July 2025 - Gradstudents - mailman.cs.vt.edu

Fw: ACL 2025 BoF: Bridging Human Study and LLM Agents for Social Simulation
by Wang, Xuan 29 Jul '25

29 Jul '25

Hi all, We are hosting a panel at ACL'25 now. You are all welcome to join if you are interested! Best, Xuan ________________________________ From: Wang, Xuan <xuanw(a)vt.edu> Sent: Monday, July 28, 2025 9:48 AM To: Paul Liang <ppliang(a)mit.edu>; Hao Zhu <zhuhao(a)stanford.edu>; Zhen Wang <zhw085(a)ucsd.edu>; shumiao.ouyang(a)sbs.ox.ac.uk <shumiao.ouyang(a)sbs.ox.ac.uk>; xdong1(a)scu.edu <xdong1(a)scu.edu> Subject: ACL 2025 BoF: Bridging Human Study and LLM Agents for Social Simulation Dear Paul, Hao, Zhen, Shumiao, and Xiaojing, Thank you so much for joining us as panel speakers in our ACL'25 BoF session! Here is the link to our website: https://xuanwang91.github.io/2025-ACL-BOF/. I have also sent you all a calendar invite with the Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81864504603?pwd=cjvK4uCYYMd1AvKcpaqNI0LFRq5bDL.1. This is a 90-minute online session. Our planned schedule is planned as follows: 1. I will briefly introduce all our panelists with a few sentences. 2. Each of you may give a short (10-minute) talk to introduce your work. Feel free to use slides or not as you see fit. 3. I will open the panel discussion with a few questions for you all: * What do you see as the major breakthroughs in LLM for social study? * What do you think are the current limitations/challenges? * What are the most promising ways you think we should go as the next step? 4. Then I hope to leave more time for open discussions with the online audience. Please feel free to let me know if you have any suggestions. I look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday tomorrow! Best, Xuan -------- Assistant Professor Department of Computer Science Sanghani Center for AI and Data Analytics Virginia Tech

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Fully-funded Scholarships to attend Tapia & GHC 2025 - Apply now!
by Seyam, Mohammed 25 Jul '25

25 Jul '25

Greetings CS students! I'm pleased to share the below opportunities with you, which would allow several CS students to participate in one of two renowned CS conferences: Tapia and GHC. Please note that there are two different applications for the two conferences, and you are allowed to apply for both. However, since this is a fully-funded program, and to accommodate for as many participants as possible, a student can be awarded only one scholarship to attend one of the conferences (based on the strength of their application, and the competitiveness of the application pool per conference). In addition to conference attendance, there will be some required pre- and post-conference meetings and activities (through enrollment in CS 2304, which you'll receive more details about if you're awarded a scholarship), as well as engagement activities taking place during the conference days. * TAPIA 2025 - Dallas, TX. - September 10-12, 2025 The CMD-IT/ACM Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing is a unique annual event where CS students, professionals, academics, and industry experts come together to network and discuss their work in the computing field. This year, Tapia is scheduled for September 10-12, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. CS@VT is an Academic Sponsor of Tapia, and it is offering a number of scholarships to attend the conference. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear from and interact with exceptional individuals who are all about embracing our differences and supporting CS students everywhere. After reviewing the conference details, if you believe that you can benefit from attending Tapia and the department will benefit from having you as a representative there, we encourage you to apply through this link<https://bit.ly/Tapia2025CSVT> (https://bit.ly/Tapia2025CSVT), and check the conference website<https://tapiaconference.cmd-it.org/> for more details. Application deadline is August 8, 2025. * GHC 2025 - Chicago, IL. - November 4-7, 2025 The Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing is the world's largest gathering of women in technology. This year, GHC is scheduled for November 4-7, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois. CS@VT is an Academic Sponsor of GHC, and it is offering a number of scholarships to attend this conference. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear from and interact with exceptional individuals who are very active in supporting computing and tech enthusiasts everywhere. After reviewing the conference details, if you believe that you can benefit from attending GHC and the department will benefit from having you as a representative there, we encourage you to apply through this link<https://bit.ly/GHC2025CSVT> (https://bit.ly/GHC2025CSVT), and check the conference website<https://ghc.anitab.org/> for more information. Application deadline is August 8, 2025. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Mohammed Seyam<https://website.cs.vt.edu/people/faculty/mohammed-seyam.html>, PhD Collegiate Associate Professor Director of Experiential Learning<https://xl.vt.edu/> Department of Computer Science<http://cs.vt.edu/> Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VirginiaTech<http://www.vt.edu/>). Website<https://cs.vt.edu/people/faculty/mohammed-seyam.html>|LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/msseyam/>

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PhD dissertation final defense
by Yao, Danfeng 24 Jul '25

24 Jul '25

Hello everyone, I am pleased to invite you to the Dissertation Defense of Tanmoy Sarkar Pias. The details are as follows: Date: 07/28/2025 (Monday) Time: 11:00 AM Title: Methodologies for Systematic Evaluation and Targeted Mitigation of Deficiencies in Critical Machine Learning Models Place: 4211 Gilbert Place Zoom: Meeting ID: 862 9434 4923, Passcode: 902779 Committee: Professor Daphne Yao (Chair), Professor T M Murali (VT), Professor Pearl Chiu (VTC), Dr. Ismini Lourentzou (UIUC), Dr. Shalmali Joshi (Columbia University) Abstract: While machine learning continues to revolutionize healthcare, critical challenges remain unaddressed as models often fail to respond appropriately to life-threatening conditions, exhibit poor generalizability in real-world clinical settings, and show unequal performance across patient subgroups. These limitations compromise the reliability, safety, and trustworthiness of AI-driven decision-making, especially in high-stakes environments like intensive care. This dissertation addresses these challenges by presenting computational strategies tailored for medical domains. First, we develop new methods to systematically evaluate ML models under critical health scenarios. Our findings reveal that current models, trained solely on patient data, have significant blind spots; many fail to recognize severe conditions, accurately predict mortality, or assess injury-related risks. We then address this low responsiveness challenge by integrating domain knowledge into ML modeling and invented two complementary strategies: (i) a custom loss function approach that incorporates domain-specific criteria, and (ii) a rule-based decision tree approach derived from clinical knowledge. The dissertation also demonstrates the effectiveness of data enrichment methods in predicting type 2 diabetes for younger adult patients. Our contributions form a rigorous framework for building more responsive, fair, and clinically trustworthy machine learning systems, paving the way for clinical AI adoption.

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TechGirls Panel Tomorrow
by Jelson, Jelson 23 Jul '25

23 Jul '25

Good Morning Everyone, Just a reminder that our panel is tomorrow morning. Please fill out the slides for use here<https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1zCdtwWey99I3tvuy5N0Cer0bqgyZLD3pxlk…>. As a reminder that we don't want to spend a ton of time talking about research and would prefer to have the panel open to questions. A short introduction and 2-minute elevator pitch about your research is all that we need. Just a reminder about who these girls are: TechGirls is an initiative of the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, implemented by Legacy International in partnership with Virginia Tech. Super talented female high school students (15-17) attend from all over the world (Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia and Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, Middle East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, Western Hemisphere), and we would like to help them understand what it is like to do research and allow them to ask questions about college, graduate school, being a woman in STEM, etc. For more information about the camp, please visit https://techgirlsglobal.org/program/overview-2/. The panel will begin promptly at 11 AM tomorrow , please arrive by 10:50 AM at Lavery 350 (above Turner Place). Let me know if you have any other questions! If I don't reply quickly to your email, you can also call/text at 713-447-4998. I will send another follow up the day before the panel. This is a great experience for them and thank you all for agreeing to participate as panelists. Very Respectfully, Andrew Jelson jelson9854(a)vt.edu PhD student Computer Science Department of Computer Science Virginia Tech

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A research opportunity on robotic fish cutting
by Meng, Na 18 Jul '25

18 Jul '25

Hi all, I’m Na Meng, an Associate Professor in CS@VT. I’m now collaborating with a professor in Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center on a project, which trains a robot to cut fish to maximize yield and minimize waste. For this project, a student will explore to program FAIRINO—a robotic arm to cut fish automatically and optimize the cutting strategy via machine learning and computer vision techniques. The links related to the robot include https://www.devonics.com/collaborative-robot/fairino/fr10 https://github.com/FAIR-INNOVATION/fairino-cpp-sdk/tree/main/linux/ For this project, I expect the selected student to create an initial prototype within one semester. If things go well, the student is likely to receive financial support for continuously improving the initial prototype. If (1) you are interested, (2) have related project experience, and (3) are physically in Blacksburg, please send your resume to nm8247(a)vt.edu<mailto:nm8247@vt.edu>. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks a lot! Cheers, Na

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We're Here for You: Guidance and Resources for Advisor Relationships
by Dr. Eli Tilevich 18 Jul '25

18 Jul '25

Dear Graduate Students, As we head into a new academic year, I'd like to bring up a sensitive but important topic: the advisor-advisee relationship. A strong, respectful, and supportive relationship with your advisor can make a tremendous difference in your graduate experience. We know that grad school can be intense, and it's important that you feel supported and guided as you navigate it. While most advising relationships are constructive, we also recognize that challenges can arise. If that happens, it's okay to reach out for help. Here are some people you can turn to: 1. My door is always open. I encourage you to reach out to me directly, no matter how sensitive the issue may be. I'll treat anything you share with care and respect your comfort level around privacy. Please just know that in certain cases-especially those involving harassment or misconduct-I may be required to involve university officials. If that ever comes up, we'll talk through options together, and I'm always happy to connect you with fully confidential resources if that feels best. 2. The CS Human Resources (HR) Coordinator, Joe Morgan. If you are employed by the university as a GRA or GTA and have questions or concerns about your interactions with your supervisor, whether that's your research advisor for a GRA or instructor of record for a GTA, you're welcome to reach out to Joe at any time. He's also a good non-faculty resource if you have general questions about supervisory relationships or want guidance navigating them. 3. The CS Department Head, Christine Julien. Dr. Julien wants you to know that her door is open as well. No concern is too small, and you should never feel like you're overstepping by reaching out. While her schedule can be full, Debbie Zier ( <mailto:debzi5@vt.edu> debzi5(a)vt.edu) can help find a time that works, often on short notice if needed. 4. The Director of Graduate Programs, Sara Coulson, is a resource and advocate for students. Her office is in Torgersen 1180B, and her door is open-whether a student wants to discuss advisor dynamics, department policies, or just needs a sounding board. Students can drop in, email, or schedule a time to meet. Sometimes it helps just to have someone to listen, and Sara is glad to be that person when needed. There are also resources outside of our department, if you prefer that route - <https://www.graduate.ombudsman.vt.edu/community.html> Bryan Hanson serves as the ombudsperson for the graduate school, and <https://enge.vt.edu/People/researchfaculty/hmatusovich.html> Holly Matusovich serves as the Associate Dean for Graduate and Professional Studies in the College of Engineering. Both are supportive resources and good connections for additional things as needed. We know that every student's experience in our program is different, and if there are other types of support or resources that you would find helpful, please don't hesitate to let us know. We're always working to make our community stronger and more supportive, and your input helps us do that. You are a vital part of this department, and your well-being matters to us. Best, Dr. T. Eli Tilevich, Ph.D. Professor and Associate Dept. Head for Graduate Studies Dept. of Computer Science Virginia Tech <https://people.cs.vt.edu/tilevich/> https://people.cs.vt.edu/tilevich/ Zoom: <https://virginiatech.zoom.us/my/tilevich> https://virginiatech.zoom.us/my/tilevich

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Recruiting for a Research Study on Using Gestures for Learning
by Bruen, Jacqueline 09 Jul '25

09 Jul '25

The Mind Music Machine Lab at Virginia Tech is seeking individuals to participate in a study to determine how gestures can improve the acquisition of algorithmic interpretation skills. During this study, participants will: * Complete a demographic survey. * Learn an algorithmic language either with or without accompanying hand gestures over the course of three 30 minute sessions. * Take two tests in a fourth 30 minute session which assesses your acquisition of various algorithmic interpretation skills. * Take a short 10 minute semi-structured interview. You’re eligible for our study if you: * Are >= 18 years old * Have normal hearing, vision (or correct-to-normal vision), and fine motor skills The study will take a total of approximately two hours over the course of four 30 minute sessions. Each participant will receive compensation of $10/hour. Total compensation for time and effort for the whole study will be $20 in cash, distributed to the participant at the end of the fourth session. You are free to discontinue participation at any point if you feel uneasy or uncomfortable. Interested individuals can reach out to Jacqueline Bruen at jacquelineb(a)vt.edu. The research protocol for this experiment has been reviewed by the Virginia Tech Institutional Review Board (IRB #24-942). Jacqueline Elise Bruen Ph.D. Candidate | Mind Music Machine Lab Department of Computer Science Virginia Tech "Are you in earnest? Seize this very minute: What you can do, or dream you can, begin it; Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Only engage and then the mind grows heated; Begin and then the work will be completed." -Goethe

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Seeking Autistic and Neurotypical Participants for Research Study at SAIL Lab
by Carik, Buse 08 Jul '25

08 Jul '25

Hi all, SAIL lab at Virginia Tech is seeking both autistic neurotypical participants for a study on how autistic and neurotypical individuals engage in text-based conversations. This research protocol has been approved by the Virginia Tech Institutional Review Board (IRB #25-331). The goal of this study is to better understand conversational patterns, moments of misunderstanding, and how people reflect on these interactions. We anticipate that the experiment will take roughly 45–60 minutes. Participation is entirely voluntary, and it is not mandatory for students to take part. You will receive a $20 Amazon gift card upon completion of the study. The study involves a single session (approximately 45–60 minutes) where you will: * Engage in a text-based conversation with another participant using a pseudonym * Review the conversation and annotate moments that were clear, confusing, or challenging * Complete a brief post-study survey You are eligible to participate if: * You are autistic (diagnosed or self-identifying) * Are 18 years or older * Are fluent in English * Are comfortable participating in a text-based conversation If you are interested, you can fill this form: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/AYNBXZ5o6h * You are neurotypical (do not identify as autistic) * Are 18 years or older * Are fluent in English * Are comfortable participating in a text-based conversation If you are interested, you can fill this form: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/AYNBXZ5o6k If you have any question, please let me know. Thank you! Best regards, Buse Carik PhD student Computer Science Department of Computer Science Virginia Tech

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Invitation to Participate in a Workshop on Emotive Captioning in XR Across Cultures
by Ubur, Sunday 03 Jul '25

03 Jul '25

You are invited to participate in an approved (IRB 25-656) research workshop exploring how emotional expression in captions can be better designed for immersive environments like Augmented and Extended Reality (AR/XR) with special attention to cultural differences in communication and emotional interpretation. This workshop is part of a research study titled: “Design Guidelines for Emotive Captioning Systems: Cultural Differences in XR” Date and Time: July 10, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM Eastern Time What’s It About? In XR settings, captions can now go beyond text to include emotional cues, such as emoji, color, animations, and spatial positioning. But how we understand these cues varies across cultures. Our workshop will explore: * How people from different cultural backgrounds perceive emotion in captions * What kinds of visual/emotive enhancements are helpful, confusing, or culturally inappropriate * How Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) and hearing individuals experience these captions in real-time AR environments What Will You Do? You’ll take part in a 1-hour participatory design session, where we’ll: * Show you captioning prototypes with visual emotional enhancements * Ask you to provide feedback, sketch your ideas, and reflect on what “emotionally clear” captioning means to you * Explore scenarios representing high-context and low-context communication styles No prior design or technical experience is required - just your perspective! Who Can Join? We are looking for: * Participants from diverse cultural backgrounds (e.g., North Americana, and International US residents) * Both DHH and hearing individuals who use or are interested in captioning systems * XR or AR experience is welcome, but not required When and Where? The workshop will be held both in person at the Dean’s Board Room (Room 6020), Newman Libraries, Virginia Tech, and virtually via Zoom, based on your preference. What’s in it for you? * The opportunity to shape future inclusive and culturally adaptive technologies * Recognition (optional) in research publications or acknowledgments * A random selection of 5 participants to receive $25 Amazon gift card If you're interested, please complete the brief sign-up form here: https://forms.office.com/r/TQUzUh4qxN We hope you’ll consider lending your insights to help build more inclusive technologies. Sincerely, Sunday Ubur, DVE Lab, Virginia Tech, Department of Computer Science

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