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Events for the 3rd week of January

  • Epstein Institute, ISE 651 Seminar Class

    Tue, Jan 14, 2025 @ 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM

    Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering

    Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars


    Speaker: Dr. Salar Fattahi, Assistant Professor at the Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering, University of Michigan

    Host: Dr. Qiang Huang

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

    Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

    Contact: Casi Jones/ ISE

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  • AME Seminar

    Wed, Jan 15, 2025 @ 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM

    Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering

    Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars


    Speaker: Yue Wang, USC

    Talk Title: Embodied Intelligence for Space Exploration with Foundation Models

    Abstract: Robotics has made remarkable strides, driven by advances in machine learning, optimal control, and hardware innovation. However, their applications to the space domains still face unique challenges: it is neither straightforward nor inherently scalable to train large machine learning models to enable these applications. To address this gap, our research endeavors to tackle these challenges through three principal directions: Simulation. Constructing photorealistic simulations that replicate space environments and enabling foundation model learning from synthetic or hybrid data sources. Perception. Leveraging geometric, semantic, and motional cues to develop data-efficient algorithms for robust scene perception and understanding in both simulated and real-world settings. Decision making. Integrating knowledge from foundation models (such as LLMs) into intelligent agents to enhance autonomous decision-making capabilities in novel and unknown environments. My primary aim is to bridge the gap between the theoretical underpinnings of AI and tangible advancements in space robotics, overcoming data limitations to push the boundaries of intelligent exploration at an accessible cost.

    Biography: Yue Wang is an assistant professor at the computer science department and a faculty scientist at Nvidia Research. His lab is focusing on three major directions: 1) neural scene representations for robotics; 2) real-to-simulation-to-real transfer for robotics; 3) and robotic manipulation. He worked on 3D geometric deep learning during his PhD. His paper "Dynamic Graph CNN" has been widely adopted in 3D visual computing and beyond. He received the Powell Faculty Research Award, Toyota Young Faculty Researcher award, Nvidia Fellowship, the best paper award in geometric computing and graphics at the inaugural international congress of basic science, and the best paper nomination at the CVPR 2021 workshop on autonomous driving. He was also named the first place recipient of the William A. Martin Master’s Thesis Award for 2021. Yue received his bachelor from Zhejiang University, master from UCSD, and PhD from MIT. He has spent time at Nvidia Research, Google Research and Salesforce Research.

    Host: AME Department

    More Info: https://ame.usc.edu/seminars/

    Webcast: https://usc.zoom.us/j/96060458816?pwd=8LmoG2q6vBCQubqqWpcizd2F1bxqsH.1

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

    WebCast Link: https://usc.zoom.us/j/96060458816?pwd=8LmoG2q6vBCQubqqWpcizd2F1bxqsH.1

    Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

    Contact: Tessa Yao

    Event Link: https://ame.usc.edu/seminars/

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  • The Evolution of Energy - SoCalGas Info Session

    Wed, Jan 15, 2025 @ 05:00 PM - 06:30 PM

    Viterbi School of Engineering Career Connections

    Workshops & Infosessions


    This event is for Viterbi engineering students only. Non-Viterbi students will not be admitted. Please register through Handshake.Join us for a transformative event aimed at USC engineering students eager to innovate and lead in the energy sector.Who’s SoCalGas?At SoCalGas we live by three values: Do the Right Thing, Champion People and Shape the Future.We believe every Californian deserves a clean, affordable, resilient energy future. SoCalGas is working to achieve that future through innovation, collaboration, and decarbonization.Event Highlights: Learn about SoCalGas’ commitment to exploring cutting-edge technologies in natural gas, renewable energy, and sustainable practices and how you can join the team. We will also discuss upcoming opportunities for Engineering students looking for internships or entry level roles.Expert Speakers: Hear from industry leaders at SoCalGas from both Engineering and Human Resources departments.Who Should Attend: This event is tailored for USC engineering students passionate about making a difference in the energy landscape. Whether you’re an undergraduate or a graduate student, you’ll find valuable insights and opportunities to enhance your career path.Don’t miss out on this chance to fuel your passion for engineering and energy innovation. We look forward to seeing you there!

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

    Audiences: All Viterbi

    Contact: RTH 218 Viterbi Career Connections

    Event Link: https://usc.joinhandshake.com/

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  • PhD Dissertation Defense - Weizhao Jin

    Thu, Jan 16, 2025 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science

    University Calendar


    Title: Efficiency in Privacy-Preserving Computation via Domain Knowledge  
     
    Date and Time: Thursday, January 16th, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM  
     
    Location: THH 221
     
    Committee: Srivatsan Ravi (CS), Bhaskar Krishnamachari (ECE), Harsha V. Madhyastha (CS), Fred Morstatter (CS)  
     
    Abstract: In recent years, the growing reliance on user data for building server-side applications and services has significantly heightened the importance of data privacy. To meet expanding privacy regulations like GDPR, service providers have turned to privacy-preserving methods that maintain computational functionality while protecting user privacy. However, integrating techniques such as homomorphic encryption into application protocols presents a critical challenge: achieving a balance between privacy and efficiency. This thesis explores two distinct domains within privacy-preserving computation, offering practical, domain-specific solutions to address challenges related to overheads and protocol complexity. The focus is on achieving efficient privacy in both machine learning and networks/IoT. To illustrate how leveraging domain-specific insights—from federated learning, entity resolution, and computer networking—can substantially enhance the efficiency of privacy-preserving computation, we first introduce a selective encryption strategy for large-scale federated learning models, reducing overhead by encrypting only sensitive parameters while still maintaining robust privacy guarantees; secondly, we demonstrate how homomorphic encryption can be optimized for deep entity resolution via a two-stage computation scheme and novel techniques including synthetic ranging and polynomial degree optimization that preserve accuracy under encrypted computation; finally, we apply Non-Interactive Zero-Knowledge proofs to achieve lightweight privacy-preserving path validation across multi-authority network slices, ensuring data forwarding compliance without revealing sensitive topology details by utilizing a backward pairwise validation procedure. Taken together, these studies highlight how targeting domain-specific challenges via domain-specific knowledge can yield practical, scalable frameworks for efficient privacy-preserving computation.
     
    Zoom Link: https://usc.zoom.us/j/99543392059?pwd=FlQxFqagihzPzEV4tfBaemgHBwOwUM.1  

    Location: Mark Taper Hall Of Humanities (THH) - 221

    Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

    Contact: Weizhao Jin

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  • Viterbi - Resume & Cover Letter 1.0: What Recruiters Look For

    Thu, Jan 16, 2025 @ 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM

    Viterbi School of Engineering Career Connections

    Workshops & Infosessions


    This event is for Viterbi engineering majors only. Non-viterbi majors will not be admitted. Please register on Handshake.
     
    Wondering how to write a strong resume? Join Viterbi Career Connections for "Resume & Cover Letter 1.0: What Recruiters Look For," an introductory workshop designed to help you get started on crafting an effective resume and cover letter to ensure you stand out by reflecting on your greatest strengths, skills, and accomplishments. Find out what employers look for, review tips and samples, and explore different resume formats. Have your resume draft ready to take notes and make modifications in real-time!
    In this informative session, you will:

    Understand the fundamental components of a resume and cover letter, including formatting, structure, and content.
    Identify key elements recruiters look for in resumes and cover letters.
    Learn how to structure and write a cover letter that effectively introduces yourself and complements your resume.
    Understand the best practices for formatting and structuring your documents to ensure they are Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and AI-friendly.
    Learn how AI comes into play and how to utilize it effectively.
    Walk away with the next steps to make your resume application-ready.

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

    Audiences: All Viterbi

    Contact: RTH 218 Viterbi Career Connections

    Event Link: https://usc.joinhandshake.com/

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  • Viterbi - Resume 2.0: How to Turn Applications into Interviews

    Thu, Jan 16, 2025 @ 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM

    Viterbi School of Engineering Career Connections

    Workshops & Infosessions


    This event is for Viterbi engineering majors only. Non-Viterbi students will not be admitted. Please register on Handshake.
    Wondering what resumes get picked for interviews? Join Viterbi Career Connections for "Resume 2.0: How to Turn Applications into Interviews," a workshop designed to provide you with strategies and techniques to make your resume stand out. By the end of the session, you should feel more confident in creating a resume that captures recruiters' attention and conveys your qualifications for the positions you are applying for. 
    In this informative and interactive session, you will:

    Understand the importance of tailoring your resume and cover letter to specific job descriptions and how this directly impacts interview invitations.
    Learn how to write a cover letter highlighting your suitability for the position.
    Understand the importance of how to align your skills and experiences with the job description.
    Learn how AI comes into play and how you can utilize it effectively.
    Identify and incorporate industry-specific keywords that will help your resume get noticed.
    Gain insights into what makes an application stand out versus what can detract from your candidacy.

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

    Audiences: All Viterbi

    Contact: RTH 218 Viterbi Career Connections

    Event Link: https://usc.joinhandshake.com/

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  • Alfred E.Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering - Seminar series

    Fri, Jan 17, 2025 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering

    Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars


    Speaker: Dr. Ellen Sletten, Ph.D., , Professor of Chemistry University of California Los Angeles

    Talk Title: Next generation optical diagnostics and responsive therapeutics facilitated by poly(2-oxazoline).

    Abstract: New approaches are necessary to solve major challenges in healthcare, which currently falls short on early detection of disease, effective therapeutics that minimize off-target effects, and robust methods for personalized medicine, among others. The Sletten Group tackles these challenges by harnessing bioorthogonality– not in the covalent chemistry sense that it was first introduced, but more broadly by capitalizing on abiotic non-covalent interactions and/or low energy wavelengths of light that are minimally produced by biology. This talk will highlight two stories: 1) the development of biocompatible contrast agents for the shortwave infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum and 2) our discovery of macromolecular crowding as a new responsive stimulus for nanocarriers. In both these stories, poly(2-oxazoline)s (POx)– a hydrophilic, biocompatible, poly(ethylene glycol)-replacement polymer– play critical roles in our technologies. The modular synthesis of POx enables highly functional polymers to be prepared with minimal post-polymerization steps, which offer means to solubilize and stabilize fluorophores as well as control the assembly of nanoemulsions. 


    Biography: Prof. Ellen Sletten received her BS in Chemistry from Stonehill College in 2006. Ellen pursued her PhD in Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley with Prof. Carolyn Bertozzi. Her thesis work involved the optimization and development of bioorthogonal chemistries and their subsequent applications in labeling living systems. Upon graduation in 2011, Ellen joined the laboratory of Prof. Tim Swager at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as an NIH Postdoctoral Fellow where she worked with soft fluorous materials for use in fluorescent sensors. Ellen joined the faculty in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UCLA as an Assistant Professor and John McTague Career Development Chair in 2015 and promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in 2021 and Full Professor in 2023.

    Host: Maral Mousavi

    Location: Ronald Tutor Hall of Engineering (RTH) - 109

    Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

    Contact: Carla Stanard

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  • AI Seminar-Towards Socially Aware and Safe AI Agents

    Fri, Jan 17, 2025 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Information Sciences Institute

    Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars


    Speaker: Xuhui Zhou, Carnegie Mellon University

    Talk Title: Towards Socially Aware and Safe AI Agents

    Series: AI Seminar

    Abstract: LLMs are increasingly playing agentic and social roles by interacting with users and tools. I’ll first introduce SOTOPIA, a framework for evaluating LLM social intelligence through interactive simulations. Showing that LLMs struggle with real-world social skills, I will then discuss the crucial role of information asymmetry, highlighting that LLMs cannot properly deal with the information asymmetry that is present in real interactions. Finally, I will introduce HAICosystem, a new framework for simulating and evaluating the safety of LLM agents in user-AI-tool interactions, showcasing the many safety issues that could arise from increasingly autonomous and tool-using agents. I will conclude with some future directions towards safe and socially intelligent LLM agents.
    Meeting ID: 933 0676 1471Passcode: 2024

    Biography: Xuhui Zhou is a third-year PhD student in Carnegie Mellon University’s Language Technologies Department (CMU LTI) advised by Maarten Sap. His research focuses on making NLP systems socially intelligent, aligning them with human social values. He has presented his work at top-tier NLP and AI conferences, receiving spotlights, and runner-up best paper at ICLR 2024, and EmeCom 2022. Additionally, he has been red-teaming for GPT-4. His work has been covered in the press, including The New York Times, Financial Times, and Marktechpost. He previously organized the workshop on Theory of Mind in Communicating Agents at ICML 2023 and he has served as a reviewer for major conferences, including NeurIPS, ICLR, ACL, EMNLP, etc.

    Host: Abel Salinas and Maura Covaci

    More Info: https://www.isi.edu/events/5285/towards-socially-aware-and-safe-ai-agents/

    Webcast: https://usc.zoom.us/j/93306761471?pwd=EnUKnvfrE5WruxuYa1jtx6v7BhznSr.1

    Location: Information Science Institute (ISI) - Virtual Only

    WebCast Link: https://usc.zoom.us/j/93306761471?pwd=EnUKnvfrE5WruxuYa1jtx6v7BhznSr.1

    Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

    Contact: Pete Zamar

    Event Link: https://www.isi.edu/events/5285/towards-socially-aware-and-safe-ai-agents/

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  • CA DREAMS - Technical Seminar Series

    CA DREAMS - Technical Seminar Series

    Fri, Jan 17, 2025 @ 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM

    Information Sciences Institute

    Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars


    Speaker: Payam Heydari, Professor, University of California, Irvine

    Talk Title: Novel Integrated Circuits and Systems Covering Radio-Frequency and Millimeter-Wave

    Abstract: This talk will give an overview of all the research projects conducted at UCI’s Nanoscale Communication Integrated Circuits (NCIC) Labs. Topics being covered include (1) Wideband Radars with Excellent Range Resolution and Long-Range Coverage; (2) Wideband RF Receivers with Excellent LO Leakage Cancellation; (3) End-to-End Transceivers for 6G and Beyond; (4) High-Performance Frequency Synthesis.

    Biography: Payam Heydari is currently the Henry Samueli Faculty Excellence Professor and the University Chancellor’s Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of California, Irvine. He is the (co)-author of two books, three book chapters, and more than 190 journal and conference papers. He has given Keynote Speech to IEEE GlobalSIP 2013 Symposium on Millimeter Wave Imaging and Communications, served as Invited Distinguished Speaker to the 2014 IEEE Midwest Symp. on Circuits and Systems, and gave a Tutorial at the 2017 International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC). He has served as Distinguished Lecturer of both the IEEE Solid-State Circuits Society (SSCS) (2014-2016) and the IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society (MTT-S) (2019-2022). Dr. Heydari is a fellow of National Academy of Inventors and a fellow of IEEE. He is the co-recipient of the 2024 IEEE Circuits and Systems Society Darlington Best Paper Award, and is the recipient of the 2023 IEEE Microwave Theory and Technology Society (MTT-S) Distinguished Educator Award, the 2021 IEEE Solid-State Circuits Society (SSCS) Innovative Education Award, and Best Invited Paper Award at the 2021 IEEE Custom Integrated Circuits Conference. He was selected as the inaugural Faculty Innovation Fellow by the University of California, Irvine (UCI) Beall Applied Innovation. He was the recipient of the 2016-2017 UCI School of Engineering Mid-Career Excellence in Research, the 2014 Distinguished Engineering Educator Award from Orange County Engineering Council, the 2009 Business Plan Competition First Place Prize Award and Best Concept Paper Award both from Paul Merage School of Business at UC-Irvine, the 2010 Faculty of the Year Award from UC-Irvine’s Engineering Student Council (ECS), the 2009 School of Engineering Fariborz Maseeh Best Faculty Research Award, the 2007 IEEE Circuits and Systems Society Guillemin-Cauer Award, the 2005 IEEE Circuits and Systems Society Darlington Best Paper Award, the 2005 National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award, the 2005 Henry Samueli School of Engineering Teaching Excellence Award, the Best Paper Award at the 2000 IEEE Int’l Conference on Computer Design (ICCD), and the 2001 Technical Excellence Award from the Association of Professors and Scholars of Iranian Heritage (APSIH). He was recognized as the 2004 Outstanding Faculty in the EECS Department of the University of California, Irvine. His research on novel low-power multi-purpose multi-antenna RF front-ends received the Low-Power Design Contest Award at the 2008 IEEE Int’l Symposium on Low-Power Electronics and Design (ISLPED). Dr. Heydari is an Associate Editor (AE) of IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits (JSSC), IEEE Open Journal of Solid-State Circuits Society (OJ-SSCS), and was an AE of IEEE Solid-State Circuits Letters (SSC-L) and IEEE Trans. on Circuits and Systems - Regular Papers. He serves on the Technical Program Committe (TPC) of the IEEE International Microwave Symposium, and was a TPC member of IEEE European Solid-State Circuits Conference (ESSCIRC), ISSCC, and CICC. He is the director of the Nanoscale Communication IC (NCIC) Labs.

    Host: Dr. Steve Crago

    More Info: https://www.isi.edu/events/5310/novel-integrated-circuits-and-systems-covering-radio-frequency-and-millimeter-wave/

    Webcast: https://usc.zoom.us/j/97017422125?pwd=Dbrt8MNMrmBV3xalKQJcAiNsggFJjJ.1&from=addon

    WebCast 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/5310/novel-integrated-circuits-and-systems-covering-radio-frequency-and-millimeter-wave/

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