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Events

  • Feb
    24

    CS Seminar: Vector-Centric Machine Learning Systems: A Cross-Stack Approach (Wenqi Jiang)

    Department of Computer Science (CS)

    12:00 PM 3514, Mudd Hall ( formerly Seeley G. Mudd Library)

    EVENT DETAILS

    Monday / CS Seminar
    February 24th / 12:00 PM
    Hybrid / Mudd 3514

    Speaker
    Wenqi Jiang, ETH Zurich

    Talk Title
    Vector-Centric Machine Learning Systems: A Cross-Stack Approach

    Abstract
    "Despite the recent popularity of large language models (LLMs), the transformer neural network invented eight years ago has remained largely unchanged. It prompts the question of whether machine leanring (ML) systems research is solely about improving hardware and software for tensor operations. In this talk, I will argue that the future of machine learning systems extends far beyond model acceleration. Using the increasingly popular retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) paradigm as an example, I will show that the growing complexity of ML systems demands a deeply collaborative effort spanning data management, systems, computer architecture, and ML.

    I will present RAGO and Chameleon, two pioneering works in this field. RAGO is the first systematic performance study of retrieval-augmented generation. It uncovers the intricate interactions between vector data systems and models, revealing drastically different performance characteristics across various RAG workloads. To navigate this complex landscape, RAGO introduces a system optimization framework to explore optimal system configurations for arbitrary RAG algorithms. Building on these insights, I will introduce Chameleon, the first heterogeneous accelerator system for RAG. Chameleon combines LLM and retrieval accelerators within a disaggregated architecture. The heterogeneity ensures efficient serving of both LLM inference and retrievals, while the disaggregation enables independent scaling of different system components to accommodate diverse RAG workload requirements. I will conclude the talk by emphasizing the necessity of cross-stack co-design for future ML systems and the abundant of opporutnities ahead of us."

    Biography
    Wenqi Jiang is a final-year PhD student at ETH Zurich, advised by Gustavo Alonso and Torsten Hoefler. He aims to enable more efficient, next-generation machine learning systems. Rather than focusing on a single layer in the computing stack, Wenqi's research spans the intersections of data management, computer systems, and computer architecture. His work has driven advancements in several areas, including retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), vector search, and recommender systems. These contributions have earned him recognition as one of the ML and Systems Rising Stars, as well as the AMD HACC Outstanding Researcher Award.

    Research/Interest Areas
    Data management, computer systems, and computer architecture.
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    Zoom: https://northwestern.zoom.us/j/98746799161?pwd=8tJL888y1j8GrawbwOrTXKT7S9GQA4.1
    Panopto: https://northwestern.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=cd3b91de-4058-478b-8d42-b28901171354
    Community Connections Topic: Black Women in Computing

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    TIME Monday, February 24, 2025 at 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

    LOCATION 3514, Mudd Hall ( formerly Seeley G. Mudd Library)    map it

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    CONTACT Wynante R Charles    wynante.charles@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR Department of Computer Science (CS)

  • Aug
    20

    Alumni Education Webinar: McCormick School of Engineering's Strategic Vision

    McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

    12:00 PM

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

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    CONTACT Andi Joppie    andi.joppie@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

  • Sep
    8

    Welcome & Breakfast for New McCormick PhD Students

    McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

    9:00 AM LR2 & Tech East Plaza, Technological Institute

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Monday, September 8, 2025 at 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

    LOCATION LR2 & Tech East Plaza, Technological Institute    map it

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    CONTACT Andi Joppie    andi.joppie@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

  • Sep
    12

    New Undergraduate Fall 2025 Registration

    University Academic Calendar

    All Day

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Friday, September 12, 2025

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    CONTACT Office of the Registrar    nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar

  • Sep
    15

    Welcome & Luncheon for New Full-time Graduate Students

    McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

    11:00 AM Ryan Auditorium & Tech East Plaza, Technological Institute

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Monday, September 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

    LOCATION Ryan Auditorium & Tech East Plaza, Technological Institute    map it

    ADD TO CALENDAR

    CONTACT Andi Joppie    andi.joppie@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

  • Sep
    16

    Fall Classes Begin. Change of Registration (Drop/Add) Late registration for returning students begins

    University Academic Calendar

    All Day

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Tuesday, September 16, 2025

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    CONTACT Office of the Registrar    nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar

  • Sep
    25

    Bagel Thursday

    Department of Computer Science (CS)

    9:00 AM

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    ADD TO CALENDAR

    CONTACT Wynante R Charles    wynante.charles@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR Department of Computer Science (CS)