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Events for the 2nd week of December
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Viterbi Voices Live Chat: Do More Than Engineering
Sun, Dec 05, 2021 @ 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Viterbi School of Engineering Undergraduate Admission
Workshops & Infosessions
Join us for this student hosted live chat! During this hour long event, we will be answering your questions about Engineering+ at USC Viterbi. These engineering students use their classes, extracurriculars, and free time to do more than just engineering.
Register here!
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Viterbi Admission
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LEAPFROG Lander Flight Ops | Call for Applications
Mon, Dec 06, 2021 @ 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Astronautical Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Prof. David Barnhart, Director of SERC
Talk Title: LEAPFROG Lander Flight Ops | Call for Applications
Abstract: LEAPFROG is a unique prototype lander designed at USC and is an approved STEP Pilot program through NASA's Artemis in conjunction with UC San Diego and UC Berkeley. In Summer 2022, we will execute flight competitions where universities from around the country will have the opportunity to test their software on LEAPFROG landers. Up to three students will be eligible for paid internships for the SUMMER 2022 Flight Competition from USC. For more information, visit our website at either leapfrog.isi.edu or www.isi.edu/centers/serc/join_us
Virtual Event Link: https://usc.zoom.us/j/92579469862
Host: Prof. David Barnhart
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Dell Cuason/ Prof. Barnhart
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"DODONA": Intro to USC's 3rd Satellite
Mon, Dec 06, 2021 @ 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Astronautical Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Prof. David Barnhart, Director of SERC
Talk Title: "DODONA": Intro to USC's 3rd Satellite
Abstract: A seminar presented by Space Engineering Research Center (SERC) team on USC's 3rd Satellite planned launch! "DODONA" is USC and the SERC's 3rd Satellite flight project in its history, slated to be launched early January 2022. This will be USC's first optical satellite launch and operations, and the SERC's first operation of the USC Ground Station to command the satellite from campus!
Virtual Event Link: https://usc.zoom.us/j/99363615054
Host: Prof. David Barnhart
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Dell Cuason/ Prof. Barnhart
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USC MAKERS SHOWCASE!
Mon, Dec 06, 2021 @ 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science
Student Activity
Hello CSCI Department!
You are invited to come to the USC Makers Fall Showcase, held this Monday, 12/6 at EEB 132 and Zoom (Meeting ID 95712265761)!
Come see what our Makers have been working on for the past semester! We've got all sorts of projects -” from a robot controlled with your arm, to an environmentally friendly smart composting machine, to an intelligent real-time automated drum set -” that we'd love for everyone to check out!
For more information on our projects, check out our Instagram @uscmakers where we'll be posting previews of the projects that you'll be able to see over the next few days. Please direct any questions to uscmakers@gmail.com, and check out our website for more information about our club!
https://viterbimakers.usc.edu/
The event will run from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, and there will be free food. If you cannot make it to the event, we will also be streaming it on Zoom at this link. Hope to see you there!
https://usc.zoom.us/j/95712265761
- USC Makers
Location: Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB) - 132
WebCast Link: https://usc.zoom.us/j/95712265761
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: USC Computer Science
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USC AI Futures Symposium on AI with Common SenseTue, Dec 07, 2021 @ 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science, Information Sciences Institute
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Multiple panelists, USC and collaborators
Talk Title: AI with Common Sense
Series: USC AI Futures Symposium on AI
Abstract: Humans use common sense knowledge to understand how the world works. AI systems still lack common sense knowledge, which is critical in many domains in order to form expectations, manage unexpected situations, and connect with the human experience. This symposium presents an overview of research at USC on acquiring and organizing commonsense knowledge, integrating it into AI systems, and measuring its impact on improving AI system behaviors and interactions with people.
This event is part of the USC AI Futures Symposium Series. Prior events were held in May 2021 with the theme: AI and Data Science, and in January 2021 with the theme: Will AIs Ever Be One of Us?.
Please visit website to register and view updated information https://isi-usc-edu.github.io/USC-CommonSense-Symposium/
Host: Yolanda Gil
Location: Virtual
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Lori Weiss/USC ISI
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Mork Family Department Holiday Luncheon
Tue, Dec 07, 2021 @ 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
Receptions & Special Events
Please come out & join us for the MFD Holiday Luncheon
December 7, 2021
12:00P.M.
VHE Breezeway (located in Epstein Plaza)
Please RSVP HERE by November 29th.
Food, Music, & Games!
Wear your MFD and/or USC Swag!
Location: Vivian Hall of Engineering (VHE) - VHE Breezeway
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Greta Harrison
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Drop-In Weekly Office Hours [Virtual] Posted By: Center for Advanced Research Computing
Tue, Dec 07, 2021 @ 02:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Information Technology Program (ITP)
Workshops & Infosessions
Every Tuesday, office hours are an opportunity for CARC users to ask questions about research computing. No appointment/registration is necessary, but you must use your USC credentials to access the Zoom meeting by clicking "Register" below. For in-person support, we are also in Leavey Library room 3M (basement) during this same time period. Register Here!
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Center for Advanced Research Computing
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Virtual First-Year Admission Information Session
Tue, Dec 07, 2021 @ 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Viterbi School of Engineering Undergraduate Admission
Workshops & Infosessions
Our virtual information session is a live presentation from a USC Viterbi admission counselor designed for high school students and their family members to learn more about the USC Viterbi undergraduate experience. Our session will cover an overview of our undergraduate engineering programs, the application process, and more on student life. Guests will be able to ask questions and engage in further discussion toward the end of the session.
Register here!Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Viterbi Admission
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Haier Global Engineering Development Program (GEDP) : You Are the Chosen One!
Tue, Dec 07, 2021 @ 09:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Viterbi School of Engineering Career Connections
Workshops & Infosessions
Global Engineering Development Program (GEDP) , was founded after Haier's acquisition on GEA in 2016. The program aims to cultivate future technical and business leaders of Haier Group.
Join Zoe Pang, the Global Talent Acquisition Manager at Haier, for a one-hour webinar on 'Haier Global Engineering Development Program (GEDP): You are the chosen one!
WHEN-Tuesday, December 7th from 9-10pm PST at Tencent Meeting
REGISTER ON VITERBI GATEWAY
Highlights about GEDP:
- Elite: only 30 elites are accepted each year
- Rotations: rotations within the engineering functions of Haier across 2 years
- Training: Virtual leadership, technology, and business acumen training
- Development: High level engineering development program
Our targets:
- QS ranking top 200 schools
- Majored in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
- Master degree in related field
- Excellent leadership and coordinate ability
- Project experience is preferred
- Chinese Passport / Work visa holder (Work Base: Qingdao, China)
Location: Virtual Platform
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: RTH 218 Viterbi Career Connections
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USC AI Futures Symposium on AI with Common Sense
Wed, Dec 08, 2021 @ 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science, Information Sciences Institute
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Multiple panelists, USC and collaborators
Talk Title: AI with Common Sense
Series: USC AI Futures Symposium on AI
Abstract: Humans use common sense knowledge to understand how the world works. AI systems still lack common sense knowledge, which is critical in many domains in order to form expectations, manage unexpected situations, and connect with the human experience. This symposium presents an overview of research at USC on acquiring and organizing commonsense knowledge, integrating it into AI systems, and measuring its impact on improving AI system behaviors and interactions with people.
This event is part of the USC AI Futures Symposium Series. Prior events were held in May 2021 with the theme: AI and Data Science, and in January 2021 with the theme: Will AIs Ever Be One of Us?.
Please visit website to register and view updated information https://isi-usc-edu.github.io/USC-CommonSense-Symposium/
Host: Yolanda Gil
Location: Virtual
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Lori Weiss/USC ISI
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MS CSCI/DSCI Drop-in Academic Advising
Wed, Dec 08, 2021 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science
Workshops & Infosessions
Virtual Academic Advising Drop-in Hours for continuing MS students in CS or Data Science Programs will be available for the month of December. If you have a quick question that doesn't require a 20 minute appointment, please come to our drop in hours. Students may be placed into the waiting room upon arrival.
Zoom access link for all sessions:
ZOOM LINK SENT TO STUDENTS DIRECTLY. CHECK EMAIL FOR LINK.
Wednesday, December 1st --- 10am -- 11am
Wednesday, December 1st --- 2:30pm -- 3:30pm
Wednesday, December 8th --- 10am -- 11am
Wednesday, December 8th --- 2:30pm -- 3:30pm
Wednesday, December 15th --- 10am -- 11am
Wednesday, December 15th --- 2:30pm -- 3:30pmLocation: Online
Audiences: Graduate
Contact: USC Computer Science
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Computer Science General Faculty Meeting
Wed, Dec 08, 2021 @ 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science
Receptions & Special Events
Bi-Weekly regular faculty meeting for invited full-time Computer Science faculty only. Event details emailed directly to attendees.
Location: TBD
Audiences: Invited Faculty Only
Contact: Assistant to CS chair
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PhD Thesis Proposal - Hikaru Ibayashi
Wed, Dec 08, 2021 @ 02:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science
University Calendar
PhD Thesis Proposal - Hikaru Ibayashi
Wed, Dec 8, 2021 @ 02:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Committee members: Chair: Prof. Aiichiro Nakano, Prof. Satish Kumar Thittamaranahalli, Prof. Emilio Ferrara, Prof. Yan Liu, Prof. Paulo Branicio (Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science)
Title:
Sharpness analysis of neural-networks for high-performance physics simulation
Abstract:
In recent years, deep neural networks have witnessed tremendous success in a wide range of fields. Especially, in physics simulations, neural networks have achieved drastically efficient computation by approximating first-principles simulations. However, such practical successes have opened theoretical problems. One open question is why a simple optimization algorithm such as stochastic gradient descent (SGD) can find solutions that generalize well over non-convex loss surfaces. In this proposal, we leverage the second-order information of loss surface, i.e., sharpness, to lay a theoretical foundation of the generalizability of neural networks. First, we use a novel quasi-potential theory to prove that SGD avoids non-generalizing sharp minima. Secondly, we develop a scale-invariant sharpness measure named "minimum sharpness" to theoretically explain why sharp minima are not generalizing. Finally, as a practical application of the thus-developed theoretical framework, we propose a novel sharpness-regularization scheme for robust neural-network-based molecular dynamics simulations. This research will demonstrate the effectiveness of sharpness analysis to deepen the understanding of neural networks and their successful application in physics simulations.
Zoom link: https://usc.zoom.us/j/7751892842WebCast Link: https://usc.zoom.us/j/7751892842
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Lizsl De Leon
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MS CSCI/DSCI Drop-in Academic Advising
Wed, Dec 08, 2021 @ 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science
Workshops & Infosessions
Virtual Academic Advising Drop-in Hours for continuing MS students in CS or Data Science Programs will be available for the month of December. If you have a quick question that doesn't require a 20 minute appointment, please come to our drop in hours. Students may be placed into the waiting room upon arrival.
Zoom access link for all sessions:
ZOOM LINK SENT TO STUDENTS DIRECTLY. CHECK EMAIL FOR LINK.
Wednesday, December 1st --- 10am -- 11am
Wednesday, December 1st --- 2:30pm -- 3:30pm
Wednesday, December 8th --- 10am -- 11am
Wednesday, December 8th --- 2:30pm -- 3:30pm
Wednesday, December 15th --- 10am -- 11am
Wednesday, December 15th --- 2:30pm -- 3:30pm
Location: Online
Audiences: Graduate
Contact: USC Computer Science
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CS Colloquium: Yajie Zhao (USC ICT) - Automating 3D Contents Creation for AR/VR
Wed, Dec 08, 2021 @ 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Yajie Zhao, USC
Talk Title: Automating 3D Contents Creation for AR/VR
Abstract: The last couple of years have shown an incredible boost in performance, quality of real-time applications of AR/VR. The creation of high quality 3D assets, including virtual human, objects and 3D environments is tied with complex capture equipment, massive data, a long production cycle and intensive manual labor by a professional team. And it may still be in the notorious Uncanny Valley. In this talk, I will explore how to produce high quality 3D assets in a low-cost way. I will discuss how to leverage AI-based technologies to automate, accelerate, and simplify the industrial production procedure of 3D contents creation from data capturing to rendering. And bring photorealism to the next level!
This lecture satisfies requirements for CSCI 591: Research Colloquium
Join Zoom Meeting
https://usc.zoom.us/j/97098103729
Meeting ID: 970 9810 3729
Biography: Dr. Yajie Zhao is a computer scientist at USC Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT), University of Southern California. She is currently the acting director of the Vision and Graphics Lab of USC-ICT. Her research interests are high-quality 3D content creation for AR/VR, which includes human digitization, performance capturing, and scene reconstruction/ understanding. Yajie Zhao earned her Ph.D. degree in 2017 from the University of Kentucky under the supervision of Dr. Ruigang Yang.
Host: Aram Galstyan
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Cherie Carter
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Drop-In Q&A for Prospective Graduate Students
Thu, Dec 09, 2021 @ 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Viterbi School of Engineering Graduate Admission
Workshops & Infosessions
This webinar is designed for those that have specific questions they want answered. Questions will be submitted using the Q&A function and will be answered verbally by a USC Viterbi representative.
WebCast Link: https://usc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_a0cbNz_jQieaByFuoP32WQ
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: William Schwerin
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PhD Thesis Proposal -Yury Zemlyanskiy
Thu, Dec 09, 2021 @ 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science
University Calendar
PhD Candidate: Yury Zemlyanskiy
Title: Parametric and semi-parametric methods for knowledge acquisition from text
Time: 11:00 AM-1:00 PM PST, Dec 9 (Thursday)
Committee: Fei Sha, Leana Golubchik, Xiang Ren, Robin Jia, Jonathan May, and Meisam Razaviyayn (external).
Zoom link: https://usc.zoom.us/j/95672050503
Abstract:
Knowledge acquisition is a crucial characteristic of an intelligent system that allows the processing of large amounts of information. Nonetheless, modern neural networks (e.g., BERT) used in natural language processing typically do not have a dedicated memory component. The knowledge about the world that the models acquire is stored implicitly in the model's parameters. This proves unreliable and makes the models ill-suited for knowledge-intensive tasks that require reasoning over vast amounts of textual data.
My thesis explores alternative parametric and semi-parametric methods to extract and represent knowledge from text. Specifically, the proposed methods seek to establish several desirable properties for the neural network memory component. First, the memory should benefit the model and allow it to reason over large amounts of textual information. Second, the memory should be amendable and adapt to a new context (a different book or collection of articles) on the fly. Finally, certain applications will benefit from the transparent structure of the memory, allowing queries on information about particular objects or entities.
The proposed thesis consists of three sections: the first section focuses on parametric memory for a pre-defined set of entities. The second section explores a semi-parametric approach to capturing entity-centric facts in a long document or entire corpus. Finally, the last section discusses future work on memory specialized for structure prediction tasks.WebCast Link: https://usc.zoom.us/j/95672050503
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Lizsl De Leon
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DEN@Viterbi - 'Limited Status: How to Get Started' Virtual Info Session
Thu, Dec 09, 2021 @ 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
DEN@Viterbi, Viterbi School of Engineering Graduate Admission
Workshops & Infosessions
Join USC Viterbi for our upcoming Limited Status: How to Get Started Virtual Information Session via WebEx to learn about the Limited Status enrollment option. The Limited Status enrollment option allows individuals with an undergraduate degree in engineering or related field, with a 3.0 GPA or above to take courses before applying for formal admission into a Viterbi graduate degree program.
USC Viterbi representatives will provide a step-by-step guide for how to get started as a Limited Status student and enroll in courses online via DEN@Viterbi as early as the Fall 2021 semester.
Register Now!WebCast Link: https://uscviterbi.webex.com/uscviterbi/onstage/g.php?MTID=e17797dbf51d6d3a6aa135130d03953e5
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Corporate & Professional Programs
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Prospective Graduate Student Webinar: Chat with a USC Rep
Thu, Dec 09, 2021 @ 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Viterbi School of Engineering Graduate Admission
Workshops & Infosessions
Online webinars are held throughout the year via Zoom and hosted by Viterbi School representatives. All that is needed to participate is a computer with internet access. Webinars are designed for prospective students to learn more about:
Master's & Ph.D. Programs
Application Requirements
Tuition & Funding
There will also be ample time for questions.
Register
WebCast Link: https://usc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_G_aGS8PeT1q99PI1qir8nA
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: USC Viterbi Graduate Admission
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CANCELLED - DEI Committee Meeting
Thu, Dec 09, 2021 @ 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science
Receptions & Special Events
Bi-Weekly DEI Committee meeting for invited full-time Computer Science faculty only. Event details emailed directly to attendees.
Audiences: Invited Faculty Only
Contact: Assistant to CS chair
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PhD Thesis Proposal - Sarah Cooney
Thu, Dec 09, 2021 @ 03:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science
University Calendar
PhD Thesis Proposal - Sarah Cooney
Thur, Dec 9, 2021 @ 03:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Committee members: Chair: Prof. Barath Raghavan, Prof. Romesh Govindan, Prof. Heather Culbertson, Prof. Bistra Dilkina, Prof. Hajar Yazdiha (Sociology)
Title:
Toward Sustainable and Resilient Communities
with HCI: Physical Structures and Socio-Cultural Factors
Abstract:
Recently, large-scale global challenges such as shifting weather patterns due to climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic have caused us to be more reliant than ever on the resources and resilience of our local communities. My research looks at how computing can be applied to the challenges of creating sustainable and resilient communities equipped to handle such challenges at the local level. My work covers two complementary threads. The first looks at how technology can be used to influence grassroots redesign of urban spaces to promote sustainability, community resilience, and individual wellbeing. Within this area I have worked on three specific projects which I will discuss in more detail. The second thread looks at sustainability and sustainable HCI from a socio-cultural perspective. Specifically, I have been looking at the way that religion and spirituality can influence the intersections of sustainability and technology use, and I will discuss my ongoing study in this area as well.
Zoom link: https://usc.zoom.us/j/96182449560
WebCast Link: https://usc.zoom.us/j/96182449560
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Lizsl De Leon
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Virtual First-Year Admission Information Session
Thu, Dec 09, 2021 @ 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Viterbi School of Engineering Undergraduate Admission
Workshops & Infosessions
Our virtual information session is a live presentation from a USC Viterbi admission counselor designed for high school students and their family members to learn more about the USC Viterbi undergraduate experience. Our session will cover an overview of our undergraduate engineering programs, the application process, and more on student life. Guests will be able to ask questions and engage in further discussion toward the end of the session.
Register here!Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Viterbi Admission
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Drop-In Q&A for Prospective Graduate Students
Thu, Dec 09, 2021 @ 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Viterbi School of Engineering Graduate Admission
Workshops & Infosessions
This webinar is designed for those that have specific questions they want answered. Questions will be submitted using the Q&A function and will be answered verbally by a USC Viterbi representative.
WebCast Link: https://usc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MYe4mGEpQGWUDZnivSKgNw
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: William Schwerin
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DEN@Viterbi: How to Apply Virtual Info Session
Fri, Dec 10, 2021 @ 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
DEN@Viterbi, Viterbi School of Engineering Graduate Admission
Workshops & Infosessions
Join USC Viterbi representatives for a step-by-step guide and tips for how to apply for formal admission into a Master's degree or Graduate Certificate program. The session is intended for individuals who wish to pursue a graduate degree program completely online via USC Viterbi's flexible online DEN@Viterbi delivery method.
Attendees will have the opportunity to connect directly with USC Viterbi representatives and ask questions about the admission process throughout the session.
Register Now!WebCast Link: https://uscviterbi.webex.com/uscviterbi/onstage/g.php?MTID=e5b659b5af59cae9d39c38b8b90838d69
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Corporate & Professional Programs
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Medical Imaging Seminar Series
Fri, Dec 10, 2021 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Talk Title: Improved Regularized Simultaneous Multi-slice (SMS) Imaging Reconstruction
Series: Medical Imaging Seminar Series
Abstract: MRI acquisitions are inherently slow, necessitating the use of accelerated imaging. Simultaneous multi- slice (SMS) imaging has gained substantial interest by providing improved coverage with minimum signal- to-noise ratio (SNR) loss in accelerated MRI and has been widely integrated into large-scale projects such as Human Connectome Project. However, ultra-high accelerations are prone to noise amplification and residual aliasing artifacts, necessitating new reconstruction techniques that can successfully suppress both. In this talk, we will present recently developed techniques for regularized SMS reconstruction. We will first introduce two model-based algorithms that simultaneously reduce noise amplification and inter-leakage artifacts. Subsequently, we will concentrate on physics-guided deep learning reconstruction for SMS MRI with applications in fMRI. Finally, we will discuss an alternative way to view the multi-coil encoding operator in physics-guided DL reconstruction for improved generalizability in dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI.
Biography: Omer Burak Demirel is a PhD candidate at the University of Minnesota working with Prof. Mehmet Akçakaya. Prior to the University of Minnesota, he received the B.S. and M.S. degrees from Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey in January 2015 and June 2017, respectively. His research interests include image processing, MRI acquisition methods, image reconstruction techniques and accelerated MRI. He is a recipient of an AHA predoctoral fellowship focusing on improved image reconstruction techniques for cardiac MRI.
Host: Krishna Nayak, knayak@usc.edu
Webcast: https://usc.zoom.us/j/95249648177?pwd=RHNsSnlhMk0vaEtPeExXRkRPOE55dz09Location: Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB) - 132
WebCast Link: https://usc.zoom.us/j/95249648177?pwd=RHNsSnlhMk0vaEtPeExXRkRPOE55dz09
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Talyia White
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PhD Thesis Proposal - Séb Arnold
Fri, Dec 10, 2021 @ 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science
University Calendar
PhD Thesis Proposal - Séb Arnold
Friday, Dec 10, 2021 @ 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Committee members: Chair: Prof. Maja Mataric, Prof. Fei Sha, Prof. Yan Liu, Prof. Stefanos Nikolaidis, Prof. Jesse Thomason, Prof. Salman Avestimehr (ECE)
Title:
Quickly solving new tasks, with meta-learning and without.
Abstract:
This thesis proposal seeks to answer how learning systems can reuse and adapt their knowledge to quickly solve new test tasks. We first show how to improve the test task performance of meta-learning algorithms (eg, MAML) by carefully choosing which tasks to train on -- even when these test tasks are unknown a priori. We then zero in on these algorithms and uncover modeling pitfalls that completely prevent fast adaptation; fortunately, there exist simple remedies. Leveraging those insights, we conclude with the challenge of quickly solving new tasks using off-the-shelf models, which were trained without meta-learning.
Zoom link: https://usc.zoom.us/j/94965325337
WebCast Link: https://usc.zoom.us/j/94965325337
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Lizsl De Leon
