News & EventsDepartment Events & Announcements
Events
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May10
EVENT DETAILS
lessFriday / CS Distinguished Lecture
May 10th / 12:00 PM
Hybrid / Mudd 3514Speaker
Shafi Goldwasser; Simons Institute for the Theory of Computing, University of California BerkeleyTalk Title
Trust, Backdoor Vulnerabilities and Possible MitigationsAbstract
Cryptographic tools and models enable to trust the use of technology platforms controlled by worst case computationally bounded adversaries. In this talk I will use cryptographic modeling and tools to view trust dilemmas in various phases of the machine learning pipelines. We will touch on privacy in the training stage, verification of properties of
machine learning models, and the possibility of achieving robustness in presence of backdoors.Biography
Shafi Goldwasser is Director of the Simons Institute for the Theory of Computing, and Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of California Berkeley. Goldwasser is also the RSA Professor (post tenure) of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT and Professor Emeritus of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics at the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel. Goldwasser holds a B.S. Applied Mathematics from Carnegie Mellon University (1979), and M.S. and Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of California Berkeley (1984).
Goldwasser's contributions include the introduction of probabilistic encryption, interactive zero knowledge protocols, elliptic curve primality testings, hardness of approximation proofs for combinatorial problems, combinatorial property testing, and pseudo deterministic algorithms.
Goldwasser was the recipient of the ACM Turing Award in 2012, the Gödel Prize in 1993 and in 2001, the ACM Grace Murray Hopper Award in 1996, the RSA Award in Mathematics in 1998, the ACM Athena Award for Women in Computer Science in 2008, the Benjamin Franklin Medal in 2010, the IEEE Emanuel R. Piore Award in 2011, the Simons Foundation Investigator Award in 2012, and the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in 2018. Goldwasser is a member of the NAS, NAE, AAAS, the Russian Academy of Science, the Israeli Academy of Science, the London Royal Mathematical Society and a Foreign Member of the Royal Society. Goldwasser holds honorary degrees from Ben Gurion University, Bar Ilan University, Carnegie Mellon University, Haifa University, University of Oxford, and the University of Waterloo, and has received the UC Berkeley Distinguished Alumnus Award and the Barnard College Medal of Distinction.
Research Area/Interests
Cryptography, Complexity, Probabilistic AlgorithmsZoom: https://northwestern.zoom.us/j/99797040711?pwd=OWtvMGE1TU0rNmdkUEtqb2IrNmJEUT09
TIME Friday, May 10, 2024 at 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
LOCATION 3514, Mudd Hall ( formerly Seeley G. Mudd Library) map it
CONTACT Wynante R Charles wynante.charles@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR Department of Computer Science (CS)
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May17
EVENT DETAILS
lessFriday / CS Seminar
May 17th / 12:00 PM
Hybrid / Mudd 3514Speaker
Stephen Xia, Northwestern UniversityTalk Title
Actuating Humans and Drones Towards Smarter and Efficient Built EnvironmentsAbstract
We spend 90% of our time in our homes and buildings, which consume 75% of the electricity and greenhouse gas emissions. Optimizing the control of building resources is critical for realizing greener built environments that are convenient, comfortable, and energy efficient. Traditionally, solutions have centered around tuning three classes of knobs: heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and appliances. In this talk, I will discuss several lines of work for realizing two unconventional resources that our buildings can interact with and, more importantly, “actuate” to achieve greater improvements in comfort, health, automation, and energy efficiency: humans and drones. Specifically, I will discuss how we can significantly improve energy savings, comfort, and health of occupants by adding a single knob: “recommending” occupants to move locations. Next, I will discuss ongoing work towards enabling drones as another unconventional resource that our environments can actuate alongside more traditional building appliances. Finally, I will conclude with a discussion on future directions and open challenges for optimizing future buildings and smart cities with humans, drones, and other robotics.Biography
Stephen Xia is an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Northwestern University. His research lies at the intersection between systems, embedded machine learning, and signal processing, spanning areas in mobile and embedded computing, Internet-of-Things, cyber-physical systems, artificial intelligence, and smart health. His work focuses on realizing truly intelligent and autonomous environments by embedding and utilizing compute, perception, actuation, storage, and networking resources commonly found all around us. Stephen’s research has been highlighted by many popular media outlets, including Mashable, Fast Company, and Gizmodo, and has received various distinctions including multiple Best Demo Awards, Best Presentation Awards, and a Best Paper Award. Prior to Northwestern, Stephen received his Ph.D. in 2022 from Columbia University and his B.S. in 2016 from Rice University, all in Electrical Engineering.Research Area/Interests
mobile and embedded systems, IoT, cyber-physical systems, smart healthZoom: TBA
TIME Friday, May 17, 2024 at 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
LOCATION 3514, Mudd Hall ( formerly Seeley G. Mudd Library) map it
CONTACT Wynante R Charles wynante.charles@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR Department of Computer Science (CS)
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May22
EVENT DETAILS
lessWednesday / CS Distinguished Lecture
May 22nd / 12:00 PM
Hybrid / Mudd 3514Speaker
Brenda Darden Wilkerson, AnitaB.orgTalk Title
The Power of One: Who is Missing In Tech?Abstract
AnitaB.org President and CEO Brenda Darden Wilkerson illustrates the conspicuous absence of women and non-binary individuals in key tech roles, questioning why these voices are often missing from crucial discussions and decision-making processes. She advocates fervently for their inclusion not only as consumers but as creators within the tech landscape, underscoring the detrimental effects of their underrepresentation through examples like biased AI systems and flawed medical devices. Wilkerson also champions the urgency of achieving gender parity in the tech industry, a goal projected to take an unsettling 132 years according to current estimates. With a deep sense of purpose, Wilkerson delves into the essence of humanity that AnitaB.org strives to embody, emphasizing the organization's commitment to understanding and addressing the distinct challenges faced by historically minoritized communities. She concludes by highlighting the critical importance of community and collaboration in overcoming societal challenges, inspiring her listeners to engage actively in creating a more equitable and diverse technological future.Biography
Brenda Darden Wilkerson is a prominent figure in the tech industry, renowned for her dedication to promoting computer science education for all. She is the current President and CEO of AnitaB.org, a global nonprofit organization that works to connect and empower women and non-binary people in technology, with a vision of intersectional gender equity and pay parity in the tech ecosystem.
With over 30 years of experience in the technology industry, Brenda is a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the field. She is a recognized leader in the movement to make computer science education accessible to all, regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic background.
Prior to joining AnitaB.org, she spent 11 years managing computer science and information technology for Chicago Public Schools (CPS). In 2008, while she was still at CPS, she founded the groundbreaking Computer Science for All program, which aims to maximize the potential of every student through a computer science education defined by equity, empowerment, and opportunity. Also, during that time, Brenda founded the Chicago chapter of Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA). Through her efforts, she connected with educators and industry leaders to raise awareness about the importance of computer science education and the need to increase access to those opportunities.
In 2016, Brenda was appointed by President Barack Obama to the White House’s Tech Inclusion Task Force, where she worked with other experts to create strategies for increasing diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. She was also a driving force behind the launch of the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), which seeks to increase the participation of girls and women in computing.
As the leader of AnitaB.org, Brenda has continued to influence technology equity on a global scale. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its reach to include programs that support women and non-binary technologists at all stages of their careers, including mentorship, leadership development, and advocacy.
Brenda’s contributions to the field of technology education have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including the 2017 Computer Science Education Week Champion of Change Award from the White House and the 2019 Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Lifetime Achievement Award. She is a passionate advocate for access, opportunity, and social justice in the tech industry, and her work continues to inspire and empower women, non-binary people, and historically excluded groups in technology.
Brenda was named to the 2023 Forbes 50 Over 50 list for Impact. The third annual list is a collection of founders, innovators, and creators and is divided into four broad categories – Innovation, Impact, Investment, and Lifestyle. The women on the 50 Over 50 Impact list are leading the charge for a better world.
Most recently, Brenda was selected as one of five honorees for the 2024 SXSW Community Service Awards.Research Area/Interests
Emerging Tech, Cybersecurity, AI SafetyZoom: TBA
TIME Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
LOCATION 3514, Mudd Hall ( formerly Seeley G. Mudd Library) map it
CONTACT Wynante R Charles wynante.charles@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR Department of Computer Science (CS)
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May29
EVENT DETAILS
lessWednesday / CS Distinguished Lecture
May 29th / 12:00 PM
Hybrid / Mudd 3514Speaker
Ken ReganTalk Title
TBAAbstract
TBABiography
TBA
Research Area/Interests
TBAZoom: TBA
TIME Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
LOCATION 3514, Mudd Hall ( formerly Seeley G. Mudd Library) map it
CONTACT Wynante R Charles wynante.charles@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR Department of Computer Science (CS)
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May30
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
LOCATION 3514, Mudd Hall ( formerly Seeley G. Mudd Library) map it
CONTACT Wynante R Charles wynante.charles@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR Department of Computer Science (CS)
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May30
EVENT DETAILS
lessYou are invited to our annual CS End of the Year Awards & Ice Cream Social! Held on Thursday, May 30th on the 1st floor lobby of Mudd and awards will begin at 3pm. If you are interested in attending, please be sure to RSVP by following this link https://shorturl.at/elpRW.
TIME Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
LOCATION 1st Floor Lobby, Mudd Hall ( formerly Seeley G. Mudd Library) map it
CONTACT Wynante R Charles wynante.charles@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR Department of Computer Science (CS)
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Jun10
EVENT DETAILSmore info
lessMcCormick School of Engineering PhD Hooding and Master’s Degree Recognition Ceremony
TIME Monday, June 10, 2024 at 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
LOCATION Welsh-Ryan Arena
CONTACT Amy Pokrass amy.pokrass@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science
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Jun10
TIME Monday, June 10, 2024 at 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
LOCATION Welsh-Ryan Arena
CONTACT Amy Pokrass amy.pokrass@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science
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Aug14
EVENT DETAILSmore info
lessInnovation in Quantum Pedagogy, Application, and its Relation to Culture (IQ-PARC), funded by the Department of Defense — National Defense Education Program, is extending an invitation to underrepresented students nationwide (including military-connected students) to participate in a summer school focused on quantum technologies, to be held at Northwestern University. Join us for presentations by faculty and industry partners introducing quantum technologies, cutting-edge research areas, and related job opportunities particularly in the areas of national security.
This effort aims to foster an inclusive environment that encourages participation from all corners of the academic community. Successful applicants will receive up to $1,000 USD to cover travel and lodging expenses in Evanston, IL.
Priority application deadline: May 15, 2024.
Decisions will be sent by June 15, 2024.
TIME Wednesday, August 14, 2024
LOCATION Ford Motor Company Engineering Design Center map it
CONTACT Dongyang Li lidongyang@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science
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Aug15
EVENT DETAILSmore info
lessInnovation in Quantum Pedagogy, Application, and its Relation to Culture (IQ-PARC), funded by the Department of Defense — National Defense Education Program, is extending an invitation to underrepresented students nationwide (including military-connected students) to participate in a summer school focused on quantum technologies, to be held at Northwestern University. Join us for presentations by faculty and industry partners introducing quantum technologies, cutting-edge research areas, and related job opportunities particularly in the areas of national security.
This effort aims to foster an inclusive environment that encourages participation from all corners of the academic community. Successful applicants will receive up to $1,000 USD to cover travel and lodging expenses in Evanston, IL.
Priority application deadline: May 15, 2024.
Decisions will be sent by June 15, 2024.
TIME Thursday, August 15, 2024
LOCATION Ford Motor Company Engineering Design Center map it
CONTACT Dongyang Li lidongyang@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science