January 2022 - Gradstudents - mailman.cs.vt.edu

Mohannad Elhamod's Ph.D. preliminary proposal [Jan 10 at 10 am]
by Anuj Karpatne 16 Feb '22

16 Feb '22

Greetings, You are cordially invited to the PhD preliminary proposal presentation of Mohannad Elhamod on Monday, January 10 2022, at 10 am. Zoom Link: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/84827872167 Title: The Importance of Interpretability in Science Guided Machine Learning for Physics and Biology Committee: Dr. Anuj Karpatne (advisor) Dr. Chris North Dr. Chandan Reddy Dr. Naren Ramakrishnan Dr. Jia-Bin Huang Abstract: While machine learning (ML) has achieved impressive levels of success in the past few decades, it has fallen short at providing interpretable decision-making that is consistent with scientific knowledge established by domain experts. This in turn has limited ML's applicability in the realm of scientific discovery. Recently, a new branch of machine learning, called Science-Guided Machine Learning (SGML), which infuses domain knowledge into the traditional purely data-driven ML approaches, has gained traction to address these issues. Nonetheless, the inner workings of SGML models and algorithms are still not well-understood, and a better comprehension of its advantages and pitfalls is yet to be realized. In this thesis, my first objective is to tackle this gap in SGML understanding by employing and developing visualization and interpretability methods that apply to the model parameter space, such as landscape visualizations and disconnectivity graphs. Additionally, my second objective is to further exploit SGML for scientific discoveries by means of visualization and interpretability tools that apply to the model's output, such as saliency maps. Achieving both objectives shall help scientists trust ML models not only as means of prediction, but also as means of comprehension and discovery. Such a development would push the current boundaries limiting ML's adoption within the scientific community. Regards, -Anuj ------------------- Anuj Karpatne Assistant Professor Computer Science, Virginia Tech https://people.cs.vt.edu/karpatne/

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CRA annual student survey
by Cal Ribbens 09 Feb '22

09 Feb '22

Dear CS Graduate Students, The Computing Research Association (CRA) is an important organization that advocates on behalf of computer science departments in North America. CRA is interested in career development among students in computing fields. To that end, I encourage you to complete their survey, which will take about 25 minutes to complete. Your contribution to this research helps us improve our programs by better understanding factors related to academic success and retention. In exchange for your time, you will be given the opportunity to enter a raffle to win one of ten $20.00(USD) Amazon gift cards. If you are interested in completing the survey, please follow the link below: https://cerp.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b3B4G03rbKnnZIO/?id=vt_cs Note that if you completed a survey for CRA in the past, you may have been contacted directly by CRA. If you have already completed this survey, please disregard this message. Many thanks! Dr. Ribbens -- Head, Department of Computer Science Virginia Tech https://cs.vt.edu/people/faculty/cal-ribbens.html https://twitter.com/CalRibbens_VTCS

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CS|SOURCE - EMPLOYER JOB POSTINGS AND EVENTS
by juliapc7＠cs.vt.edu 31 Jan '22

31 Jan '22

CS|SOURCE - EMPLOYER JOB POSTINGS AND EVENTS View the following job opportunities and events. For other available positions, click <https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html> Handshake. Click <https://cs.vt.edu/cs-source/cs-source-events.html> CS|Source for a list of current companies and events, including CS|Source Career Fair events. OPPORTUNITY 1 <https://www.capitalonecareers.com/> Capital One to host coffee chats on February 1, 10am-12pm. Coffee Chats will be hosted in Brazen and there will be limited capacity. Be sure to <https://app.brazenconnect.com/app/events/MbvAO/identify-peer-group#!eventRe gistration;eventCode=MbvAO;registrationEditMode=false> register here for your one-on-one chat. Learn more about #LifeatCapitalOne, culture, and project areas. OPPORTUNITY 2 <https://www.verisign.com/> VERISIGN to host info sessions on Wednesday, February 2 and Thursday, February 10, both at 1-2pm. Flyer attached with links. OPPORTUNITY 3 Career and Professional Development to host a Computer Science Resume Workshop in preparation for the CS|Source career fair on Wednesday, February 9, 6-7:30pm. Link to be provided. OPPORTUNITY 4 Join Career and Professional Development for coffee chats in preparation for upcoming career fairs on Friday, February 11 and February 15, both at 11:30am-12:15pm. Flyer attached with links. OPPORTUNITY 5 <https://www.caci.com/> CACI International's, Glenn Kurowski will speak on Monday, February 14, 6-7:30pm, 330 Lavery. Click <https://hume.vt.edu/education-outreach/events/2022/digitalsignalprocessing- 02142022.html> here to register and for more info. OPPORTUNITY 6 American Vaulting Association (AVA), National Office, has a part-time position to develop a website. Flyer attached. OPPORTUNITY 7 A member of the community, Bill Mceachen, is seeking a student to assist with his short code to alter it to parallel computing (multi threads, etc.). The code elates to number theory. He is willing to pay on an ad hoc basis. Contact Bill at: <mailto:bill.mceachen@gmail.com> bill.mceachen(a)gmail.com. OPPORTUNITY 8 AWC's Spring Semester Schedule is out! Check out our flyer for an overview and be sure to follow our instagram (@vt_awc) and read weekly emails for meeting details! HackViolet takes place this weekend, visit our website, <http://hackviolet.com> hackviolet.com, for registration and more information. Flyer attached. OPPORTUNITY 9 The Society of Women Engineers at VT (SWE) is hosting the event Evening With the Industries on Wednesday, February 23, which serves as a prelude to the CAMEO CareerFest 2022 to give engineering students at Virginia Tech an opportunity to meet with corporate representatives. RSVP at: <https://forms.gle/Q46jKLK2srNfLUFS7> https://forms.gle/Q46jKLK2srNfLUFS7. Looking to build your network, obtain flash mentoring, and receive insight from alumni in the field? Join the <https://mentoring.career.vt.edu/hub/virginiatech/groups-v2/computer-science -information-technology/discussion> Computer Science and Information Technology group in Hokie Mentorship Connect! Julia Costello Strategic Partnership Coordinator Virginia Tech | College of Engineering | Department of Computer Science 2202 Kraft Drive | Blacksburg, VA 24060 Email: <mailto:juliapc7@cs.vt.edu> juliapc7(a)cs.vt.edu | <https://cs.vt.edu/cs-source/cs-source-events.html> CS|Source Events Stay up-to-date on CS|Source job and event opportunities <https://cs.vt.edu/cs-source.html> CS|Source Website | <https://www.cs-source.cs.vt.edu/> CS|Source Portal | <https://twitter.com/vt_CS_Source> CS|Source on Twitter

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FW: CTE Seminar this Friday (Feb. 4)
by Mayo, Trey 31 Jan '22

31 Jan '22

Please see the opportunity below. From: Neeti Gandhi <neetig(a)vt.edu> Sent: Monday, January 31, 2022 8:51 AM To: Mayo, Trey <treymayo(a)vt.edu> Subject: CTE Seminar this Friday (Feb. 4) Hi Mr. Mayo, Would you mind circulating this announcement to your department? We have our first CTE seminar for the semester this Friday, February 4th from 4-5:15 pm via Zoom. CTE student Ezgi Kucukdeger, from the Department of Industrial Systems and Engineering, will be presenting her doctoral work on additive manufacturing in bioprinting applications. Attached is a flyer with further information. Zoom link: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/88552912043 Meeting ID: 885 5291 2043 Hope to see you all there! Thanks, Neeti Gandhi

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[MS/PhD Students] SAR requirement for students graduating in Spring 2022
by Cliff Shaffer 29 Jan '22

29 Jan '22

Hello, and congratulations to those students who will be graduating this Spring semester! Those of you who have been in the program since at least last Spring will already be familiar with the Student Activity Reports that MS/PhD students fill out around April. For new students, don't worry -- there will be plenty of emails notifying you about the process later this semester! This email is primarily intended for MS/PhD students who will schedule their final defense earlier than the standard April due date for the SARs. Since we use these as an important data source for departmental graduate program evaluations, we need to make sure that everyone provides us with a somewhat up-to-date SAR before they leave. So, if you are an MS or PhD student who will be scheduling your final exam this Spring, I will require you to complete your SAR form before I approve the final exam schedule. When you are ready to schedule your exam, please go to gpc.cs.vt.edu and sign in. Then click on the SAR menu at the top, create or edit your SAR. For those of you who have done one in the past, you should just need to update your last version. This does NOT apply to PhD students getting the MS "on the way". Those students should just fill out the SAR on the regular schedule. -- Dr. Cliff Shaffer Professor and Associate Department Head for Graduate Studies Department of Computer Science Phone: (540) 231-4354 Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 WWW: www.cs.vt.edu/~shaffer

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Fwd: QACC candidate colloquium talks next week
by Jamie Sikora 28 Jan '22

28 Jan '22

FYI. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Gretchen Matthews <gmatthews(a)vt.edu> Date: Fri, Jan 28, 2022 at 3:43 PM Subject: QACC candidate colloquium talks next week To: Jamie Sikora <sikora(a)vt.edu> Jamie, Will you please share the announcements below with faculty and grad students in CS? Thank you! Gretchen Please join us for the following *colloquium talks next week given by candidates for the mathematics of quantum algorithms, coding, or cryptography tenure-track position*. We ask that you not share this information beyond VT colleagues; please do not post publicly. Thank you! *Tuesday, February 1* *4:00-5:00 on zoom * *https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/87960851402* <https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/87960851402> *Classical Coding Approaches to Quantum ApplicationsNarayanan Rengaswamy* *Abstract:* Quantum technologies are steadily becoming mainstream, and recent years have particularly seen several exciting developments. It is now clear that by leveraging quantum phenomena we can achieve unprecedented advances in multiple applications such as computing, communications, sensing, and security. While small-scale realizations are possible today, a key challenge to scalability is the decoherence of quantum information. Seminal work in the 90s established that noise is not a fundamental bottleneck for quantum technologies, and today we have several strategies for performing error correction. However, we face multiple challenges in reducing the resource overhead, many of which pose important and interesting mathematical questions. Hence, we need to solve these challenges in order to design quantum error correction schemes that are both space- and time-efficient. In a related context, statistical inference is ubiquitous in today’s world, particular settings being correcting errors in communications and data storage. Probabilistic graphical models and message passing algorithms on graphs form the engine for classical statistical inference. However, the quantum counterparts of these inference problems may need purely quantum algorithms to perform statistical inference, such as in classical communications over optical channels. Here, classical data is coded and transmitted as coherent states over the channel, and one needs to correct channel errors at the receiver through a quantum circuit that processes the received states. While quantum algorithms research has focused on speeding up classical computational problems, there is little work on such statistical inference scenarios. In this talk, I will begin by motivating my research through questions like the above. Then, I will discuss some of our contributions in these areas and highlight the mathematical aspects of them. Later, I will briefly talk about other relevant work and also share my plans for future research. Throughout the presentation, I will demonstrate how our work strengthens the link between classical and quantum error correction. I will provide the coding and quantum background necessary for the discussion. ************************************************************* *Thursday, February 3* *4:00-5:00 in Kelly 310, meet and greet at 3:30 https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/82837883423 <https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/82837883423>* * Quantum Algorithms, Algebraic Problems and CryptographyJake Doliskani* * Abstract: *The security provided by a cryptosystem is usually based on an algebraic problem that is assumed to be intractable; a problem that can be solved mathematically, but would take too much time or memory to solve on a classical computer. Quantum computers are widely believed to be strictly more powerful than classical computers; that is, there are problems that can be solved provably more efficiently using quantum computers. Cryptography in the era of quantum computers can be divided into three categories: 1. Classical cryptography which is cryptography using a classical computer, 2. Post-quantum cryptography which is a subset of classical cryptography in which cryptosystems resist potential attacks from quantum computers, and 3. Quantum cryptography which is cryptography using a quantum computer. In this talk, we will discuss some mathematical aspects of the intricate interplay between quantum algorithms, algebraic problems and cryptography. --- Gretchen L. Matthews Professor, Department of Mathematics Director, Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) Southwest Virginia Virginia Tech gmatthews(a)vt.edu www.math.vt.edu/people/gmatthews pronouns: she/her/hers -- *Jamie Sikora* Assistant Professor Virginia Tech | Department of Computer Science Blacksburg, Virginia (540) 231-5964 | sikora(a)vt.edu https://sites.google.com/site/jamiesikora/

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FW: CS|SOURCE - EMPLOYER JOB POSTINGS AND EVENTS
by juliapc7＠cs.vt.edu 28 Jan '22

28 Jan '22

I received a new link for Opportunity 4: VT Materials Science & Engineering is seeking a Database Developer. Apply through Handshake, Job #5910714. https://vt.joinhandshake.com/emp/jobs/5910714 Julia From: juliapc7(a)cs.vt.edu <juliapc7(a)cs.vt.edu> Sent: Friday, January 28, 2022 10:51 AM To: 'Cs-undg-g(a)vt.edu' <Cs-undg-g(a)vt.edu>; 'cs-minors-g(a)vt.edu' <cs-minors-g(a)vt.edu>; 'gradstudents(a)cs.vt.edu' <gradstudents(a)cs.vt.edu> Subject: CS|SOURCE - EMPLOYER JOB POSTINGS AND EVENTS CS|SOURCE - EMPLOYER JOB POSTINGS AND EVENTS View the following job opportunities and events. For other available positions, click <https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html> Handshake. Click <https://cs.vt.edu/cs-source/cs-source-events.html> CS|Source for a list of current companies and events. OPPORTUNITY 1 <https://www.verisign.com/> VERISIGN to host several info sessions in 2022. The first one is TODAY, Friday, January 28, 2-3pm as well as Wednesday, February 2 and Thursday, February 10 from 1-2pm. Flyer attached with links. OPPORTUNITY 2 <https://www.capitalonecareers.com/> Capital One to host coffee chats on Tuesday, February 1, 10am-12pm. Coffee Chats will be hosted in Brazen and there will be limited capacity. Be sure to <https://app.brazenconnect.com/app/events/MbvAO/identify-peer-group#!eventRe gistration;eventCode=MbvAO;registrationEditMode=false> register here for your one-on-one chat. Learn more about #LifeatCapitalOne culture and project areas. OPPORTUNITY 3 <https://www.caci.com/> CACI International's, Glenn Kurowski will speak on Monday, February 14, 6-7:30pm, 330 Lavery. Click <https://hume.vt.edu/education-outreach/events/2022/digitalsignalprocessing- 02142022.html> here to register and for more info. OPPORTUNITY 4 VT Materials Science & Engineering is seeking a Database Developer. Apply through <https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html> Handshake, Job #5910714. OPPORTUNITY 5 - MORE INFO COMING SOON!! Looking to build your network, obtain flash mentoring, and receive insight from alumni in the field? Join the <https://mentoring.career.vt.edu/hub/virginiatech/groups-v2/computer-science -information-technology/discussion> Computer Science and Information Technology group in Hokie Mentorship Connect! Julia Costello Strategic Partnership Coordinator Virginia Tech | College of Engineering | Department of Computer Science 2202 Kraft Drive | Blacksburg, VA 24060 Email: <mailto:juliapc7@cs.vt.edu> juliapc7(a)cs.vt.edu | <https://cs.vt.edu/cs-source/cs-source-events.html> CS|Source Events Stay up-to-date on CS|Source job and event opportunities <https://cs.vt.edu/cs-source.html> CS|Source Website | <https://www.cs-source.cs.vt.edu/> CS|Source Portal | <https://twitter.com/vt_CS_Source> CS|Source on Twitter

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Re: [Gradstudents] CS|Source Career Fair Volunteers - 3 More Needed
by juliapc7＠cs.vt.edu 28 Jan '22

28 Jan '22

Hi everyone! I've got the volunteers needed. If any of you still want to volunteer at this time, send me an email and I'll put you on the list in case someone needs to cancel. On Monday I'll send out a confirmation to all volunteers with more information. If you don't receive an email and signed up, you are on a waiting list. If someone cancels, I'll contact you in those timeframes. Thank you all for volunteering! Julia From: juliapc7(a)cs.vt.edu <juliapc7(a)cs.vt.edu> Sent: Friday, January 28, 2022 11:33 AM To: 'Cs-undg-g(a)vt.edu' <Cs-undg-g(a)vt.edu>; 'cs-minors-g(a)vt.edu' <cs-minors-g(a)vt.edu>; 'gradstudents(a)cs.vt.edu' <gradstudents(a)cs.vt.edu> Subject: CS|Source Career Fair Volunteers - 3 More Needed Hi Students, Thanks for your great responses in volunteering for the career fair on Monday, February 14. We're in need of three more volunteers for line management from 3-6pm. Reply to this email if you're available and interested. The first three responses will have the job. Thanks, Julia Julia Costello, Strategic Partnership Coordinator Virginia Tech | College of Engineering | Department of Computer Science 2202 Kraft Drive | Blacksburg, VA 24060 <mailto:juliapc7@cs.vt.edu> juliapc7(a)cs.vt.edu | 540.231.8945 Stay up to date on CS|Source job and event opportunities <https://cs.vt.edu/cs-source.html> CS|Source Website | <https://www.cs-source.cs.vt.edu/> CS|Source Portal | <https://twitter.com/vt_CS_Source> CS|Source on Twitter

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CS|Source Career Fair Volunteers - 3 More Needed
by juliapc7＠cs.vt.edu 28 Jan '22

28 Jan '22

Hi Students, Thanks for your great responses in volunteering for the career fair on Monday, February 14. We're in need of three more volunteers for line management from 3-6pm. Reply to this email if you're available and interested. The first three responses will have the job. Thanks, Julia Julia Costello, Strategic Partnership Coordinator Virginia Tech | College of Engineering | Department of Computer Science 2202 Kraft Drive | Blacksburg, VA 24060 <mailto:juliapc7@cs.vt.edu> juliapc7(a)cs.vt.edu | 540.231.8945 Stay up to date on CS|Source job and event opportunities <https://cs.vt.edu/cs-source.html> CS|Source Website | <https://www.cs-source.cs.vt.edu/> CS|Source Portal | <https://twitter.com/vt_CS_Source> CS|Source on Twitter

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CS|SOURCE - EMPLOYER JOB POSTINGS AND EVENTS
by juliapc7＠cs.vt.edu 28 Jan '22

28 Jan '22

CS|SOURCE - EMPLOYER JOB POSTINGS AND EVENTS View the following job opportunities and events. For other available positions, click <https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html> Handshake. Click <https://cs.vt.edu/cs-source/cs-source-events.html> CS|Source for a list of current companies and events. OPPORTUNITY 1 <https://www.verisign.com/> VERISIGN to host several info sessions in 2022. The first one is TODAY, Friday, January 28, 2-3pm as well as Wednesday, February 2 and Thursday, February 10 from 1-2pm. Flyer attached with links. OPPORTUNITY 2 <https://www.capitalonecareers.com/> Capital One to host coffee chats on Tuesday, February 1, 10am-12pm. Coffee Chats will be hosted in Brazen and there will be limited capacity. Be sure to <https://app.brazenconnect.com/app/events/MbvAO/identify-peer-group#!eventRe gistration;eventCode=MbvAO;registrationEditMode=false> register here for your one-on-one chat. Learn more about #LifeatCapitalOne culture and project areas. OPPORTUNITY 3 <https://www.caci.com/> CACI International's, Glenn Kurowski will speak on Monday, February 14, 6-7:30pm, 330 Lavery. Click <https://hume.vt.edu/education-outreach/events/2022/digitalsignalprocessing- 02142022.html> here to register and for more info. OPPORTUNITY 4 VT Materials Science & Engineering is seeking a Database Developer. Apply through <https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html> Handshake, Job #5910714. OPPORTUNITY 5 - MORE INFO COMING SOON!! Looking to build your network, obtain flash mentoring, and receive insight from alumni in the field? Join the <https://mentoring.career.vt.edu/hub/virginiatech/groups-v2/computer-science -information-technology/discussion> Computer Science and Information Technology group in Hokie Mentorship Connect! Julia Costello Strategic Partnership Coordinator Virginia Tech | College of Engineering | Department of Computer Science 2202 Kraft Drive | Blacksburg, VA 24060 Email: <mailto:juliapc7@cs.vt.edu> juliapc7(a)cs.vt.edu | <https://cs.vt.edu/cs-source/cs-source-events.html> CS|Source Events Stay up-to-date on CS|Source job and event opportunities <https://cs.vt.edu/cs-source.html> CS|Source Website | <https://www.cs-source.cs.vt.edu/> CS|Source Portal | <https://twitter.com/vt_CS_Source> CS|Source on Twitter

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