and skills to drive successful digital transitions within their organizations.
Host: USC Viterbi Corporate and Professional Programs
More Info: https://viterbiexeced.usc.edu/technology-for-business-leaders/
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: VASE Executive Education
Event Link: https://viterbiexeced.usc.edu/technology-for-business-leaders/
This event is open to all eligible individuals. USC Viterbi operates all of its activities consistent with the University's Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor. -
Technology for Business Leaders
Wed, Jul 09, 2025
Executive Education
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Dr. Bhaskar Krishnamachari, Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Talk Title: Technology for Business Leaders
Abstract: Technology for Business Leaders provides a comprehensive exploration of digital transformation and its impact on contemporary business landscapes. Through a series of structured modules, participants will delve into the core concepts of digital technologies, Industry 4.0, innovation, and organizational change management. By analyzing case studies and leveraging practical frameworks, learners will develop the necessary insights and skills to drive successful digital transitions within their organizations.
Host: USC Viterbi Corporate and Professional Programs
More Info: https://viterbiexeced.usc.edu/technology-for-business-leaders/
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: VASE Executive Education
Event Link: https://viterbiexeced.usc.edu/technology-for-business-leaders/
This event is open to all eligible individuals. USC Viterbi operates all of its activities consistent with the University's Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor. -
Technology for Business Leaders
Thu, Jul 10, 2025
Executive Education
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Dr. Bhaskar Krishnamachari, Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Talk Title: Technology for Business Leaders
Abstract: Technology for Business Leaders provides a comprehensive exploration of digital transformation and its impact on contemporary business landscapes. Through a series of structured modules, participants will delve into the core concepts of digital technologies, Industry 4.0, innovation, and organizational change management. By analyzing case studies and leveraging practical frameworks, learners will develop the necessary insights and skills to drive successful digital transitions within their organizations.
Host: USC Viterbi Corporate and Professional Programs
More Info: https://viterbiexeced.usc.edu/technology-for-business-leaders/
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: VASE Executive Education
Event Link: https://viterbiexeced.usc.edu/technology-for-business-leaders/
This event is open to all eligible individuals. USC Viterbi operates all of its activities consistent with the University's Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor. -
PhD Dissertation Defense - Ta-Yang Wang
Thu, Jul 10, 2025 @ 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science
University Calendar
Title: Heterogeneous Graph Representation Learning: Algorithms and Applications
Date and Time: Thursday, July 10th, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: EEB 248
Committee members: Prof. Viktor Prasanna (chair), Prof. Rajgopal Kannan, Prof. Aiichiro Nakano, and Prof. Cauligi Raghavendra
Abstract:
Heterogeneous Graph Neural Networks (HGNNs) have emerged as a powerful extension of graph representation learning, enabling the modeling of complex, multi-relational data in applications such as recommendation systems, communication networks, and social networks. By generating expressive node embeddings that capture both structural and semantic diversity, HGNNs have demonstrated significant advantages over traditional homogeneous graph methods in real-world tasks. However, current HGNNs face three major challenges: (1) data incompleteness, where missing attributes for certain node types limit the ability to fully leverage heterogeneous structures; (2) training scalability, as existing methods often struggle with computational inefficiency and lack theoretical guarantees when applied to large-scale graphs; and (3) application-specific optimization, particularly in dynamic wireless communication networks where resource-efficient solutions are critical. In this dissertation, we address these challenges by developing accurate, efficient, and scalable HGNN approaches. We propose TypeBandit, a principled method for attribute completion and representation learning that integrates topological embeddings, adaptive type-based node sampling, and end-to-end HGNN training. We further develop a scalable bandit-based sampling algorithm with theoretical guarantees and design HGNN models for throughput optimization in heterogeneous wireless networks. Extensive experiments on benchmark datasets and real-world scenarios demonstrate significant improvements in both predictive accuracy and computational efficiency, establishing a robust foundation for scalable and adaptive heterogeneous graph representation learning in complex systems.Location: Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB) - 248
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Ta-Yang Wang
This event is open to all eligible individuals. USC Viterbi operates all of its activities consistent with the University's Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor. -
PhD Dissertation Defense - Tian Ye
Fri, Jul 11, 2025 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science
University Calendar
Title: Defending Against Adversarial Threats in SAR ATR: Robust Learning, Efficient Inference, and Detection
Date and Time: July 11, 2025, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: EEB 248
Committee Members: Viktor Prasanna (Chair), Paul Bogdan, Rajgopal Kannan, Aiichiro Nakano, Cauligi Raghavendra
Abstract: Adversarial robustness is a critical requirement for machine learning systems deployed in safety-critical applications, including Synthetic Aperture Radar Automatic Target Recognition (SAR ATR). Adversarial perturbations, whether digitally crafted or physically introduced, can lead to incorrect predictions and serious consequences, highlighting the need for models that are both reliable and efficient under real-world constraints.
This dissertation presents three contributions toward improving robustness and deployability in adversarial settings. First, it introduces a semi-supervised adversarial training algorithm that improves model robustness in low-label regimes, a common challenge in real-world scenarios where labeled data are limited. Second, it proposes a hardware-aware model compression framework that preserves adversarial robustness while optimizing latency and resource usage, enabling deployment on constrained platforms with real-time performance requirements. Third, it investigates physical adversarial threats specific to SAR ATR and develops a detection method that identifies such attacks at inference time using model uncertainty and saliency-based localization.
Together, these contributions address the key challenges of robust learning, efficient inference, and threat detection, offering a practical and comprehensive defense strategy for adversarially robust SAR ATR systems.Location: Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB) - 248
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Tian Ye
This event is open to all eligible individuals. USC Viterbi operates all of its activities consistent with the University's Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor. -
CA DREAMS - Technical Seminar Series
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Fri, Jul 11, 2025 @ 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Information Sciences Institute
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Rehan Kapadia , Professor, USC
Talk Title: Templated Liquid-Phase Growth: Monolithic IIIâ“V Integration on Metals, Oxides, and Silicon
Series: CA DREAMS - Technical Seminar Series
Abstract: Scalable integration of high-performance III–V semiconductors with mainstream and unconventional substrates is a long-standing bottleneck for next-generation electronics and photonics. Templated liquid-phase (TLP) growth sidesteps lattice-matching constraints by crystallizing compound semiconductors from microliter metallic melts patterned on the target surface In this talk, we will overview the science and technology of templated liquid phase (TLP) growth of compound semiconductors on metals, oxides, and silicon. First, we will first discuss how growth from a microscale liquid differs from vapor phase growth techniques and the technological consequences of this difference for control of crystallinity and formation of defects on amorphous substrates. We will then highlight the results of growth on oxides and metals, including a demonstration of growth on non-planar substrates. Second, we will discuss devices enabled by TLP growth, including solar cells, transistors, and synaptic devices. Third, we will discuss how this approach enables a new route for defect filtering of III-Vs on Si, showing an experimental demonstration of 100x-1000x filtering across an MOCVD InP to TLP InP homojunction. Finally, we show heteroepitaxial capabilities unique to TLP, focusing on an atomically sharp lateral junction between materials with dissimilar lattices—demonstrated by an InP-SnâÂÂPâ interface grown in a single step.
Biography: Professor Rehan Kapadia joined the faculty of the University of Southern California in the Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in July 2014. He currently holds the Colleen and Roberto Padovani Early Career Chair, and serves as Director of MOSIS 2.0 and Director of the John O’Brien Nanofabrication Laboratory. He received his bachelors in electrical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 2008, and his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley in 2013. During his time at Berkeley, he was a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow and winner of the David J. Sakrison Memorial Prize for outstanding research. At USC, he is the recipient of AFOSR and ONR Young Investigator Awards and the Peter Mark Memorial Award from the AVS. His interests lie at the intersection of material science and electrical engineering focusing on non-equilibrium electron devices, and materials growth technologies for next-generation electronic and photonic devices.
Host: Dr. Steve Crago
More Info: https://www.isi.edu/events/6184/templated-liquid-phase-growth-monolithic-iii-v-integration-on-metals-oxides-and-silicon/
Webcast: https://usc.zoom.us/j/97017422125?pwd=Dbrt8MNMrmBV3xalKQJcAiNsggFJjJ.1&from=addonWebCast Link: https://usc.zoom.us/j/97017422125?pwd=Dbrt8MNMrmBV3xalKQJcAiNsggFJjJ.1&from=addon
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Amy Kasmir
This event is open to all eligible individuals. USC Viterbi operates all of its activities consistent with the University's Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor. -
TIE Hub YC Networking & Co-Founder Speed Dating
Tue, Jul 15, 2025 @ 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Viterbi Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Student Activity
Looking for a co-founder, collaborator, or just curious about Y Combinator?
Join us for an evening of fast-paced networking with USCâs most entrepreneurial minds â including founders, engineers, designers, and hustlers. Whether youâre applying to YC, building your first startup, or exploring ideas, this is your chance to find potential teammates and grow your network.
*Pizza will be servedLocation: Sign into EngageSC to View Location
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Tatum Verona
Event Link: https://engage.usc.edu/Viterbitie/rsvp?id=404514
This event is open to all eligible individuals. USC Viterbi operates all of its activities consistent with the University's Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor. -
TIE Hub YC Networking & Co-Founder Speed Dating
Tue, Jul 15, 2025 @ 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Viterbi Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Workshops & Infosessions
Looking for a co-founder, collaborator, or just curious about Y Combinator?Join us for an evening of fast-paced networking with USC’s most entrepreneurial minds — including founders, engineers, designers, and hustlers. Whether you’re applying to YC, building your first startup, or exploring ideas, this is your chance to find potential teammates and grow your network.*Pizza will be served
Location: Ronald Tutor Hall of Engineering (RTH) - 526
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Viterbi TIE
Event Link: https://engage.usc.edu/web/rsvp_boot?id=404514
This event is open to all eligible individuals. USC Viterbi operates all of its activities consistent with the University's Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor. -
PhD Thesis Proposal - Justin Cho
Wed, Jul 16, 2025 @ 01:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science
University Calendar
Title: Improving Human-AI Interactions via Context Synchronization
Date and Time: Wednesday, July 16th | 1:30p - 3:30p
Location: EEB 132
Committee Members: Jonathan May, Maja Mataric, Shrikanth Narayanan, Robin Jia, Swabha Swayamdipta
Abstract: A shared understanding of context - the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood and assessed - is imperative for human-AI interactions to be successful. For example, for a language model (LM) assistant to effectively help a student aspiring to learn about the mechanisms of modern LMs, it must be aware of the student's higher-level goal, their background knowledge, and the mode of interaction. The continuous refinement and expansion of context that LMs harness have formed the cornerstone of their impressive feats of surpassing human performance on various benchmarks. However, when put to the test with real-world tasks, LMs remain insufficient because their contextual understanding is not synchronized with that of the human user in various dimensions.
In this thesis, I present a new paradigm, context synchronization, that discovers and bridges the remaining gaps in the context shared by the human and assisting AI and thus facilitate the knowledge transfer between them for safe and successful human-AI outcomes. In Part I, I introduce benchmarks that measures the reliability of AI models for non-text modes of communication, speech and nonverbal communication, and thus provide insights for their applications to use cases that require contextual understanding that extends beyond a textual interface. In Part II, I develop literature-grounded computational methods that contextualizes language models to higher-order objectives beyond transactional interactions. In Part III, I present data-efficient computational methods for contextualizing language modes to individual users that process user-specific data to generate personalized text using language models.
The work in this thesis has broad implications for versatile and safe AI assistants that deliver on their promise of accessible and democratized utility. It demonstrates that by evaluating and adapting AI systems to maximize shared context between the human and AI counterpart can help tackle complex and nuanced real-world tasks. By discussing the challenges of methods, evaluations, and applications, this thesis advances a human-centric vision of AI grounded in comprehensive context synchronization.
Location: Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB) - 112
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Justin Cho
This event is open to all eligible individuals. USC Viterbi operates all of its activities consistent with the University's Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor. -
CA DREAMS - Technical Seminar Series
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Fri, Jul 18, 2025 @ 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Information Sciences Institute
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Guann Pyng (G.P.) Li, Professor, UC Irvine
Talk Title: AI-Enhanced Semiconductor Manufacturing
Series: CA DREAMS - Technical Seminar Series
Abstract: Reproducible fabrication processes and maintaining tool uptime are essential for efficient production in microelectronics. Currently microelectronics (particularly defense electronics and small foundry fabs) industry faces very limited availability of experienced technicians, who can quickly diagnose fabrication processes and fix equipment issues in semiconductor labs or fabs. Moreover, schedule-based periodic maintenance often fails to prevent unexpected machine breakdowns. We have developed knowledge-based adaptive machine learning (ML) to detect signs of machine degradation early and use interaction time in context to identify potential causes of machine failures and fabrication process degradation. This will improve quality in semiconductor wafer processing and reduce tool downtime in deposition or etching processes for better operation efficiency. The self-diagnosis system utilizing existing automation and control PLC infrastructure will be presented for various manufacturing machines to enhance versatility and applicability. It can also be implemented cross-machine for workflow causal diagnosis and demonstrated in other labs and fabs within the hubs to accelerate lab-to-fab transitions. An AI based workforce training platform with the internet of things (IOT) and standard operation procedure (SOP) in support of decision-making by equipment technicians will help address skilled workforce shortage issues and help the resilience of the Hub.
Biography: G.P. Li is a distinguished professor at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) with appointments in two departments: Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, and Biomedical Engineering, and in the Materials and Manufacturing Technology (MMT) graduate concentration program at the Henry Samueli School of Engineering. He holds key leadership positions at UCI including director of the Integrated Nanosystems Research Facility, which is a major campus resource for micro/nano technology, and director of Calit2, which is one of four Gray Davis Institutes for Science and Innovation located on University of California campuses. He served as the UC systemwide chair of the executive committee for electronics manufacturing research and new materials at the University of California from 2004-2006. Prior to UCI, Li served as a research staff member and manager of the technology group at IBM’s T. J. Watson Research Center. While at IBM, he worked in the area of VLSI technology with an emphasis on advanced bipolar technology and led a research and development team to transfer the technology into production. In the late 1980s, he chaired a committee charged with defining IBM’s semiconductor technology roadmap beyond the year 2000. Li has published more than 430 research papers involving microelectronics, microwave circuits, Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), IOT and data analytics for edge actionable intelligence (AI) in efficient energy utilization, smart manufacturing and e-health. Li is also a member of numerous technical committees at professional conferences and was chair of the Taiwan VLSI Technology, Circuit, and System Conference in 2006 and the Ninth International Conference on Energy Efficiency Domestic Appliances and Lighting in 2017. Li holds 40 U.S. patents that have been licensed to eight companies. He has been the co-founder of five startups with five others partially founded on his expertise. Currently, he also directs TechPortal, a technology business incubator housed at the Calit2@UCI, which supports and nurtures young companies and university researchers trying to commercialize their inventions and technologies. Li is a fellow of IEEE, the Asia-Pacific Artificial Intelligence Association and the National Academy of Inventors.
Host: Dr. Steve Crago
More Info: https://www.isi.edu/events/5816/ai-enhanced-semiconductor-manufacturing/
Webcast: https://usc.zoom.us/j/97017422125?pwd=Dbrt8MNMrmBV3xalKQJcAiNsggFJjJ.1&from=addonWebCast Link: https://usc.zoom.us/j/97017422125?pwd=Dbrt8MNMrmBV3xalKQJcAiNsggFJjJ.1&from=addon
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Amy Kasmir
Event Link: https://www.isi.edu/events/5816/ai-enhanced-semiconductor-manufacturing/
This event is open to all eligible individuals. USC Viterbi operates all of its activities consistent with the University's Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor. -
Summer Start - Viterbi BBQ !
Fri, Jul 18, 2025 @ 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Student Activity
We hope you're enjoying your Summer Start experience so far!
To help you connect with your fellow students and relax before the semester gets busier, you're warmly invited to our Viterbi Summer BBQ!
Event Details:
ï¸ Date: Friday, July 18th
Venue: Epstein Family Plaza Lawn
ï¸ Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
What to Expect!
- Delicious BBQ and Refreshments.
- Games and Activities.
- Networking and Socializing,
- Capture good moments with your new classmates.
Location: Sign into EngageSC to View Location
Audiences:
Contact: Yadi Wang
Event Link: https://engage.usc.edu/viterbi/rsvp?id=404515
This event is open to all eligible individuals. USC Viterbi operates all of its activities consistent with the University's Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor. -
PhD Dissertation Defense - Ming-Chang Chiu
Mon, Jul 21, 2025 @ 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science
University Calendar
Title: From Subgroup Discrepancy to Agentic Learning: A Data-Driven Approach to Building Robust and Contextually Aligned Vision-Language Models
Date: Monday, July 21st, 2025 11:00am-1:00pm
Committee Members: Xuezhe Ma (Chair), Haipeng Luo, Daniel E. O'Leary
Venue: RTH 306
Abstract: Recent advances in vision-language models (VLMs) have significantly improved machines’ ability to jointly understand visual and linguistic information, enabling impressive performance across image captioning, visual question answering, and multimodal reasoning. However, building VLMs that are robust, fair, and perceptually grounded—especially under real-world variability in color, environment, and background context—remains an open challenge. The focus of my research is to develop a learning framework that equips VLMs with perceptual fidelity, fairness awareness, and self-improving capability to function reliably in unconstrained and high-stakes environments.
Specifically, I aim to develop a VLM training and evaluation framework that is: (1) diagnostic: by uncovering subgroup discrepancies and spurious correlations that are hidden by average accuracy, (2) perceptually grounded: by benchmarking and training on datasets that emphasize color vision, environment understanding, and low-level visual cues, (3) instructional: by leveraging medium-grained, templated prompts that align model outputs with interpretable visual concepts, and (4) agentic: by enabling models to identify failure cases, consult external tools, and iteratively refine their own training without relying on superior teacher models. This dissertation presents a series of projects—FlowAug, ColorSense, MEGACOIN, and AIDE—that collectively advance the development of diagnostic, perceptually aligned, instruction-tuned, and self-improving VLMs.Location: Ronald Tutor Hall of Engineering (RTH) - 306
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Ming-Chang Chiu
This event is open to all eligible individuals. USC Viterbi operates all of its activities consistent with the University's Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor. -
CA DREAMS - Technical Seminar Series
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Fri, Jul 25, 2025 @ 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Information Sciences Institute
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Austin Minnich, Professor, Caltech
Talk Title: Towards Ultralow Noise InP High Electron Mobility Transistors
Series: CA DREAMS - Technical Seminar Series
Abstract: InP high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) are an essential component of low-noise microwave receivers. At cryogenic temperatures, InP HEMTs exhibit noise performance only 5X above the quantum limit, the best among all semiconductor technologies. However, devices with even better noise performance are of significant interest for the most demanding applications such as radio astronomy and quantum computing. Gain stability is also of high importance for microwave radiometers used for weather and climate studies. In this talk, I will describe our studies of the physical mechanisms underlying noise in InP HEMTs and how materials and nano fabrication advances could lead to enhanced performance.
Biography: Austin Minnich is Deputy Chair of the Division of Engineering and Applied Science and a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Physics at the California Institute of Technology. He received his Bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley in 2006 and his PhD from MIT in 2011, after which he started his position at Caltech. He is the recipient of a 2013 NSF CAREER Award, a 2015 ONR Young Investigator Award, a 2017 Director of Research Award from the Navy, the 2017 Junior Prize from the International Photothermal and Photoacoustics Association, the 2017 Bergles-Rohsenow Young Investigator Award, and a 2019 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE).
Host: Dr. Steve Crago
More Info: https://www.isi.edu/events/6181/towards-ultralow-noise-inp-high-electron-mobility-transistors/
Webcast: https://usc.zoom.us/j/97017422125?pwd=Dbrt8MNMrmBV3xalKQJcAiNsggFJjJ.1&from=addonWebCast Link: https://usc.zoom.us/j/97017422125?pwd=Dbrt8MNMrmBV3xalKQJcAiNsggFJjJ.1&from=addon
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Amy Kasmir
Event Link: https://www.isi.edu/events/6181/towards-ultralow-noise-inp-high-electron-mobility-transistors/
This event is open to all eligible individuals. USC Viterbi operates all of its activities consistent with the University's Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor. -
Fall 2025: PhD New Student Orientation
Thu, Jul 31, 2025 @ 09:00 AM - 11:30 AM
USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
The Viterbi PhD New Student Orientation is a mandatory online information session that will introduce you to campus services, university policies, student life, and resources available to you. You will also meet current students and Viterbi advisors. We are looking forward to welcoming all our new Viterbi Doctoral students!
Location: Online Event
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Yadi Wang
Event Link: https://engage.usc.edu/viterbi/rsvp?id=404493
This event is open to all eligible individuals. USC Viterbi operates all of its activities consistent with the University's Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.
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