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

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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Muskan Gupta's Thesis exam
by Sang Won Lee 02 May '24

02 May '24

Hi, You are cordially invited to Muskan Gupta's thesis exam. I've included the details below. Sang Won Lee *When/Where* 8/31/2023 (Thursday) 1 PM-3 PM The Gilbert Place Room 3211 *Committee* Sang Won Lee (Chair) Eugenia Rho Scott McCrickard *Title*: Understanding Social Media Users' Perceptions of Trigger and Content Warnings *Abstract*: Exposure to distressing content on social media poses risks to users' mental well-being, leading to the use of trigger warnings (TW) and content warnings (CW). However, there is limited insight into user preferences and the factors affecting these warnings' effectiveness. This study addressed this gap through qualitative interviews with 15 participants. Findings revealed generally positive user perceptions of warnings, which provide protection from distressing content, create safe spaces for sharing sensitive experiences, and avoid such content in public spaces. However, understanding when, what, and how to use warnings varied among users, leading to complex decision-making. Factors influencing warning effectiveness included their separation from content, length, awareness, consistency, context, severity, reasoning, creator's intent, and audience knowledge. Participants stressed the need for enhanced education on warnings and triggers in social media. The study produced design recommendations, including personalized filtering, platform guidelines, specificity, nudging creators, interventions against excessive scrolling, accessibility improvements, and community feedback mechanisms. Participants also suggested post-trigger support measures. The study uncovers challenges in balancing warnings with user engagement, specificity, and personalization while avoiding the creation of filter bubbles. While the study spanned various platforms, future research should focus on specific platforms to address limitations like recruitment bias and broad scope. Future directions include incentivizing warning use, implementing nudges and interventions, and improving post-trigger support, as well as investigating audio triggers and quantitative studies for refined TW/CW design to promote a trauma-informed social media environment.

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[PhD Students] For PhD students who have not taken the qualifier exam
by Shaffer, Cliff 29 Apr '24

29 Apr '24

Recently, the faculty voted to slightly modify the PhD qualifier process. The modification only affects students who are either (1) currently in their first year or (2) otherwise have not yet taken the qualifier exam. For those who already have an exam score (or anyone who has already arranged with me to be given 3 points for their research), the old rules apply. Under the old rules, students would take the exam (or not) and separately request an interpretation of their research points from the Graduate Program Director. With the changes now in place, all assessments for the Depth portion of the exam (that is, the requirement to receive 3 points from a combination of the exam and research) will be made by the PhD Qualifier Exam Committees. As part of signing up for the PhD qualifier exam (typically in late Fall), a student is to apply to a Qualifier Exam Committee in their research area. The committee will determine (1) student research points, and, when needed, (2) examination points (exams are typically given in Spring). As in the current system, the committee might waive the exam, granting a student all 3 points for their prior research. The Qualifier Exam Committee will ultimately render a pass or fail decision for each student applying to their committee regarding the depth portion of the exam, based on a holistic view of their research productivity and (when appropriate) their Qualifier exam score. Students who do not pass their first attempt will be given a second attempt the following year. But note that to be eligible for the second attempt, one has to take the exam “on time” (in your second Spring semester), unless granted an explicit postponement. -- 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<http://www.cs.vt.edu/~shaffer>

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MS Defense (5/3, 11:30, 4211 Gilbert) on MLPerf PowerPack
by Cameron, Kirk 29 Apr '24

29 Apr '24

Hi Everyone, Please see below information for Cesar Smokowski’s MS defense on Friday (May 3) in Room 4211 of Gilbert Place. There is also a zoom option though many of us will be there in person. Please share as you see fit. I hope you can join! Best, -kwc Title: MLPerf PowerPack: Defining MLPerf Inference Benchmark’s Power Profile Date: Friday, May 3, 2024 Time: 11:30am Location: Room 4211, Gilbert Place Zoom: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/my/cesar8800 Committee members: Kirk Cameron (Chair), Godmar Back (Member), Margaret Ellis (Member) Abstract: This thesis project investigates the energy consumption of individual system components during the execution of MLPerf Inference, an industry-standard benchmark suite for assessing the performance of the machine learning inference phase. The power profile of MLPerf Inference was formulated using the PowerPack framework, a collection of hardware components, including external power meters and resistors, and software tools, including benchmarks and libraries, designed to directly measure the power consumption of system components. Software power measurement tools, AMDuProf and NVIDIA-SMI, were used to compare the accuracy of PowerPack’s power consumption measurements for the CPU and GPU, respectively. The energy consumption distribution amongst the system’s CPU, GPU, and disk was tested for the NAS Parallel Benchmark (NPB) FT benchmark and the MLPerf Inference image classification benchmark. The updated MLPerf PowerPack toolkit varied within 86% to 97% accuracy when compared to AMDuProf and NVIDIA-SMI’s, native software-based power measurement tools. The MLPerf PowerPack framework was also used to identify the CPU, GPU, and disk energy consumption for the seven major functions of MLPerf Inference’s image classification benchmark. Bio: Cesar Smokowski is a Master’s student in the Department of Computer Science. He is working under the supervision of Dr. Cameron in the SCAPE Laboratory. Cesar graduated from Virginia Tech with his Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science in 2022. Cesar’s research interests include energy efficiency and machine learning, and Cesar will join Amazon full time in summer 2024.

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Ano Shukla's Master's thesis defense, Monday 4/29 3pm
by Stephen H Edwards 25 Apr '24

25 Apr '24

Dear all, You're cordially invited to Anmol "Ano" Shukla's Master's thesis defense. *Title*: *Investigating Student Perceptions of Equitable Grading Practices* *Date*: Monday, April 29, 2024 *Time*: 3:00 pm *Location*: Torgersen 1210 *Zoom*: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/89473192702?pwd=SzZoRWNjVEt0ZXJYNk9kQUxUSmhl… *Abstract*: Grading is one of the key components of modern pedagogy. Grades are primarily meant to be a method of communication, which is initiated by the owners of the pedagogy (instructors, school, etc.) and are received by various parties such as students: as feedback on their learning outcomes, parents, potential employers, other institutions, etc. However, traditional grading practices in wide use across institutions globally suffer from many problems and can prove to be a hindrance to students achieving their learning outcomes. Many of these practices do not have a backing in education and social research and suffer from various problems such as inherent bias, rewarding of behavior over skill or knowledge, increasing student anxiety, etc. To mitigate some of these problems, we employ Equitable Grading Practices (EGPs) in an introductory CS-1 course at Virginia Tech for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters. In contrast, EGPs have been backed in research, follow a more open assessment method and have been shown to induce increased learning. In this thesis, we introduce these practices and evaluate student perceptions of them thereafter to answer research questions so that we may be able to refine these practices. We gather student experiences primarily through two instruments: a survey and one-on-one interviews. We describe these in detail and evaluate them through the use of statistics as well grounded theory analysis to be able to extract student perceptions of these grading practices. -- Steve --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Virginia Tech, CS Dept. Web-CAT: Web-based Center for Software Testing 2202 Kraft Drive Automatic grading using student-written tests Blacksburg, VA 24060 USA http://web-cat.org/ (540)-231-5723 http://people.cs.vt.edu/~edwards/

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Mr. Sandeep Chinnareddy’s Master thesis defense
by Liqing Zhang 25 Apr '24

25 Apr '24

Dear all, You're cordially invited to join Mr. Sandeep Chinnareddy's Master's defense. Detailed information is below. *Title*: *Applications of Machine Learning in Source Attribution of Pathogens* *Date*: Friday, April 26, 2024 *Time*: 2:00 pm *Zoom*: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/8790572835 <https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvirginiat…>. This meeting will be zoom only for non-committee members. *Committee members*: Song Li (Co-Chair), Jingqiu Liao (Co-Chair), Liqing Zhang (Member), Xuan Wang (Member) *Abstract*: This research investigates the application of machine learning techniques in computational genomics for the prediction of bacterial pathogen hosts using genomic sequences. This work describes the development of a novel bioinformatics pipeline for assembling the Gene Presence-Absence and single nucleotide polymorphism datasets from genomic assembly IDs. This methodology is applied to specific animal pathogen *Salmonella enterica* serovar Typhimurium. Phylogenetic analyses along with pan-genome and positive selection studies provide the foundational motivation for employing machine learning models. We benchmarked seven traditional machine learning algorithms, achieving a notable accuracy of 94.6% in host prediction for S. Typhimurium using the Random Forest model, underscored by SHAP value analyses which identified the most important genes and their corresponding functions. Further, this pipeline is extended to plant pathogens, *Ralstonia solanacearum* species complex to achieve an accuracy of 76% using the LightGBM model. *Bio:* Sandeep Chinnareddy is a Master’s student in the Department of Computer Science. He is working under the supervision of Dr. Song Li and Dr. Jingqiu Liao, in Li Lab of Applied Machine Learning in Genomics and Phenomics and Liao Environmental and Public Health Microbiology (LEAPH) Lab. Sandeep received his Bachelors in Electronics and Communication Engineering and a Masters in Biological Sciences from Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences (BITS) Pilani. Sandeep’s research interests include computational genomics and deep learning. Best, Song Li

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CS|Source: Announcements and Opportunities | Wednesday, April 24, 2024
by Shirkey, Claire 24 Apr '24

24 Apr '24

[cid:image001.png@01DA9637.0CF63280] Save the Date: September 9, 2024 Mark your calendars for the fall Computer Science career fair scheduled for September 9, 2024. We hope to see you there! HURRY TO APPLY NOW for ITSO Summer 2024! VT IT Security Office (ITSO) - Graduate Position VT IT Security Office (ITSO, https://security.vt.edu/) has wage-based opening(s) for CS master-level graduate students. In this position, you will support software development efforts in ITSO under the supervision of ITSO staff. Positions start from Summer 2024 and can extend into Fall 2024 and possibly Spring 2025. Eligible candidates must have: * a bachelor's degree in computer science * prior full-time work experience in software development If interested, please send your resume to Tingting Jiang at tvj(a)vt.edu.<mailto:tvj@vt.edu> We will contact you if there is a match. APPLY NOW for Summer 2025!! [cid:image002.png@01DA9637.0CF63280] Discover the renowned D. E. Shaw Group, where innovation, risk management, and innovative technology converge. Join us for internships open to all academic backgrounds, fostering skill development, impactful projects, and insights into finance and technology. Embrace diversity, challenge complexity, and unleash your potential. Application Details: * Apply now for any Fundamental Research Analyst Intern<https://www.deshaw.com/recruit/internships/Oncampus/AY25GroupsJan24/FundRes…>, Propriety Trading Intern<https://www.deshaw.com/recruit/internships/Oncampus/AY25GroupsJan24/PropTra…>, D. E. Shaw Investment Management (DESIM) Intern<https://www.deshaw.com/recruit/internships/Oncampus/AY25GroupsJan24DESIMInt…>, and Strategy & Business Development (SBD) Intern<https://www.deshaw.com/recruit/internships/Oncampus/AY25GroupsJan24/SBDIntJ…> roles. * Applications for Business Operations, Systematic Investing, and Systems teams or our regional offices (London, Hong Kong, Singapore) open on May 29, 2024. Check out our Campus website<https://campus.deshaw.com/> for more info. * Second-year students: check out our fellowship programs<https://fellowships.deshaw.com/>. If interested, fill out this form<https://www.deshaw.com/forms/NEE1QzA3MDktNzdCNS00OEZBLUIzMDktNUYzQUVGNDg1Q0…>. For more info, watch this video<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Swxn1o_1Hrk>. * Already interviewing elsewhere or already accepted an offer for summer 2025? Share your timeline here<https://www.deshaw.com/forms/NEE1QzA3MDktNzdCNS00OEZBLUIzMDktNUYzQUVGNDg1Q0…>. [cid:image003.png@01DA9637.0CF63280] Prepare for an immersive experience with Deutsche Bank TDI internship. Set goals, network, ask questions, and develop new skills. Benefit from mentorship, networking events, and on-the-job training to grow personally and professionally. Internship and Full-time Positions * Learn more about our Internship Programme<https://careers.db.com/students-graduates/internship-programme/> that will open in August. * If you are seeking full-time employment, please visit careers.db.com<https://careers.db.com/> Upcoming Events: * Unofficial Guide to Tech in Banking (virtual event): Wednesday June 12th, 2024. Further info will be sent out on this webinar once registration opens! [cid:image004.png@01DA9637.0CF63280] Unlock opportunities with Bank of America's internship and full-time programs. Discover why we're a Great Place to Work, with insights on programs, event recaps, and upcoming events in our quarterly newsletter. Apply Now (opportunities in newsletter): * Summer 2025 applications are open! * Check out our upcoming virtual events!

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CS Grad Council: Election Results + Next Meeting
by Manesh, Daniel 24 Apr '24

24 Apr '24

Hi everyone, The results are in! The CS Grad Council E-Board for the 2024-2025 Academic year is: * President: Wesley Woo * Vice President: Tauhid Nabi * Treasurer: Minhyuk Ko * Secretary: Hasan Arif * M.Eng Representative: Uma Sruthy Gajula Thanks to everyone who voted, and a huge thanks to everyone who ran for a position! As a reminder, even without a position, folks are welcome (and encouraged!) to participate in CS Grad Council :) Speaking of, we will have our last meeting of the semester tomorrow (Thursday), April 25th at 11am in Gilbert 4001. We'll use the meeting to talk about our end-of-semester event (coming up this Friday at 5pm in the municipal park!) and also to reflect on how CS Grad Council did this year and how to improve for the future. Hope everyone is doing well during the hectic end-of-semester rush! Best, Danny

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Re: [Gradstudents] GRAD STUDENT HAPPY HOUR
by Woo, Wesley 24 Apr '24

24 Apr '24

Just checked with GPSS – no RSVP is required to take advantage of the free food and drinks! Happening tonight at PK's Bar and Grill at 5:30 PM! ________________________________ From: Shingala, Kavin <kshingala(a)vt.edu> Sent: 22 April 2024 15:31 To: Woo, Wesley <wesleymwoo(a)vt.edu>; Muhammad Ali Gulzar via Gradstudents <gradstudents(a)cs.vt.edu> Subject: Re: GRAD STUDENT HAPPY HOUR Hello! I just got this email today but the RSVP form closed, is there any way to still RSVP? Thanks, Kavin Shingala ________________________________ From: Gradstudents <gradstudents-bounces(a)cs.vt.edu> on behalf of Woo, Wesley via Gradstudents <gradstudents(a)cs.vt.edu> Sent: Monday, April 22, 2024 11:42:03 AM To: Muhammad Ali Gulzar via Gradstudents <gradstudents(a)cs.vt.edu> Subject: [Gradstudents] Fw: GRAD STUDENT HAPPY HOUR Hosted by GPSS, this Wednesday starting at 5:30 PM! ________________________________ From: Mondal, Ronnie <mondal(a)vt.edu> Sent: 21 April 2024 13:24 To: Graduate and Professional Student Senate . <gpss(a)vt.edu> Subject: [GPSS Senators] GRAD STUDENT HAPPY HOUR Hi Everyone! TELL YOUR CONSTITUENTS ABOUT THE GRAD STUDENT HAPPY HOUR at PK's Bar and Grill on Wednesday, April 24th starting at 5:30pm. Please fill out this RSVP form<https://forms.office.com/r/R5Mpn4nbCT> by Sunday April 21st midnight. Hope to see all of you there! Ronnie -------[A yellow poster with text and glasses of beer Description automatically generated] [signature_300430827] Ronnie Mondal PhD Candidate, Chemistry President, GPSS<http://gpss.vt.edu/> | gpss(a)vt.edu<mailto:gpss@vt.edu> CGSS<mailto:cgss-g@vt.edu>, GHS<https://graduateschool.vt.edu/academics/expectations/graduate-honor-system.…> | 420 Davidson Hall Get in Touch with the GPSS<https://forms.gle/KpDEicGB36APzAsp6>

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CS Showcase Event
by Watson, Joan 24 Apr '24

24 Apr '24

Good morning, CS Students! We hope you will join us for the inaugural CS Department Showcase on Saturday, April 27, 2024! Bring your families, friends, and neighbors to celebrate our Showcase as part of Virginia Tech’s UT PROSIM Weekend activities. >From 1:00-4:00 PM on next Saturday afternoon, we will be giving guided walking tours of Torgersen, Gilbert Place, and D&DS, where undergraduate and graduate student research will be displayed and tech demos will be featured. Please see the attached flyer for more information. If you have an interest in participating (greeting visitors, assisting with tours, etc.) you are more than welcome to do so for all or part of the afternoon. Please contact Debbie Zier (debzi5(a)vt.edu<mailto:debzi5@vt.edu>) ASAP. Thanks for helping to spread the word! We hope to see you there! All the best, Joan *************** Joan Monahan Watson, Ph.D. Director of Administrative Operations Department of Computer Science Virginia Tech 3160D Torgersen Hall 620 Drillfield Drive Blacksburg, VA 24061 Phone: 540.231.8874 Email: jmwatson(a)vt.edu<mailto:jmwatson@vt.edu>

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