News & EventsDepartment Events & Announcements
Events
-
Feb12
EVENT DETAILS
Wednesday / CS Seminar
February 12th / 12:00 PM
Hybrid / Mudd 3514Speaker
Wenting ZhaoTalk Title
Reasoning in the WildAbstract
In this talk, I will discuss how to build natural language processing (NLP) systems that solve real-world problems requiring complex reasoning. I will address three key challenges. First, because real-world reasoning tasks often differ from the data used in pretraining, I will introduce WildChat, a dataset of reasoning questions collected from users, and demonstrate how training on it enhances language models’ reasoning abilities. Second, because supervision is often limited in practice, I will describe my approach to enabling models to perform multi-hop reasoning without direct supervision. Finally, since many real-world applications demand reasoning beyond natural language, I will introduce a language agent capable of acting on external feedback. I will conclude by outlining a vision for training the next generation of AI reasoning models.Biography
Wenting Zhao is a Ph.D. candidate in Computer Science at Cornell University, advised by Claire Cardie and Sasha Rush. Her research focuses on the intersection of natural language processing and reasoning, where she develops techniques to effectively reason over real-world scenarios. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post and TechCrunch. She has co-organized several tutorials and workshops, including the VerifAI: AI Verification in the Wild workshop at ICLR 2025 and the Complex Reasoning in Natural Language tutorial at ACL 2023. In 2024, she was recognized as a rising star in Generative AI and was named Intern of the Year at the Allen Institute for AI in 2023.Research/Interest Areas
natural language processing, AI, reasoning
---
Zoom: https://northwestern.zoom.us/j/93876523769?pwd=T8R2mKPRz0mgkb1Ygjokp3OcRwAUnX.1
Panopto: https://northwestern.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=f01e4368-11b0-45f1-bdb6-b27b0117a5cd
Community Connections Topic: Building a community of careTIME Wednesday, February 12, 2025 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)
-
Feb12
EVENT DETAILS
Speaker
Samir KhullerTalk Title
How to succeed in doing a PhD? The untold story.....Abstract
Doing a PhD is about doing innovative research. However, even after doing innovative research, sometimes people are not successful in their goals. Why?
While doing a PhD there are many skills that are needed for long term life/career success. How should you plan/prepare for this? How do you prepare for long term success in a research career? How should you take advantage of the cards in life you are dealt with?
In this talk, I will share a few lessons - some I learnt the hard way, some I learnt by sheer luck and others I am yet to learn. However, I am happy to share what I know with you. At the end of the discussion, you are welcome to share your own lessons as well.
Part of this personal life story is about (a) how to be proactive (b) how to self evaluate yourself and (c) how to take advantage of pitfalls as well as opportunities.Biography
Samir Khuller received his M.S and Ph.D from Cornell University in 1989 and 1990, respectively, under the supervision of Vijay Vazirani. He spent two years as a Research Associate at the University of Maryland, before joining the Computer Science Department in 1992, where he was a Professor for 27 years. He spent several summers at the IBM T. J. Watson Research Center, and also visited the IBM Tokyo Research Lab for several weeks. From 2003 to 2008 he was the Associate Chair for Graduate Education. and he was the first Elizabeth Stevinson Iribe Chair for CS. As chair he led the development of the Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Science and Innovation, a project completed in March 2019. In March 2019, Khuller joined Northwestern University as the Peter and Adrienne Barris Chair for CS.Research/Interest Areas
Algorithm Design
---
Zoom:https://northwestern.zoom.us/j/94411561748TIME Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
LOCATION Mudd Library, Mudd Hall ( formerly Seeley G. Mudd Library) map it
CONTACT Jensen Smith jensen.smith@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR Department of Computer Science (CS)
-
Feb14
EVENT DETAILS
Friday / CS Seminar
February 13th / 12:00 PM
Hybrid / Mudd 3514Speaker
Kaitlyn Zhou, Stanford UniversityTalk Title
Broadening AI Utility Through Natural Language InterfacesAbstract
In this talk, I will present the novel dynamics of human interaction with large language models (human-LM interaction), focusing on how these systems shape human decision-making, trust, and reliance. As the world seeks to integrate the innovations of foundation models into everyday work and life, my mission is to design human-centered natural language interfaces to augment human intelligence and democratize access to AI. My work pioneers key advancements in natural language processing and human-computer interaction by: 1) uncovering core algorithmic risks in current human-LM interactions, 2) articulating the factors that complicate human-AI interactions, and 3) proposing new human-LM interactions to serve the needs of a broader population.Biography
Kaitlyn Zhou is PhD candidate in computer science at Stanford University, advised by Dan Jurafsky. Her contributions have been recognized at top-tier conferences in NLP and HCI. She has received awards such as MIT EECS Rising Star, Stanford Graduate Fellowship, and the College of Engineering Dean’s Medal, and her methods have been featured in high-profile news outlets like the New York Times and Wall Street Journal. Kaitlyn has long advocated for increased access, inclusion, and equity in higher education and was appointed by the Washington State Governor to serve on the University of Washington Board of Regents.Research/Interest Areas
natural language processing, human-computer interactions
---
Zoom: https://northwestern.zoom.us/j/98362439009?pwd=c89YlFRcBHSe1XH0PEl5rKu0HtuRpA.1
Panopto: https://northwestern.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=6719566d-cf13-45ec-a0f3-b27b0117b56e
Community Connections Topic: Black History MonthTIME Friday, February 14, 2025 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)
-
Feb17
EVENT DETAILS
Monday / CS Seminar
February 17th / 12:00 PM
Hybrid / Mudd 3514Speaker
Ainesh BakshiTalk Title
Understanding Quantum Systems via the Algorithmic LensAbstract
Quantum mechanics is one of our most profound and successful theoretical frameworks for understanding the physical world. It continues to drive remarkable technological and theoretical breakthroughs, spanning computing, coding theory, cryptography, material science, and chemistry. In this talk, I will describe how the algorithmic lens has been pivotal in rigorously analyzing such quantum systems and revealed deeper structural properties that were previously inaccessible through traditional approaches.Biography
Ainesh Bakshi is a Postdoctoral Fellow jointly appointed in the Mathematics and Computer Science departments at MIT. Prior to that, he obtained his PhD in Computer Science at CMU. He is broadly interested in theoretical computer science and quantum information. His main research thread revolves around using the algorithmic toolkit, consisting of iterative methods and convex hierarchies, to understand large quantum systems. These results have gained significant attention recently, including two Quanta articles, two QIP Invited Plenaries, a QIP Best Student Paper, and being featured in Quanta Magazine’s “Biggest Breakthroughs in Computer Science 2024.” He is also interested in extending this algorithmic toolkit and applying it to problems arising in high-dimensional statistics, privacy, metric embeddings, and numerical linear algebra.Research/Interest Areas
Theoretical Computer Science, Quantum Information
---
Zoom: TBA
Panopto: TBA
Community Connections Topic: Algorithmic Justice League / Dr. Joy BuolamwiniTIME Monday, February 17, 2025 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)
-
Feb18
EVENT DETAILSmore info
From generating text and images to understanding problems and making decisions, artificial intelligence has prompted a wave of experimentation at work. Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Eric Horvitz, Chief Scientific Officer of Microsoft and Dr. David Autor, Rubinfeld Professor of Economics at MIT, contributing authors to the National Academies Report on Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work. This timely discussion will delve into the evolving landscape of work, addressing critical issues such as creating new forms of valuable work and augmenting workers to changing workplace dynamics and labor. The public will gain valuable strategies for navigating workforce changes. Researchers will gain critical insights into AI development and work. And policymakers will understand the need for flexible responses. Don’t miss this chance to engage with thought leaders shaping the future of work and gain actionable insight to stay ahead in our rapidly changing world.
TIME Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
CONTACT Madison Deyo madison.deyo@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR Center for Human-Computer Interaction + Design (HCI+D)
-
Feb19
EVENT DETAILS
Monday / CS Seminar
January 13th / 12:00 PM
Hybrid / Mudd 3514Speaker
TBATalk Title
TBAAbstract
TBABiography
TBAResearch/Interest Areas
TBA
---
Zoom: TBA
Panopto: TBA
Community Connections Topic: TBATIME Wednesday, February 19, 2025 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)
-
Feb21
EVENT DETAILS
Monday / CS Seminar
January 13th / 12:00 PM
Hybrid / Mudd 3514Speaker
TBATalk Title
TBAAbstract
TBABiography
TBAResearch/Interest Areas
TBA
---
Zoom: TBA
Panopto: TBA
Community Connections Topic: TBATIME Friday, February 21, 2025 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)
-
Feb24
EVENT DETAILS
Monday / CS Seminar
January 13th / 12:00 PM
Hybrid / Mudd 3514Speaker
TBATalk Title
TBAAbstract
TBABiography
TBAResearch/Interest Areas
TBA
---
Zoom: TBA
Panopto: TBA
Community Connections Topic: TBATIME Monday, February 24, 2025 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)
-
Feb26
EVENT DETAILS
Monday / CS Seminar
January 13th / 12:00 PM
Hybrid / Mudd 3514Speaker
TBATalk Title
TBAAbstract
TBABiography
TBAResearch/Interest Areas
TBA
---
Zoom: TBA
Panopto: TBA
DEI Minute: tinyurl.com/cspac-dei-minuteTIME Wednesday, February 26, 2025 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)
-
Feb27
EVENT DETAILS
Join us for free bagels and coffee courtesy of the Computer Science Department. Come mix and mingle with fellow CS students and faculty.
TIME Thursday, February 27, 2025 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)
-
Feb28
EVENT DETAILS
Monday / CS Seminar
January 13th / 12:00 PM
Hybrid / Mudd 3514Speaker
TBATalk Title
TBAAbstract
TBABiography
TBAResearch/Interest Areas
TBA
---
Zoom: TBA
Panopto: TBA
DEI Minute: tinyurl.com/cspac-dei-minuteTIME Friday, February 28, 2025 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)
-
Mar3
EVENT DETAILS
Monday / CS Seminar
January 13th / 12:00 PM
Hybrid / Mudd 3514Speaker
TBATalk Title
TBAAbstract
TBABiography
TBAResearch/Interest Areas
TBA
---
Zoom: TBA
Panopto: TBA
DEI Minute: tinyurl.com/cspac-dei-minuteTIME Monday, March 3, 2025 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)
-
Mar5
EVENT DETAILS
Monday / CS Seminar
January 13th / 12:00 PM
Hybrid / Mudd 3514Speaker
TBATalk Title
TBAAbstract
TBABiography
TBAResearch/Interest Areas
TBA
---
Zoom: TBA
Panopto: TBA
DEI Minute: tinyurl.com/cspac-dei-minuteTIME Wednesday, March 5, 2025 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)
-
Mar7
EVENT DETAILS
Monday / CS Seminar
January 13th / 12:00 PM
Hybrid / Mudd 3514Speaker
TBATalk Title
TBAAbstract
TBABiography
TBAResearch/Interest Areas
TBA
---
Zoom: TBA
Panopto: TBA
DEI Minute: tinyurl.com/cspac-dei-minuteTIME Friday, March 7, 2025 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)
-
Mar10
EVENT DETAILS
Monday / CS Seminar
January 13th / 12:00 PM
Hybrid / Mudd 3514Speaker
TBATalk Title
TBAAbstract
TBABiography
TBAResearch/Interest Areas
TBA
---
Zoom: TBA
Panopto: TBA
DEI Minute: tinyurl.com/cspac-dei-minuteTIME Monday, March 10, 2025 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)
-
Mar12
EVENT DETAILS
Monday / CS Seminar
January 13th / 12:00 PM
Hybrid / Mudd 3514Speaker
TBATalk Title
TBAAbstract
TBABiography
TBAResearch/Interest Areas
TBA
---
Zoom: TBA
Panopto: TBA
DEI Minute: tinyurl.com/cspac-dei-minuteTIME Wednesday, March 12, 2025 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)
-
Mar14
EVENT DETAILS
Monday / CS Seminar
January 13th / 12:00 PM
Hybrid / Mudd 3514Speaker
TBATalk Title
TBAAbstract
TBABiography
TBAResearch/Interest Areas
TBA
---
Zoom: TBA
Panopto: TBA
DEI Minute: tinyurl.com/cspac-dei-minuteTIME Friday, March 14, 2025 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)
-
Mar17
EVENT DETAILS
Winter exams begin
TIME Monday, March 17, 2025
CONTACT Office of the Registrar nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR University Academic Calendar
-
Mar22
EVENT DETAILS
Spring Break Begins
TIME Saturday, March 22, 2025
CONTACT Office of the Registrar nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR University Academic Calendar
-
Mar31
EVENT DETAILS
Spring Break Ends
TIME Monday, March 31, 2025
CONTACT Office of the Registrar nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR University Academic Calendar