October 2024 - Gradstudents - mailman.cs.vt.edu

Fw: Invitation for PhD Datathon for Computer Science Students
by Seyam, Mohammed 21 Jan '25

21 Jan '25

Forwarded as requested! ________________________________ We are excited to announce that this Fall, we are partnering with Citadel and Citadel Securities to host the Global <https://www.citadel.com/careers/students/datathons/?utm_source=correlationo…> PhD Datathon<https://www.citadel.com/careers/students/datathons/?utm_source=correlationo…>, a data science competition that will bring the top quantitative PhD students across the world together! This event will have students competing for USD$25,000 in cash prizes and participants will also be eligible for exclusive recruiting opportunities with Citadel and Citadel Securities. The event is completely free and invite only. Could you share the information below with your students? We’d love to see students from Virginia Tech apply before we reach full capacity. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions - I would be happy to assist! Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you. Best, Beatrice Please note: This message is a promotion of the Datathon and Terminal events. Campaigns are sent manually and monitored by our team - you can easily opt out of receiving future emails by replying with "Unsubscribe". Global PhD Datathon Hosted by Citadel and Citadel Securities in partnership with Correlation One, we’re inviting top PhD students all over the world to compete at the PhD Datathon this November. Top performing students have the opportunity to win $25,000USD in cash prizes along with exclusive recruiting opportunities with Citadel. The Datathon challenges students from the world's best universities to tackle real-world social challenges in topics such as urban traffic, renewable energy, and education. PhD Datathon is a global data science competition, even bigger and more exciting than our nation-wide events! This is an individual competition, whereby participants will be working on their submissions individually throughout the week of the competition in order to accommodate their schedules. When: November 4 - 11th Where: Virtual Who: Current Ph.D. students and post-doc researchers Prizes: $25,000USD + Exclusive recruiting opportunities with Citadel and Citadel Securities Apply for PhD Datathon here!<https://www.citadel.com/careers/students/datathons/?utm_source=correlationo…> Admissions are made on a rolling basis, so I encourage you to complete your application now! Please don't hesitate to reach out to us at competitions(a)correlation-one.com<mailto:competitions@correlation-one.com> if you have any questions. Good luck! Best, Citadel and Correlation One -- Beatrice Khoo Business Operations Manager Correlation One<https://www.correlation-one.com/> 1330 Avenue of the Americas 12th Floor New York, NY 10019 [https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/mail-sig/AIorK4x_0XyUz9vSZxKBq5-g_ngGmA0h…]<http://www.correlation-one.com/> [https://t.yesware.com/t/f3508e25c57d8f8f063457f3e5fe23988cd4b1a7/d39e3ff48d…]

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Jie Bu's Ph.D. defense [Feb 9 at 4 pm]
by Anuj Karpatne 02 Dec '24

02 Dec '24

Hello everyone, You are cordially invited to the final defense of PhD student Jie Bu on Thursday, Feb 9 at 4 pm. Zoom Link: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/5142223333 Title: Achieving More with Less: Learning Generalizable Neural Networks With Less Labeled Data and Computational Overheads Committee: Dr. Anuj Karpatne (advisor) Dr. Adrian Sandu Dr. Ismini Lourentzou Dr. Naren Ramakrishnan Dr. Anish Arora (from Ohio State University) Abstract: Recent advancements in deep learning have demonstrated its incredible ability to learn generalizable patterns and relationships automatically from data in a number of mainstream applications. However, the generalization power of deep learning methods largely comes at the costs of working with very large datasets and using highly compute-intensive models. Many applications cannot afford these costs needed to ensure generalizability of deep learning models. For instance, obtaining labeled data can be costly in scientific applications, and using large models may not be feasible in resource-constrained environments involving portable devices. This thesis aims to improve efficiency in machine learning by exploring different ways to learn generalizable neural networks that require less labeled data and computational resources. We demonstrate that using physics supervision in scientific problems can reduce the need for labeled data, thereby improving data efficiency without compromising model generalizability. Additionally, we investigate the potential of transfer learning powered by transformers in scientific applications as a promising direction for further improving data efficiency through domain adaptation. On the computational efficiency side, we present two efforts for increasing parameter efficiency of neural networks through novel architectures and structured network pruning. Thanks, -Anuj ------------------- Anuj Karpatne Assistant Professor Computer Science, Virginia Tech https://people.cs.vt.edu/karpatne/

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Gauging interest in Advisor Relationship Workshop
by Woo, Wesley 04 Nov '24

04 Nov '24

Hi all -- The CS Graduate Council is planning an Advisor Relationship Workshop and is seeking input from graduate students who would be interested in attending. In this workshop, we hope to cover strategies for communicating clearly, interpreting constructive feedback, and maintaining healthy work-life boundaries, among other topics. Please fill out the following form to help us plan an effective event: https://forms.gle/PSUr1PDjcynzeAPg6 Thanks! Wesley

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FW: Virginia Tech Science Festival, Saturday, November 2, 10-3
by Kinder-Potter, Sharon 30 Oct '24

30 Oct '24

Thanks! If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend, checkout the Virginia Tech Science Festival, Saturday, November 2, at the Moss Arts Center and Newman Library, 10:00am - 3:00pm. This event is free and open to the public! _________________ Debbie Zier Executive Assistant and Office Manager Department of Computer Science (0106) 1180 Torgersen Hall 620 Drillfield Drive Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-1369 [cid:image001.jpg@01DB2AAB.28215950]

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CS|Source Announcements and Opportunities | Wednesday, October 30, 2024
by Shirkey, Claire 30 Oct '24

30 Oct '24

[cid:image001.png@01DB2A9E.686DD770] All Computer Science Students: Job Hub Remember to post your resume to the CS JobHub<https://jobhub.cs.vt.edu/> in addition to Handshake! All CS|Source Members have access to your resumes once they are available on our JobHub site! For assistance with tech support, please contact Ben Stein (bbradner(a)vt.edu<mailto:bbradner@vt.edu>). [cid:image002.png@01DB2A9E.686DD770] NSA in Focus What is NSA in Focus? NSA in Focus is a series of online information sessions hosted by real NSA employees. These webinars cover topics like: NSA summer internships, the security clearance process, development programs, diversity, business programs at NSA and more. During each live session, NSA staff participate in a pre-recorded panel discussion and respond to attendee questions live on the event day. These webinars showcase the human element of agency culture. NSA employees share candid stories about how they have benefitted from the agency's work-life balance, career advancement and/or other perks. Event name: NSA in Focus - Giving Thanks for A Fulfilling Career at NSA (Virtual) Date: 11/6/2024 Time: 4:00pm EST Registration link: https://cicad.us/3zhJl5J Handshake event link: https://app.joinhandshake.com/emp/events/1623313 Event description: As we head toward Thanksgiving, our employees are reflecting on how joining NSA has been key to a fruitful and rewarding career. We'll go around the table and talk about what we're most thankful for - from professional development and advancement opportunities, to world-class benefits that give us a positive work-life balance, to the opportunities to change career fields and support each other, and the nation. [Deutsche Bank publishes initial transition plan - MarketingReport] Deutsche Bank Opportunities Meet Us Virtually or On Your Campus We're still accepting applications for the 2025 TDI Grad Tech Analyst and Summer Intern Tech Analyst positions! We hope to see you at a few additional remaining virtual and in-person recruiting activities this fall. 2025 TDI Grad and Intern Program: The 2025 TDI Grad Program is a full-time one-year rotational program open to undergraduate seniors or 2nd year Master's students with less than 12 months' work experience and will be completing their studies (all final exams, coursework and have no outstanding requirements for graduation) between January 1, 2024 and July 31, 2025. [Apply Here<https://db.recsolu.com/external/requisitions/F0yxL9nQ2hYCyPTeyUR3Dw>] The 2025 TDI Intern Program is a 10-week summer program open to undergraduate juniors or 1st year Master's students with less than 12 months' work experience, graduating between December 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. [Apply Here<https://db.recsolu.com/external/requisitions/vuuwuFfzzsGmhlnhPxJQeA>] Upcoming Events: * October 23: DB Firmwide Virtual Information Sessions [RSVP<https://tinyurl.com/ynqor9l7>] * November 13: TDI Cary Virtual Info Session and Grad Panel [RSVP<https://tinyurl.com/2buzxujo>] Good To Know Watch this short for a snapshot of what the internship looks like at Deutsche Bank: National Intern Day 2024 (youtube.com)<https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9EVcY_GoSe8> More Opportunities at Deutsche Bank Welcome - Inside Deutsche Bank - Deutsche Bank Careers (db.com)<https://careers.db.com/inside-deutsche-bank/> Cary - Deutsche Bank Careers (db.com)<https://careers.db.com/explore-the-bank/locations/americas/cary> Cary overview video<https://vimeo.com/832369333/6526cd98f9?share=copy> TDI NY & Cary, NC<https://careers.db.com/students-graduates/Search-Programmes/#/graduate/resu…> DB Careers page<https://careers.db.com/professionals/search-roles/#/professional/> Follow us on LinkedIn: Deutsche Bank Technology, Data & Innovation Share this Newsletter<https://tinyurl.com/2bp836av> [Impact Labs] Fellowship Opportunity for CS Students! The Impact Fellowship is a week-long, in-person program for young technologists who want to use their skills to build a better world! Fellows will learn from and build alongside a diverse group of social entrepreneurs, activists, artists, philanthropists, researchers, and engineers, all working to make a positive impact. The program also offers hands-on technical workshops, helping fellows sharpen their software skills while collaborating on a high-impact project of their own creation. Most importantly, fellows join a vibrant network of like-minded peers who are committed to leveraging their talents for the betterment of society and the planet. This year's fellowship will be taking place in San Francisco from December 29th, 2024 to January 5th, 2025. Learn more and apply at www.impactlabs.io/fellowship<http://www.impactlabs.io/fellowship>. [cid:image005.png@01DB2A9E.686DD770] Fellowship Opportunities! Our fellowships are unique educational programs that give students insight into our firm and industry. No finance experience necessary! Over three days at our NYC headquarters, fellows participate in interactive seminars led by notable speakers and our staff. They'll also spend time with senior leaders at the firm, discuss career paths in finance with recent hires and long-tenured employees, and develop relationships with students from schools around the country. There's a $1,500 stipend, and we'll cover their travel and accommodations. Students can learn more on our fellowships website<https://www.fellowships.deshaw.com/recruit/jobs/Oncampus/EB2024Dept> or check out this video<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Swxn1o_1Hrk> to hear from former fellows. A few key dates: * January programs: Applications are open until Friday, November 8, 2024. * March programs: Applications are open until Friday, January 3, 2025. Applications for our summer 2025 internships are also open (for 2026 graduates)! Students can get a quick overview of our internships on our website<https://campus.deshaw.com/>, and apply for as many roles as they'd like here<https://www.deshaw.com/recruit/internships/Oncampus/EB2024Dept>. Participate in a Research Study on ChatGPT! We are looking for participants who will be asked to write a paper with the assistance of ChatGPT. Participants will also answer a pre- and post-study survey. The findings from these surveys will be used to better understand the query process behind using ChatGPT in the context of essay writing. The study was reviewed and accepted by the IRB (# 24-325) and is being conducted under the supervision of Dr. Sang Won Lee (sangwonlee(a)vt.edu<mailto:sangwonlee@vt.edu>). Participants must be 1) 18 years or older. If you are interested in participating, please start the study at the following link: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/GPTWritingPreSurvey. If you have any questions, please contact Andrew Jelson at jelson9854(a)vt.edu<mailto:jelson9854@vt.edu>. The research team will enter the essays into a random drawing and compensation will be given to approximately twenty percent of participants as a $10 gift card. Odds of being selected will be maintained as 1 in 5. The participants will be contacted separately.

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FW: Virginia Tech Science Festival, Saturday, November 2, 10-3
by Chiapetto, Kim 30 Oct '24

30 Oct '24

Please see below. From: Zier, Debbie <debzi5(a)vt.edu> Sent: Wednesday, October 30, 2024 9:09 AM To: Coulson, Sara <sara83(a)vt.edu>; Chiapetto, Kim <chiapett(a)vt.edu>; Kinder-Potter, Sharon <skpotter(a)vt.edu> Subject: FW: Virginia Tech Science Festival, Saturday, November 2, 10-3 Can you please forward this to the graduate list serv. Thanks! If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend, checkout the Virginia Tech Science Festival, Saturday, November 2, at the Moss Arts Center and Newman Library, 10:00am - 3:00pm. This event is free and open to the public! _________________ Debbie Zier Executive Assistant and Office Manager Department of Computer Science (0106) 1180 Torgersen Hall 620 Drillfield Drive Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-1369 [cid:image001.jpg@01DB2AAB.28215950]

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Spring GTA Application Open
by Dr. Eli Tilevich 26 Oct '24

26 Oct '24

From: McPherson, David via Gradstudents <gradstudents(a)cs.vt.edu> Sent: Friday, October 25, 2024 7:17 AM To: gradstudents(a)cs.vt.edu Subject: [Gradstudents] Spring GTA Application Open Hello Grad Students, The Spring GTA application is available for you to complete: https://hosting.cs.vt.edu/gta/ You must fill this out regardless of current contract or funding promise. We would like to make offers soon, so the sooner you can fill out the survey the better. If you want to be considered for a Spring 2025 GTA, then we need your response. Let me know if you have any questions. -- -- David McPherson 1220A Torgersen Hall 540-231-3135 dmcphers(a)vt.edu <mailto:dmcphers@vt.edu>

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Spring GTA Application Open
by McPherson, David 25 Oct '24

25 Oct '24

Hello Grad Students, The Spring GTA application is available for you to complete: https://hosting.cs.vt.edu/gta/ You must fill this out regardless of current contract or funding promise. We would like to make offers soon, so the sooner you can fill out the survey the better. If you want to be considered for a Spring 2025 GTA, then we need your response. Let me know if you have any questions. -- -- David McPherson 1220A Torgersen Hall 540-231-3135 dmcphers(a)vt.edu

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Looking for a research assistant
by Yao, Yaxing 24 Oct '24

24 Oct '24

Hi all, I hope you all have a great semester. I am looking for a research assistant to work on a project related to building an inclusive avatar library in VR for people with disability, followed by building privacy and safety mechanisms in VR. I am specifically looking for students who will start their PhD in Fall 2024. To qualify for the position, you need to have skills in at least one of the following research areas: * Accessibility * Experiences working with human subjects * VR development If you are interested in the positions and think you meet the qualifications, please send me your most recent CV and your transcripts from undergraduate and graduate studies at yaxing(a)vt.edu<mailto:yaxing@vt.edu>. Please use “GRA inquiry + your name” in the subject. I will reach out to you for an interview should I see a fit. Thank you! Yaxing

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Fw: Seminar Talk: Friday, October 25, 2:30-3:45pm, Torgersen 3100 or R219 NCR
by Coulson, Sara 24 Oct '24

24 Oct '24

Forwarding... Sara Coulson Director of Graduate Programs | Computer Science Torgersen 3210C 620 Drillfield Drive Blacksburg, VA 24061 scoulson1(a)vt.edu 540-231-0780 ________________________________ From: Zier, Debbie <debzi5(a)vt.edu> Sent: Thursday, October 24, 2024 11:05 AM To: Coulson, Sara <sara83(a)vt.edu>; Chiapetto, Kim <chiapett(a)vt.edu>; Kinder-Potter, Sharon <skpotter(a)vt.edu> Subject: FW: Seminar Talk: Friday, October 25, 2:30-3:45pm, Torgersen 3100 or R219 NCR Please forward to the graduate listserv. Thanks! Zikai Alex Wen HCI Researcher, Specializing in Usable Privacy and Security Privacy, Accessibility, Security Tech for All (PASTA) Lab Virginia Tech Friday, October 25, 2024 2:30-3:45 PM 3100 Torgersen Hall Seminar: From Boring to Engaging: Transforming Cybersecurity Education with Games and Visual Technologies Abstract: Despite improvements in cybersecurity and privacy education, most people still find these concepts boring and difficult to apply. My research leverages games and visual technologies to make these topics engaging and accessible. I explore visual explanations of privacy-enhancing technologies to improve user comprehension and trust, design "What.Hack," a role-playing video game for effective anti-phishing training, and develop interactive e-learning tools for families to build digital resilience together. My research demonstrates how game-based learning and visual techniques can better equip users to protect themselves online. Future research will expand these approaches in the context of emerging technologies like generative AI, aiming to create more effective and engaging cybersecurity education. Bio: Dr. Zikai Alex Wen<https://zkwen.site/> is a human-computer interaction (HCI) researcher specializing in usable privacy and security, aiming to help users enhance their digital resilience and anti-deception capabilities. He holds a Ph.D. in computer science from Cornell University and currently works at the Privacy, Accessibility, Security Tech for All (PASTA) Lab<https://pasta.cs.vt.edu/> as a postdoc at Virginia Tech, advised by Prof. Yaxing Yao<https://yaxingyao.cs.vt.edu/>. His work focuses on designing engaging cybersecurity education methods, such as video games and interactive media, and optimizing privacy-enhancing technologies for usability. He has published in top venues like ACM CHI, Information Sciences, and ACM CCS, and received the AI 2000 Most Influential Scholar Award Honorable Mention in Security and Privacy. His work led to securing major funding, including the $3.8M E-learning Ancillary Facilities Grant, and has had real-world impact, such as an anti-phishing training game adopted by a Fortune 500 global bank. _________________ Debbie Zier Executive Assistant and Office Manager Department of Computer Science (0106) 1180 Torgersen Hall 620 Drillfield Drive Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-1369 [cid:image001.jpg@01DB2602.E733BFC0]

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