September 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…]

2 1

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/

2 6

Google Virtual Events Week Starts TOMORROW
by Shirkey, Claire 01 Oct '24

01 Oct '24

Hi all, I wanted to share this exciting opportunity one more time before it starts: Google Virtual Events Week. This series includes four virtual events: * Resume Workshop * Technical Interview Workshop * STEP Interview Overview * Navigating Recruitment You can find the RSVP link, event dates, and additional details in the attached document. Feel free to check it out, and I hope you find these sessions helpful! Wishing you a great rest of your week! Best, Claire Shirkey Strategic Relationships Manager, CS|Source Department of Computer Science Virginia Tech 3160L Torgersen Hall 620 Drillfield Drive Blacksburg, VA 24061

1 1

Google Virtual Events NEXT WEEK
by Shirkey, Claire 25 Sep '24

25 Sep '24

Hi all, I wanted to share another exciting opportunity that just came up: Google Virtual Events Week. This series includes four virtual events: * Resume Workshop * Technical Interview Workshop * STEP Interview Overview * Navigating Recruitment You can find the RSVP link, event dates, and additional details in the attached document. Feel free to check it out, and I hope you find these sessions helpful! Wishing you a great rest of your Wednesday! Best, Claire Shirkey Strategic Relationships Manager, CS|Source Department of Computer Science Virginia Tech 3160L Torgersen Hall 620 Drillfield Drive Blacksburg, VA 24061

1 0

CS|Source Announcements and Opportunities | Wednesday, September 25, 2024
by Shirkey, Claire 25 Sep '24

25 Sep '24

[cid:image001.png@01DB0F1E.1D8B1010] 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@01DB0F1E.1D8B1010] Showing of "Coded Bias" with a Panel Discussion Join us for a special showing of Coded Bias on October 8, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 9:15 PM at 2150 Torgersen Hall. Following the screening, there will be a panel discussion featuring Virginia Tech faculty and industry partners. This is a great opportunity to watch the film and engage in a conversation about its themes with experts who will address questions from the audience. No registration needed, just show up! For more information, contact Claire Shirkey at clairevs(a)vt.edu.<mailto:clairevs@vt.edu> [cid:image003.png@01DB0F1E.1D8B1010] CapTech Day on Torg Lawn - October 9! Come out to Torgersen Hall Lawn on October 9 from 10 am - 2pm to talk with recruiters from CapTech and learn about the exciting career opportunities they have and enjoy some food! More information coming soon. [cid:image004.png@01DB0F1E.1D8B1010] Connect Event - Registration Closes on FRIDAY Welcome to Connect, a virtual event featuring engaging speakers and educational content hosted by the D. E. Shaw group. We can't wait to get to know you, and for you to learn more about who we are and what we do. You'll have the opportunity to learn about our firm from panel discussions, thought leadership presentations, and Q&A sessions with full-time employees. We'll also offer an in-depth look at our recruiting process. We can't wait to connect! Click THIS LINK<https://campus.events.deshaw.com/event/9f251d0d-3e6b-4cb1-ab3c-436eb7b0a699…> for more information. Event Details: * Date: October 1 and 2, 2024 * Time: There are various session times, so take a look at our agenda<https://campus.events.deshaw.com/rgnE1o> and sign up for any sessions that interest you! * Location: This is a virtual event. We'll share a link closer to the date. * RSVP: Please let us know you're coming by filling out this form<https://campus.events.deshaw.com/xnRMdm>. [cid:image005.png@01DB0F1E.1D8B1010] 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 - The Women Behind NSA's Mission (Virtual) Date: 10/9/2024 Time: 4:00pm EDT Registration link: https://cicad.us/4eluVAz Handshake event link: https://app.joinhandshake.com/emp/events/1598150 Event description: Join us as women behind our mission discuss how our culture fosters innovation, new ways of thinking and a drive to succeed. At NSA, you're surrounded by people who offer different perspectives and areas of expertise. They'll inspire you to rise to any challenge, whether it's solving a problem, developing new skills through continuing education or taking you under their wing as mentees. 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.

1 0

Invitation to Donghan Hu's Ph.D. Dissertation Exam (9/25)
by Lee, Sang Won 24 Sep '24

24 Sep '24

Hi, You are cordially invited to Donghan Hu's Ph.D. dissertation exam. I've included the details below. Best, Sang Won Lee When/Where 9/25/2024(Wednesday) 12:30PM ~2:30PM Gilbert Place Room 3001 https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/83666993126?from=addon Committee Doug Bowman Eun Kyoung Choe Scott McCrickard Sang Won Lee (Chair) Kurt Luther Title: Using Screenshots as a Medium to Support Knowledge Workers’ Productivity Abstract: As computer users increasingly rely on digital tools for daily tasks, the complexity of their working environments continues to grow. Modern knowledge workers must navigate a diverse array of digital resources, including documents, websites, applications, and other information. This complexity presents challenges in managing multiple activities to maintain productivity, such as handling interruptions, resuming tasks, curating resources, recalling context, retrieving previously closed digital resources, and fostering self-reflection. Despite these challenges, there has been limited research on leveraging visual cues to help users reconstruct their previous mental context, retrieve digital resources, and enhance self-reflection for behavioral change. Therefore, this Ph.D. dissertation addresses these gaps by focusing on: (1) investigating the existing challenges users face in curating digital resources, (2) designing and implementing supportive applications for task resumption, (3) developing methods that utilize screenshots and metadata for reconstructing mental context and retrieving resources, and (4) enhancing the processes of self-reflection and behavioral change to improve overall productivity.

1 0

CS Grad Council Meeting This Wednesday (Sept 25)
by Ibn Arif, Kazi Hasan 23 Sep '24

23 Sep '24

Hi Everyone, Hope you all enjoyed the back-to-school pizza party! Just a quick reminder about our next CS Grad Council meeting this Wednesday, September 25 at 11 AM in Gilbert (4th floor, Room 4001). We’ll discuss some ongoing issues, career fair, logistics, and upcoming events. There will be chips & sodas for refreshments! Can’t make it in person? Join us via Zoom: Zoom Link<https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/87009667028>. Looking forward to seeing you there! Best, Hasan Secretary, CSGC 2024-25 -- Kazi Hasan Ibn Arif Graduate Student at Virginia Tech Dept. of Computer Science LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/kazi-hasan-ibn-arif-8b78a61a3?utm_source=share&…> | Google Scholar<https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3OhNWLcAAAAJ&hl=en>

1 0

FW: FREEING THE DARK HORSE: EXPLORING CAREER VERSATILITY workshop for BIPOC/minoritized graduate students - Thurs. Sept. 26, 4-5:30 pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
by Yao, Danfeng 20 Sep '24

20 Sep '24

FYI. Career events organized by the APIDA+ Center. Best, Daphne Yao Professor of Computer Science Gilbert Place, Room 4311 Virginia Tech https://people.cs.vt.edu/~danfeng/ From: "Ha, Nina" <nha(a)vt.edu> Date: Friday, September 20, 2024 at 11:27 AM To: APIDACaucus <apidacaucus-g(a)vt.edu> Cc: "Kaur, Antarjot" <kaura(a)vt.edu>, "Thomas, Alex Lien" <athomas55(a)vt.edu>, "Ausman, Michelle" <mchoiausman(a)vt.edu>, "Oliver, Lauren" <laurenoliver(a)vt.edu>, "Young, Susie" <susanna(a)vt.edu> Subject: Fw: FREEING THE DARK HORSE: EXPLORING CAREER VERSATILITY workshop for BIPOC/minoritized graduate students - Thurs. Sept. 26, 4-5:30 pm, GLC Multipurpose Room Good Morning, Everyone, Could you please share this information with the graduate students, particularly BIPOC and minoritized graduate students, especially regarding the second flyer - 4 - 5:30 PM? Appreciate your consideration. Thanks for your support and consideration. Sincerely, Nina Nina Ha, Ph.D. Director, Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) + Center (Room 140) Co-PI for the AANAPISI Grant (Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution) Squires Student Center Virginia Tech Tel. 540-231-6023 Pronouns: She/Her/Hers Office for Inclusion and Diversity (OID) Cultural & Community Centers | A Unit of the Office for Inclusion and Diversity InclusiveVT is the institutional and individual commitment to Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence. [signature_1383675297] ________________________________ From: Mehra, Shaila <shailamehra(a)vt.edu> Sent: Friday, September 20, 2024 10:23 AM To: Ha, Nina <nha(a)vt.edu>; Bingham, Bing <anbingham(a)vt.edu>; Faircloth, Melissa <missy86(a)vt.edu>; Clark, Kimberly <kdcshaw(a)vt.edu>; Montes, Veronica <vmontes(a)vt.edu> Subject: FREEING THE DARK HORSE: EXPLORING CAREER VERSATILITY workshop for BIPOC/minoritized graduate students - Thurs. Sept. 26, 4-5:30 pm, GLC Multipurpose Room Dear CCC Directors: This is the second in the series for graduate students being offered by Dr. Karen Cardozo. Please circulate to underrepresented/minoritized/BIPOC graduate students on your lists. Sincerely, Shaila Shaila Mehra, PhD Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Virginia Tech You are invited to a special workshop on academic culture and career versatility tailored for BIPOC/minoritized graduate students. FREEING THE DARK HORSE: ACADEMIC CULTURE AND CAREER VERSATILITY FOR BIPOC/MINORITIZED GRADUATE STUDENTS<https://forms.office.com/r/wrDAqm6LZA> Who: Graduate students in all programs and all disciplines at VT who identify as underrepresented, minoritized, and/or BIPOC Where: GLC Multipurpose Room When: Thursday, September 26, 4-5:30 pm Click to RSVP<https://forms.office.com/r/wrDAqm6LZA> here (in person only) Co-sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences DEI office and the Graduate School Description: “To support marginalized populations, we must recognize their divergent experiences of academic socialization, as well as diversity of vocational aspirations. Efforts to support career diversity are inextricable from larger attempts to achieve equity, inclusion, and belonging for the full spectrum of intersectional identities in higher ed.” This workshop draws from Dr. Cardozo’s recent collection Higher Education Careers Beyond the Professoriate<https://www.press.purdue.edu/blog/2024/03/19/you-do-you-new-career-paradigm…> to explore the distinctive experiences of minoritized students in higher education and how those experiences shape their goals and desires for what a fulfilling professional life can look like. We will discuss various strategies to affirm your identity and agency when coming up against the “brick wall” of institutional structures (Ahmed) and developing healthy boundaries while living in The Shadow of the Ivory Tower (Baldwin). We will take an affirming approach to empowering you to build your own authentic body of work. Ultimately not subject to institutional mandate or sanction, your body of work is an idiosyncratic portfolio you can take with you wherever you go. It’s the only way to ride through precarity and uncertainty toward freedom, fulfillment, and success on your own terms. This workshop is in-person only and participants will greatly benefit from also attending the hands-on “Cultivating All Your Options”<https://forms.office.com/r/GYqTMaV4P1> workshop on Sept. 26 from 2-3:30 pm in the GLC Multipurpose Room. (See both attached flyers for more details and RSVP info.) About the speaker: Dr. Karen Cardozo has, over the course of a long career in higher education, traversed the realms of contingent faculty, tenured faculty, dean, career center director, and coaching/consulting both privately and within institutions. She holds an MA in Higher Education Administration (Harvard University) and PhD in American literary studies (U Massachusetts – Amherst). Cardozo has published in journals such as American Studies, Profession, and Signs, as well as “Academic Labor: Who Cares?” in Critical Sociology (2017). Her newest co-edited book is the open-access Higher Education Careers Beyond the Professoriate<https://www.press.purdue.edu/9781612498966/higher-education-careers-beyond-…> (Purdue UP, 2024) and her next book, PhreeD: A Guide for Academics Who Want to Get a Life, is forthcoming in 2025. She has coached hundreds of faculty, students, and administrators across the humanities, business, and STEM fields to develop career versatility and identify vibrant options within, around, and outside of the tracked structure of higher education. Questions? Email shailamehra(a)vt.edu<mailto:shailamehra@vt.edu>. Shaila Mehra, Ph.D. Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Virginia Tech -- The Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Caucus at Virginia Tech is an advocacy and support group for faculty, staff, and graduate students who self-identify as APIDA and their allies, regardless of citizenship and national origin. For more information and updates on the APIDA Caucus at Virginia Tech, please visit https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/aaac/. --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "APIDACaucus" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to apidacaucus-g+unsubscribe(a)vt.edu<mailto:apidacaucus-g+unsubscribe@vt.edu>. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/a/vt.edu/d/msgid/apidacaucus-g/BN6PR05MB3346F85CC…<https://groups.google.com/a/vt.edu/d/msgid/apidacaucus-g/BN6PR05MB3346F85CC…>.

1 0

CS | Root Fall Showcase Celebration & Winter Cohort
by Welch, Makayla 19 Sep '24

19 Sep '24

Hi all! Please see the important flyers attached to this email in regards to upcoming CS | Root events and opportunities! Tomorrow, September 20th is the CS | Root Fall Celebration. See flyer for more details. Attached you will also see information about the Winter CS | Root cohort! Please look at the flyers for contact information with questions. Thanks! Have a great day! Makayla Welch Receptionist & Events Coordinator Department of Computer Science

1 0

CS|Source Announcements and Opportunities | Wednesday, September 18, 2024
by Shirkey, Claire 18 Sep '24

18 Sep '24

[cid:image001.png@01DB09AA.9D7A7460] 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@01DB09AA.9D7A7460] Hokie Electric Vehicle Team Info Session - TODAY Join the EcoCAR EV Challenge Team! We compete in the EcoCAR EV Challenge, an international collegiate competition sponsored by General Motors, MathWorks, and the U.S. Department of Energy. Our goal is to modify a 2023 Cadillac Lyriq with a custom All-Wheel-Drive powertrain and innovative autonomous driving features. Our subteams include: - Project Management - System Design & Integration - Propulsion Controls & Modeling - Connected & Automated Vehicles - Communications - Equity in Mobility Information Session: * Date: September 18th * Time: 7:00 PM * Location: Goodwin Hall, Room 125 We are recruiting students from all majors, with a focus on ME, CS, CPE, EE, and ISE. Attend this session to learn about the team and how to join for the spring semester! [cid:image003.png@01DB09AA.9D7A7460] Anduril On-Campus Info Session Anduril is coming to Virginia Tech's campus on September 19 from 5:30 - 7 PM, and we hope to see you there! This event will be held at Squires Student Center, Owens Ballroom. For this info session we will have engineers share about Anduril, our products, and what they are working on at the company. We will also have a recruiter share about our intern program: what our interns work on, events, and we'll have time for Q&A with our attendees. Please see the attached flyer for more info or go to handshake: https://app.joinhandshake.com/emp/events/1567535.<https://app.joinhandshake.com/emp/events/1567535> [cid:image004.png@01DB09AA.9D7A7460] RBTC Event! The Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council (RBTC) has some exciting events coming up that we'd love to share with our community: * Tech and Toast: On September 24th, RBTC is hosting a Tech and Toast at Warm Hearth at 8:00 AM. The topic for discussion will be "Hiring AI." This event is a great networking opportunity for students, faculty, and professionals interested in the latest tech trends. Find out more here.<https://member.rbtc.tech/events/tech-and-toast-september-2024> [cid:image005.png@01DB09AA.9D7A7460] 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 - The Women Behind NSA's Mission (Virtual) Date: 10/9/2024 Time: 4:00pm EDT Registration link: https://cicad.us/4eluVAz Handshake event link: https://app.joinhandshake.com/emp/events/1598150 Event description: Join us as women behind our mission discuss how our culture fosters innovation, new ways of thinking and a drive to succeed. At NSA, you're surrounded by people who offer different perspectives and areas of expertise. They'll inspire you to rise to any challenge, whether it's solving a problem, developing new skills through continuing education or taking you under their wing as mentees. 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.

1 0