News & EventsDepartment Events & Announcements
Events
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Apr15
EVENT DETAILS
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In collaboration with the Kellogg Operations Department
Monday / CS Seminar
April 15th / 12:15 PM
In Person / Kellogg Global Hub 1120Speaker
Cynthia Rudin, Duke UniversityTalk Title
Simpler Machine Learning Models for a Complicated WorldAbstract
While the trend in machine learning has tended towards building more complicated (black box) models, such models have not shown any performance advantages for many real-world datasets, and they are more difficult to troubleshoot and use. For these datasets, simpler models (sometimes small enough to fit on an index card) can be just as accurate. However, the design of interpretable models is quite challenging due to the "interaction bottleneck" where domain experts must interact with machine learning algorithms.I will present a new paradigm for interpretable machine learning that solves the interaction bottleneck. In this paradigm, machine learning algorithms are not focused on finding a single optimal model, but instead capture the full collection of good (i.e., low-loss) models, which we call "the Rashomon set." Finding Rashomon sets is extremely computationally difficult, but the benefits are massive. I will present the first algorithm for finding Rashomon sets for a nontrivial function class (sparse decision trees) called TreeFARMS. TreeFARMS, along with its user interface TimberTrek, mitigate the interaction bottleneck for users. TreeFARMS also allows users to incorporate constraints (such as fairness constraints) easily.
I will also present a "path," that is, a mathematical explanation, for the existence of simpler-yet-accurate models and the circumstances under which they arise. In particular, problems where the outcome is uncertain tend to admit large Rashomon sets and simpler models. Hence, the Rashomon set can shed light on the existence of simpler models for many real-world high-stakes decisions. This conclusion has significant policy implications, as it undermines the main reason for using black box models for decisions that deeply affect people's lives.
This is joint work with my colleagues Margo Seltzer and Ron Parr, as well as our exceptional students Chudi Zhong, Lesia Semenova, Jiachang Liu, Rui Xin, Zhi Chen, and Harry Chen. It builds upon the work of many past students and collaborators over the last decade.
Here are papers I will discuss in the talk:
Rui Xin, Chudi Zhong, Zhi Chen, Takuya Takagi, Margo Seltzer, Cynthia Rudin
Exploring the Whole Rashomon Set of Sparse Decision Trees, NeurIPS (oral), 2022.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2209.08040Zijie J. Wang, Chudi Zhong, Rui Xin, Takuya Takagi, Zhi Chen, Duen Horng Chau, Cynthia Rudin, Margo Seltzer
TimberTrek: Exploring and Curating Sparse Decision Trees with Interactive Visualization, IEEE VIS, 2022.
https://poloclub.github.io/timbertrek/Lesia Semenova, Cynthia Rudin, and Ron Parr
On the Existence of Simpler Machine Learning Models. ACM Conference on Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency (ACM FAccT), 2022.
https://arxiv.org/abs/1908.01755Lesia Semenova, Harry Chen, Ronald Parr, Cynthia Rudin
A Path to Simpler Models Starts With Noise, NeurIPS, 2023.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2310.19726Biography
TBATIME Monday, April 15, 2024 at 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
LOCATION KGH 1120, Kellogg Global Hub map it
CONTACT Wynante R Charles wynante.charles@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR Department of Computer Science (CS)
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Sep16
EVENT DETAILS
less*Applicable to new MS students. Does not apply to BSMS and BAMS students.
TIME Monday, September 16, 2024
CONTACT MS Student Help ms-help@cs.northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR Department of Computer Science (CS)
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Sep16
EVENT DETAILS
lessNew Ph.D. students and CS-affiliated faculty, all CS-affiliated Ph.D. students are welcome to attend the Fall 2024 Ph.D. orientation. This full day orientation various panels to orient PhD affiliates with the department and get answers to questions about PhD life.
TIME Monday, September 16, 2024 at 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
LOCATION Mudd Hall (Mudd Hall ( formerly Seeley G. Mudd Library))3514, Mudd Hall ( formerly Seeley G. Mudd Library) map it
CONTACT PhD Student Help phd-student-help@cs.northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR Department of Computer Science (CS)
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Sep16
EVENT DETAILS
lessEnjoy a welcome from Dean Christopher A. Schuh and other McCormick leaders, and receive a Northwestern Engineering T-shirt. A free light breakfast on the Tech East Plaza will follow.
TIME Monday, September 16, 2024 at 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
LOCATION LR2, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Andi Joppie andi.joppie@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science
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Sep23
EVENT DETAILS
lessEnjoy a welcome from Dean Christopher A. Schuh and other McCormick leaders, and receive a Northwestern Engineering T-shirt. A free lunch on the Tech East Plaza will follow.
TIME Monday, September 23, 2024 at 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
LOCATION Ryan Auditorium, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Andi Joppie andi.joppie@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science
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Sep24
EVENT DETAILS
lessFall 2024 Classes Begin (No Northwestern Monday in Fall)
TIME Tuesday, September 24, 2024
CONTACT Office of the Registrar nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR University Academic Calendar
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Sep25
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Wednesday, September 25, 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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Sep30
EVENT DETAILS
lessLast day to add a class or change a section for Fall (Last day for tuition adjustment related to enrollment changes (to or from full-time). No reductions are made to bills for dropped or swapped classes after this date)
TIME Monday, September 30, 2024
CONTACT Office of the Registrar nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR University Academic Calendar
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Sep30
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Monday, September 30, 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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Oct2
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Wednesday, October 2, 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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Oct7
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Monday, October 7, 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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Oct7
EVENT DETAILS
lessSponsored by Department of Computer Science, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Engineering Career Development Office
Date: Monday, October 7, 2024
1:00pm – 4:00pm
Norris University Center - 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
Join us for the Northwestern 2024 Fall Tech Career Fair, a collaborative in person career fair, connecting you with employers looking for talented students in computer science, data science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, machine learning, and similar programs. This is a great opportunity for you to learn, network and possibly be recruited with various industries. This fair is open to undergraduate, Masters and PhD students for internship, co-ops, and full-time positions.
Registrations for this event will be handled through Handshake!
Pre-registration is preferred but students will be given access on the day of the event.
Wildcards will be required for all attendees.
Business casual attire recommended.
Check back regularly to see which companies are coming! List is subject to change.
·Conduct company research to better familiarize yourself with companies.
· Search McCormickConnect and Handshake for available positions and apply for the position(s) ahead of time so companies know you’re interested.
· Be prepared and be ready with your “elevator pitch”.
·Bring copies of your resume and business cards! Resume should be uploaded into McCormickConnect
Engineering Career Development (ECD is here to assist as you prepare for the fair. You can schedule an appointment in McCormickConnect to meet with your dedicated career advisor.
TIME Monday, October 7, 2024 at 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
LOCATION Norris University Center map it
CONTACT Engineering Career Development Staff ecd@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR Department of Computer Science (CS)
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Oct9
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Wednesday, October 9, 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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Oct14
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Monday, October 14, 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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Oct15
EVENT DETAILSmore info
lessWe invite you to submit your latest and greatest research/science to IEEE EMBS Body Sensor Networks (BSN) 2024. Deadline for paper submissions are June 24th (FIRM DEADLINE).
Why you should attend BSN 2024:
-Meet expert scientists in the field of sensing and AI. Many of them are humble, excited to talk, and willing to help guide you.
-Exciting keynotes in Sensor Innovation, AI, and Social Responsibility.
-Discussions on advancing women and minorities in engineering. (How do we break down barriers and build more bridges?)
-Discussions on how to get your technology in the right hands for the right reasons (succeeding with your technology).
-Discussions on moving from bench to bedside and beyond.
-Amazing food in ChiTown (Chicago)!
-Walking distance to renowned labs, medical centers, historical architectural marvels, and attractions!
Highlights for Junior Faculty, Postdocs, and Students:
-Career Panel (Opportunities to network and find your next lab/career!)
-NIH Grant Writing Workshop
-Funded Student Travel Awards
-Meet new mentors and future colleagues!
Current stellar organizing committee: Wenyao Xu, Bjoern Eskofier, Wei Chen, Bobak Mortazavi, Nivedita Arora, Nanshu Lu, VP Nguyen, Ye (Sarah) Sun, Karan Ahuja, Chris Romano, Stephen Xia, @Bonnie Nolan, Brandon Oubre, Mahdi Pedram, Bashima Islam, Siyi Xu, Rahim Esfandyarpour, Matthew Flavin, Lama Nachman, Alex Adams, Glenn Fernandes, Kunal Mankodiya, Maia Jacobs, Josiah Hester!Steering committee: Roozbeh Jafari, Paolo Bonato, Omer Inan, Canan Dagdeviren, Sunghoon Ivan Lee
Website for more details: https://bsn.embs.org/
TIME Tuesday, October 15, 2024
LOCATION 300 E Ohio St
CONTACT Wynante R Charles wynante.charles@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR Department of Computer Science (CS)
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Oct16
EVENT DETAILSmore info
lessWe invite you to submit your latest and greatest research/science to IEEE EMBS Body Sensor Networks (BSN) 2024. Deadline for paper submissions are June 24th (FIRM DEADLINE).
Why you should attend BSN 2024:
-Meet expert scientists in the field of sensing and AI. Many of them are humble, excited to talk, and willing to help guide you.
-Exciting keynotes in Sensor Innovation, AI, and Social Responsibility.
-Discussions on advancing women and minorities in engineering. (How do we break down barriers and build more bridges?)
-Discussions on how to get your technology in the right hands for the right reasons (succeeding with your technology).
-Discussions on moving from bench to bedside and beyond.
-Amazing food in ChiTown (Chicago)!
-Walking distance to renowned labs, medical centers, historical architectural marvels, and attractions!
Highlights for Junior Faculty, Postdocs, and Students:
-Career Panel (Opportunities to network and find your next lab/career!)
-NIH Grant Writing Workshop
-Funded Student Travel Awards
-Meet new mentors and future colleagues!
Current stellar organizing committee: Wenyao Xu, Bjoern Eskofier, Wei Chen, Bobak Mortazavi, Nivedita Arora, Nanshu Lu, VP Nguyen, Ye (Sarah) Sun, Karan Ahuja, Chris Romano, Stephen Xia, @Bonnie Nolan, Brandon Oubre, Mahdi Pedram, Bashima Islam, Siyi Xu, Rahim Esfandyarpour, Matthew Flavin, Lama Nachman, Alex Adams, Glenn Fernandes, Kunal Mankodiya, Maia Jacobs, Josiah Hester!Steering committee: Roozbeh Jafari, Paolo Bonato, Omer Inan, Canan Dagdeviren, Sunghoon Ivan Lee
Website for more details: https://bsn.embs.org/
TIME Wednesday, October 16, 2024
LOCATION 300 E Ohio St
CONTACT Wynante R Charles wynante.charles@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR Department of Computer Science (CS)
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Oct16
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Wednesday, October 16, 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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Oct17
EVENT DETAILSmore info
lessWe invite you to submit your latest and greatest research/science to IEEE EMBS Body Sensor Networks (BSN) 2024. Deadline for paper submissions are June 24th (FIRM DEADLINE).
Why you should attend BSN 2024:
-Meet expert scientists in the field of sensing and AI. Many of them are humble, excited to talk, and willing to help guide you.
-Exciting keynotes in Sensor Innovation, AI, and Social Responsibility.
-Discussions on advancing women and minorities in engineering. (How do we break down barriers and build more bridges?)
-Discussions on how to get your technology in the right hands for the right reasons (succeeding with your technology).
-Discussions on moving from bench to bedside and beyond.
-Amazing food in ChiTown (Chicago)!
-Walking distance to renowned labs, medical centers, historical architectural marvels, and attractions!
Highlights for Junior Faculty, Postdocs, and Students:
-Career Panel (Opportunities to network and find your next lab/career!)
-NIH Grant Writing Workshop
-Funded Student Travel Awards
-Meet new mentors and future colleagues!
Current stellar organizing committee: Wenyao Xu, Bjoern Eskofier, Wei Chen, Bobak Mortazavi, Nivedita Arora, Nanshu Lu, VP Nguyen, Ye (Sarah) Sun, Karan Ahuja, Chris Romano, Stephen Xia, @Bonnie Nolan, Brandon Oubre, Mahdi Pedram, Bashima Islam, Siyi Xu, Rahim Esfandyarpour, Matthew Flavin, Lama Nachman, Alex Adams, Glenn Fernandes, Kunal Mankodiya, Maia Jacobs, Josiah Hester!Steering committee: Roozbeh Jafari, Paolo Bonato, Omer Inan, Canan Dagdeviren, Sunghoon Ivan Lee
Website for more details: https://bsn.embs.org/
TIME Thursday, October 17, 2024
LOCATION 300 E Ohio St
CONTACT Wynante R Charles wynante.charles@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR Department of Computer Science (CS)
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Oct21
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Monday, October 21, 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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Oct23
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Wednesday, October 23, 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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Oct28
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Monday, October 28, 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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Oct30
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Wednesday, October 30, 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)