BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Penn Engineering Events - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Penn Engineering Events
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Penn Engineering Events
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20230312T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20231105T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20240310T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20241103T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241206T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241206T120000
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20240821T142225Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240821T142225Z
UID:10008068-1733482800-1733486400@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:ESE Fall Seminar - "Quantum information processing stack: from bottom to top and back"
DESCRIPTION:Quantum processors have become quite large and sophisticated machines over the last several years\, with many tech companies racing to develop the first quantum computer of practical utility. While the progress has been impressive\, quantum processors still face significant hurdles such as short coherence times and high error rates. They are not yet able to compete with classical information processing technologies in solving problems of practical interest. I will review some of the recent advances in the field and discuss my group’s contributions across the quantum information processing stack\, from the control of quantum hardware to quantum algorithm development and back.
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/ese-fall-seminar-title-tbd-20/
LOCATION:Glandt Forum\, Singh Center for Nanotechnology\, 3205 Walnut Street\, Philadelphia\, PA\, 19104\, United States
CATEGORIES:Colloquium
ORGANIZER;CN="Electrical and Systems Engineering":MAILTO:eseevents@seas.upenn.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241206T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241206T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20241106T150548Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241106T150548Z
UID:10008165-1733490000-1733497200@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:BE Doctoral Dissertation Defense: "Clonal differences underlie differential responses to initial\, sequential\, and prolonged drug treatment" (Dylan Schaff)
DESCRIPTION:The Department of Bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania and Dr. Sydney Shaffer are pleased to announce the Doctoral Dissertation Defense of Dylan Schaff.\n\nTitle:”Clonal differences underlie differential responses to initial\, sequential\, and prolonged drug treatment”\nDate:December 6\, 2024\nTime: 1pm-3pm\nLocation: Wu and Chen auditorium\, Levine Hall\n\nThe public is welcome to attend.
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/be-doctoral-dissertation-defense-clonal-differences-underlie-differential-responses-to-initial-sequential-and-prolonged-drug-treatment-dylan-schaff/
LOCATION:Wu and Chen Auditorium (Room 101)\, Levine Hall\, 3330 Walnut Street\, Philadelphia\, PA\, 19104\, United States
CATEGORIES:Doctoral,Graduate,Student,Dissertation or Thesis Defense
ORGANIZER;CN="Bioengineering":MAILTO:be@seas.upenn.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241206T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241206T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20241202T180109Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241202T180109Z
UID:10008192-1733493600-1733497200@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:PICS Colloquium: Lipid Membrane Remodeling by Proteins and Peptides: Mechanistic insights from multi-scale analysis
DESCRIPTION:We will discuss the analysis of membrane remodeling by proteins and peptides using multi-scale computational methods; these include mainly molecular dynamics simulations at atomistic and coarse-grained levels\, although we will also touch upon analyses using lattice models and a mean- field theory. The discussions will cover several systems that we have analyzed in recent studies\, which include the SAR1 protein from the COPII machinery and the ESCRTIII complex; we will also briefly discuss how protein condensates interact with lipid membranes\, especially in terms of their mutual influence on morphology and phase behaviors. These examples illustrate different molecular properties and mechanisms that are potentially relevant to membrane remodeling\, as well as the values and limitations of various computational methodologies in such context.
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/pics-colloquium-lipid-membrane-remodeling-by-proteins-and-peptides-mechanistic-insights-from-multi-scale-analysis/
LOCATION:PICS Conference Room 534 – A Wing \, 5th Floor\, 3401 Walnut Street\, Philadelphia\, PA\, 19104\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Qiang-Cui.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Penn Institute for Computational Science (PICS)":MAILTO:dkparks@seas.upenn.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241212T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241212T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20241206T143536Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241206T143536Z
UID:10008194-1734004800-1734008400@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:MEAM Seminar: "Leveraging Impedance Properties for Free Self-Sensing in Actuators for Compact Robots"
DESCRIPTION:Self-sensing actuators provide a compelling approach to designing compact robotic systems by integrating sensing capabilities directly into the actuator\, eliminating the need for external sensors. This presentation\, titled “Leveraging Impedance Properties for Free Self-Sensing in Actuators for Compact Robots\,” highlights how the intrinsic impedance properties of actuators—resistance\, inductance\, and induced EMF—can be harnessed to achieve low-volume solutions of self-sensing actuators. Evidence for this approach is demonstrated through three projects: a self-sensing I-cord knitted SMA actuator that uses resistance measurements to monitor its state\, applied in an inchworm robot and a gripper; a custom PET solenoid actuator that utilizes induced EMF to sense movement and velocity\, enabling applications such as an origami-inspired bistable gripper and a facial reanimation device acting as an artificial muscle; and a custom acrylic linear solenoid actuator that leverages inductance to self-sense plunger position\, demonstrated as an active valve in underwater swimming robots. These examples illustrate the potential of impedance-based self-sensing to streamline actuator design\, enhance functionality\, and enable new possibilities in robotics across domains.
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/meam-seminar-leveraging-impedance-properties-for-free-self-sensing-in-actuators-for-compact-robots/
LOCATION:Towne 319\, 220 S. 33rd Street\, Philadelphia\, 19104\, United States
CATEGORIES:Seminar,Doctoral
ORGANIZER;CN="Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics":MAILTO:meam@seas.upenn.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241213T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241213T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20241209T220551Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241209T220551Z
UID:10008195-1734100200-1734105600@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:CBE Doctoral Dissertation Defense: "Engineering Biomolecular Condensates: Insights Into Catalytic Activities and Structural Design" (Muyang Guan)
DESCRIPTION:Abstract: \nEukaryotic cells orchestrate cellular processes through spatiotemporal organization achieved by compartmentalization. Biomolecular condensates\, formed via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS)\, serve as vital hubs for enzymatic reactions and mediate cellular functions. \nTo investigate catalytic activities within biomolecular condensates\, a light-emitting enzyme (NanoLuc) was incorporated into LAF-1 RGG model condensates. Incorporation into condensates led to a significantly enhanced enzymatic reaction rate for the two-phase system compared to the single-phase reaction. The reaction exhibited diffusion-limited behavior in the condensed phase\, with light output affected by condensate viscosity. Given the low viscosity of our model condensates\, this diffusion-limited behavior is anticipated in most condensates\, suggesting the potential use of a condensate-NanoLuc system for identifying drug molecules that modulate condensate viscosity. In addition\, complementation of enzyme fragments inside condensates and recruitment of cargo proteins at condensate surface was demonstrated. \nTo study the miscibility between different condensed phases\, a second model condensate from the low complexity (LC) domain of human protein FUS was constructed. At physiological salt concentration\, FUS LC and RGG condensates formed discrete condensed phases that are immiscible. The two condensates partially wet each other\, indicating similar surface tensions. At high salt concentrations\, the two phases formed a core-shell structure\, suggesting the effect of charge interactions on interfacial tension. Additionally\, viscoelasticity affected miscibility between two condensed phases. Further\, dynamically driven substructures were observed as the system underwent out-of-equilibrium transition. This aspect can be harnessed to produce multiphasic condensates by kinetically trapping FUS LC inside RGG condensates. To systematically coordinate the interaction between the two phases\, a designer “surfactant” protein was developed\, reducing the FUS LC – RGG interfacial tension and enabling the integration of complex assemblies of two phases. These strategies demonstrated the ability to generate novel structures by bridging two phases that do not normally integrate\, showcasing the potential for controlling condensate architecture. \nIn summary\, this work provides valuable insights into the principles and strategies for modulating biomolecular condensate functions and structures\, laying a foundation for further exploration and potential therapeutic applications.
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/cbe-doctoral-dissertation-defense-engineering-biomolecular-condensates-insights-into-catalytic-activities-and-structural-design-muyang-guan/
LOCATION:https://upenn.zoom.us/j/96301746733
CATEGORIES:Doctoral,Student,Dissertation or Thesis Defense
ORGANIZER;CN="Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering":MAILTO:cbemail@seas.upenn.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250113T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250113T100000
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20250108T143053Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250108T143053Z
UID:10008210-1736762400-1736762400@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:ESE Ph.D. Thesis Defense: "Wave Interaction with Nonreciprocal Swift-Electron Platforms and Reconfigurable Metasurfaces"
DESCRIPTION:The study of electromagnetic wave interactions with various media is of fundamental significance in both theoretical and applied sciences. Understanding how electromagnetic waves propagate\, reflect\, refract\, and scatter when encountering different materials is essential for the design of advanced technologies in telecommunications\, imaging\, sensing\, and computation. Furthermore\, the ability to manipulate wave behavior within diverse media presents new possibilities for developing high-performance devices\, such as antennas\, sensors\, and optical systems\, with applications ranging from wireless communications to medical diagnostics. \nNonreciprocal devices\, which enable unidirectional signal propagation\, are critical for protecting systems from interference and enhancing the performance of telecommunications and photonic technologies. Achieving a robust nonreciprocal response is vital for ensuring signal integrity and efficiency in these systems. In this study\, I present theoretical models that explore the strong and tunable nonreciprocal response of swift electrons interacting with various structures\, including those in vacuum and graphene-based media. My analytical and numerical analysis demonstrates that guided modes in metallic and dielectric waveguides can be effectively manipulated by fast-moving electrons\, resulting in unidirectional propagation regimes and significant nonreciprocity in light-matter interactions. Additionally\, I introduce a beam-steering structure based on the interaction between antenna radiation and an electron sheet comprising swift moving electrons at constant velocity. The nonreciprocal strength of these interactions is further modulated through space-time variation of electron velocity and density\, demonstrating extra degree of freedom in controlling wave propagation. The strong nonreciprocal response achieved using this method is highlighted through comparative analysis with existing approaches. I also investigate nonreciprocity in graphene-coated optical fibers\, where electrically biased electrons moving along the fiber axis interact with the guided modes of the dielectric fiber. Moreover\, I explore the impact of electrical bias on the absorption rate and resonance frequency of nano-patterned graphene based metasurface. This study opens new avenues for controlling and manipulating electromagnetic wave propagation in THz systems\, where the nonreciprocity strength is not inherently limited by material properties. \nFurther\, I explore the integration of memristors into conventional electromagnetic devices\, which represents advancement in information storage and processing. The convergence of memristive properties with electromagnetic wave propagation offers promising opportunities for new computing paradigms\, including neuromorphic computing\, data storage\, and communication systems. I demonstrate theoretically the design and functionality of a metastructure composed of an array of memristors (mem-cells)\, illustrating how this configuration can effectively capture both the amplitude and phase characteristics of incident electromagnetic waves.
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/ese-ph-d-thesis-defense-wave-interaction-with-nonreciprocal-swift-electron-platforms-and-reconfigurable-metasurfaces/
LOCATION:Raisler Lounge (Room 225)\, Towne Building\, 220 South 33rd Street\, Philadelphia\, PA\, 19104\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dissertation or Thesis Defense
ORGANIZER;CN="Electrical and Systems Engineering":MAILTO:eseevents@seas.upenn.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250113T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250113T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20250110T182620Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250110T182620Z
UID:10008215-1736776800-1736784000@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:MSE Ph.D. Thesis Defense: "Controlling Assembly of Polymer-grafted Nanoparticles to Enhance Mechanical Properties in Polymer Nanocomposite Films"
DESCRIPTION:Polymer nanocomposite (PNC) films are of interest for many applications including electronics\, energy storage\, and advanced coatings. In phase-separating PNCs\, the interplay between thermodynamic and kinetic factors governs the assembly of polymer-grafted nanoparticles (NPs)\, which directly influences material properties. Understanding how processing parameters affect the structure-property relationship of PNCs is important for designing advanced materials. This thesis provides new insight by investigating a model PNC system of poly(methyl methacrylate)-grafted nanoparticles (PMMA-NPs) embedded in a poly(styrene-ran-acrylonitrile) (SAN) matrix. \nTime-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) was developed to quantify the distribution of NPs within PMMA-NP/SAN films\, enabling precise 3D reconstruction of PNC structures. Experimental parameters such as primary ion beam angle and charge compensation were optimized to enhance secondary ion signals and depth resolution. Upon annealing in the two-phase region\, PMMA-NP/SAN films exhibited phase separation and surface segregation\, leading to morphological evolutions characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM)\, ToF-SIMS\, water contact angle measurements\, and transmission electron microscopy. By systematically exploring the effects of film thickness on PNC structures\, we found that film thickness-induced confinement reduces lateral phase separation and enhances NP dispersion at the surface. A dimensional crossover from three to two dimensions was observed around 240 nm\, below which surface-directed spinodal decomposition is suppressed. As a result of phase separation and surface segregation\, six distinct bulk morphologies were identified\, allowing for the construction of a morphology map correlating film thickness and annealing time. Among these morphologies\, percolated structures were found to improve mechanical properties such as hardness and modulus\, while interconnected networks show the highest hardness and modulus at both low and high force loadings\, as measured using AFM nanoindentation. Additionally\, Marangoni-induced hexagonal honeycomb patterns were observed in spin-coated as-cast PMMA-NP/SAN films. By changing to a less volatile solvent\, these defects were eliminated\, demonstrating the importance of solvent selection in achieving uniform and high-quality thin films. \n\nThese findings demonstrate the potential for precise control of surface-enriched and phase-separated microstructures in PNC films through tailoring processing conditions. This thesis advances the understanding of PNC processing-structure-property relationships\, providing a foundation for designing highly functional materials with broad industrial applications.
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/mse-ph-d-thesis-defense-controlling-assembly-of-polymer-grafted-nanoparticles-to-enhance-mechanical-properties-in-polymer-nanocomposite-films/
LOCATION:LRSM Reading Room\, 3231 Walnut St.\, Philadelphia\, PA\, 19104\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dissertation or Thesis Defense
ORGANIZER;CN="Materials Science and Engineering":MAILTO:johnruss@seas.upenn.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250115T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250115T131500
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20250106T202511Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250106T202511Z
UID:10008209-1736942400-1736946900@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:ASSET Seminar: "Poison and Cure: Non-Convex Optimization Techniques for Private Synthetic Data and Reconstruction Attacks"
DESCRIPTION:Abstract: \nI will survey recent results describing the application of modern non-convex optimization methods to the problems of reconstruction attacks on private datasets (the “poison”)\, and the algorithmic generation of synthetic versions of private datasets that provably provide strong privacy guarantees (the “cure”). \nZoom Link (if unable to attend in-person): https://upenn.zoom.us/j/97716959173
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/asset-seminar-poison-and-cure-non-convex-optimization-techniques-for-private-synthetic-data-and-reconstruction-attacks/
LOCATION:Amy Gutmann Hall\, Room 414\, 3333 Chestnut Street\, Philadelphia\, 19104\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250116T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250116T120000
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20241125T150244Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241125T150244Z
UID:10008183-1737023400-1737028800@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:MSE Grace Hopper Lecture: "Bioelectronics to Probe Brain-Body Physiology"  (Polina Anikeeva - Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
DESCRIPTION:Biological signaling in the mammalian nervous system spans a dizzying range of spatial and temporal scales. To understand how cellular and molecular signals contribute to physiology and behavior and to treat the neurological and psychiatric conditions our group designs tools that mimic biological complexity yet match the materials properties of tissues. By combining polymer engineering\, fiber drawing\, and solid-state microelectronics we create scalable fiber-based tools that record and modulate cell signaling in the central and the autonomic nervous systems in behaving rodents. Using these fiber-based tools we reveal the contributions of gut-brain circuits not only to ingestive and metabolic functions but also to high-level behaviors previously attributed exclusively to brain signaling. To probe receptor contributions to neural circuit dynamics\, we synthesize magnetic nanotransducers that convert externally applied magnetic fields into thermal\, chemical\, mechanical\, and electrical signals. Since biological tissues exhibit negligible magnetic permeability and low conductivity\, magnetic fields can penetrate deep into the body with no attenuation allowing us to apply the nanomagnetic transducers to remotely modulate ion channel function in arbitrarily deep tissues. We employ magnetic neuromodulation to control reward and motivation circuits and extend their applications to relieve motor dysfunctions in mouse models of Parkinson’s disease.
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/mse-grace-hopper-lecture-bioelectronics-to-probe-brain-body-physiology-polina-anikeeva-massachusetts-institute-of-technology/
LOCATION:Wu and Chen Auditorium (Room 101)\, Levine Hall\, 3330 Walnut Street\, Philadelphia\, PA\, 19104\, United States
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Lecture
ORGANIZER;CN="Materials Science and Engineering":MAILTO:johnruss@seas.upenn.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250121T101500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250121T111500
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20241204T203334Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241204T203334Z
UID:10008193-1737454500-1737458100@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:MEAM Seminar: "Modeling the Unique Behaviors of Liquid Crystal Elastomers"
DESCRIPTION:Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) exhibit complex thermomechanical behaviors that can be harnessed for a wide variety of applications in soft robotics\, biomedical devices\, and impact protection. The material comprises stiff mesogens bound in an elastomeric network of flexible polymer chains. The mesogens can order and disorder in response to temperature and mechanical deformation. This allows LCEs to undergo reversible phase transitions between the disordered isotropic\, ordered monodomain\, and polydomain states. The motion of the mesogens relative to the polymer network also leads to unique behaviors\, including large reversible actuation response to temperature and soft elasticity. LCEs also display enhanced dissipation over conventional elastomers from the viscous rotation and ordering of the mesogens and relaxation of the network chains. The viscoelastic dissipation mechanisms can be exploited to design LCE materials and structures with extraordinary toughness\, impact energy absorption\, and mechanical damping. Yet\, these same properties may impede the actuation and morphing capabilities of the material. Predictive modeling is needed to efficiently design and optimize LCE structures to achieve the desired performance. This presentation will describe our efforts to develop generalized continuum theories for the thermoviscoelastic behavior of monodomain nematic elastomers that describe the viscous director rotation\, viscous mesogen ordering\, and viscoelastic network deformation mechanisms. We specified constitutive functions for the nematic and mechanical components of the free energy density and viscosities based on experimental observations\, and applied the resulting models to design energy-absorbing architected materials\, evaluate the effectiveness of actuators\, and optimize the director pattern of monodomain nematic elastomeric sheets to maximize viscoelastic dissipation.
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/meam-seminar-modeling-the-unique-behaviors-of-liquid-crystal-elastomers/
LOCATION:Wu and Chen Auditorium (Room 101)\, Levine Hall\, 3330 Walnut Street\, Philadelphia\, PA\, 19104\, United States
CATEGORIES:Seminar
ORGANIZER;CN="Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics":MAILTO:meam@seas.upenn.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250122T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250122T131500
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20241118T150858Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241118T150858Z
UID:10008176-1737547200-1737551700@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:ASSET Seminar: "Towards Improving the Reliability of AI: Perspectives from Uncertainty Quantification and Fairness"
DESCRIPTION:Abstract: \nArtificial intelligence holds enormous promise to automate our life. At the same time\, AI systems can be incredibly brittle\, unreliable\, and biased. In this talk\, I will present a few approaches towards making AI more reliable\, trustworthy\, and fair\, drawing on recent work on uncertainty quantification and algorithmic fairness. Specifically\, I will discuss how to make large language models more calibrated\, how to construct prediction sets for data with multiple missing outcomes\, and how to obtain optimally accurate fair classifiers under constraints on linear disparity measures. \nZoom Link (if unable to attend in-person): https://upenn.zoom.us/j/97670810812
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/asset-seminar-edgar-dobriban-university-of-pennsylvania/
LOCATION:Amy Gutmann Hall\, Room 414\, 3333 Chestnut Street\, Philadelphia\, 19104\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250122T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250122T163000
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20250114T214808Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250114T214808Z
UID:10008217-1737559800-1737563400@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:CBE Seminar: "Unlocking New Therapeutic Strategies by Reconstructing Cell Signaling Networks from the Ground Up" (Mohamad Abedi\, University of Washington\, Seattle)
DESCRIPTION:Abstract: \nImmunotherapies have achieved remarkable success in treating hematological cancers\, yet the solid tumor microenvironment remains a significant barrier to therapeutic breakthroughs. Machine learning (ML)-driven computational protein design offers a powerful approach to creating novel protein components tailored for specific functions. By combining ML-driven design with synthetic biology and immuno-engineering\, we have developed innovative tools to overcome therapeutic barriers within the tumor microenvironment while deepening our understanding of the biological systems involved. In the first half of this seminar\, I will introduce three new technologies developed using these approaches: (1) a receptor degradation platform to remodel the tumor microenvironment and enhance therapy\, (2) a novel class of receptors that sense soluble tumor markers and localize therapeutic activity\, and (3) de novo-designed many-to-many protein networks resembling mammalian signaling complexity. In the second half\, I will present a computational protein design pipeline that reconstructs cytokines from the ground up. This approach allows us to design cytokines with customizable receptor clustering geometries\, enabling precise exploration of their cell-specific effects and the ability to fine-tune their naturally pleiotropic activities. Furthermore\, this approach enabled us to transcend nature’s designs by creating entirely novel cytokines that cells have never encountered before\, thus unlocking new therapeutic opportunities to manipulate the tumor microenvironment and expand our understanding of the underlying signaling mechanisms.
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/cbe-seminar-unlocking-new-therapeutic-strategies-by-reconstructing-cell-signaling-networks-from-the-ground-up-mohamad-abedi-university-of-washington-seattle/
LOCATION:Wu and Chen Auditorium (Room 101)\, Levine Hall\, 3330 Walnut Street\, Philadelphia\, PA\, 19104\, United States
CATEGORIES:Seminar
ORGANIZER;CN="Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering":MAILTO:cbemail@seas.upenn.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250123T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250123T120000
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20250109T144309Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250109T144309Z
UID:10008211-1737630000-1737633600@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:ESE Seminar - "A changing grid powered by the new generations of power conversion\, control\, and energy management"
DESCRIPTION:The electric grid is undergoing a transformative paradigm shift\, driven by sweeping changes in generation\, demand\, and energy storage. By 2035\, solar PV alone is expected to supply 40% of U.S. electricity\, with substantial additional contributions from wind\, geothermal\, and hydroelectric sources—creating a renewable-dominant energy landscape. Meanwhile\, electricity demand is accelerating due to rapid growth in electric vehicle (EV) charging\, data centers\, industrial manufacturing\, and universal electrification across sectors. By 2050\, EV charging is anticipated to represent 23% of the nation’s electricity demand. Energy storage system installations are also expanding to manage the variability of renewable sources\, support dynamic loads\, and ensure grid stability. \nThis seminar will discuss the pivotal role of high power\, high voltage\, and high frequency power converters in creating a flexible\, efficient\, and resilient grid. We will examine integration challenges for 15kV-class converters within the AC grid\, as well as the opportunities these converters present for real-time voltage stabilization\, frequency regulation\, and dynamic grid management. High-bandwidth converters are key enablers of a smart\, adaptable grid\, facilitating higher renewable penetration\, dynamic load management\, and enhanced compatibility with energy storage. A few projects on grid-connected power electronics will highlight how these advancements can drive the evolution of a robust and versatile grid architecture to meet the demands of a power electronics-driven energy future.
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/ese-seminar-a-changing-grid-powered-by-the-new-generations-of-power-conversion-control-and-energy-management/
LOCATION:Raisler Lounge (Room 225)\, Towne Building\, 220 South 33rd Street\, Philadelphia\, PA\, 19104\, United States
CATEGORIES:Seminar,Colloquium
ORGANIZER;CN="Electrical and Systems Engineering":MAILTO:eseevents@seas.upenn.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250123T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250123T163000
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20250109T190442Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250109T190442Z
UID:10008213-1737646200-1737649800@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:BE Seminar - "The Neurobiology of Mistakes" (Becket Ebitz\, Université de Montréal)
DESCRIPTION:Humans and other animals do not always choose the most rewarding course of action\, even when we have ample time and computational resources.Why do we make mistakes? The noiseLab uses a combination of theoretical\, behavioral\, and neurobiological techniques to address this question. In this talk\, Dr. Becket Ebitz will discuss converging evidence that mistakes are the product of representational and temporal nonlinearities in neural activity that constrain our ability to make good decisions. The talk will argue that some of these nonlinearities have long-term adaptive benefits\, even when they fail to produce the best decision in the moment. \n 
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/be-seminar-the-neurobiology-of-mistakes/
LOCATION:Berger Auditorium (Room 13)\, Skirkanich Hall\, 210 South 33rd Street\, Philadelphia\, PA\, 19104\, United States
CATEGORIES:Seminar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-07-114953-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Bioengineering":MAILTO:be@seas.upenn.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250123T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250123T163000
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20250116T194246Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250116T194246Z
UID:10008222-1737646200-1737649800@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:
DESCRIPTION:Humans and other animals do not always choose the most rewarding course of action\, even when we have ample time and computational resources.Why do we make mistakes? The noiseLab uses a combination of theoretical\, behavioral\, and neurobiological techniques to address this question. In this talk\, Dr. Becket Ebitz will discuss converging evidence that mistakes are the product of representational and temporal nonlinearities in neural activity that constrain our ability to make good decisions. The talk will argue that some of these nonlinearities have long-term adaptive benefits\, even when they fail to produce the best decision in the moment.
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/12910/
LOCATION:Berger Auditorium (Room 13)\, Skirkanich Hall\, 210 South 33rd Street\, Philadelphia\, PA\, 19104\, United States
CATEGORIES:Seminar
ORGANIZER;CN="Bioengineering":MAILTO:be@seas.upenn.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250124T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250124T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20250122T173558Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250122T173558Z
UID:10008229-1737714600-1737718200@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:CIS Seminar: "Generative Language Models for Biotherapeutics Design"
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/cis-seminar-generative-language-models-for-biotherapeutics-design/
LOCATION:Amy Gutmann Hall\, Room 414\, 3333 Chestnut Street\, Philadelphia\, 19104\, United States
ORGANIZER;CN="Computer and Information Science":MAILTO:cherylh@cis.upenn.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250127T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250127T120000
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20250113T201505Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250113T201505Z
UID:10008216-1737973800-1737979200@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:LRSM Seminar: "Expanding Our Vision of Glasses: Physical Vapor Deposition Prepares Ultrastable and Anisotropic Materials"
DESCRIPTION:Glasses are generally regarded as disordered and the idea of “controlling” molecular packing in glasses is reasonably met with skepticism.  However\, as glasses are non-equilibrium materials\, a vast array of amorphous structures are possible in principle. Physical vapor deposition (PVD) produces glasses with properties that cannot be achieved by other preparation routes\, including high stability and controlled anisotropy. The exotic properties of PVD glasses can be explained by a surface equilibration mechanism: mobility near the free surface allows substantial equilibration during deposition\, even well below the conventional Tg. Initial work with organic glasses has now been extended to show aspects of ultrastability in metallic and chalcogenide glasses. \nThe active layers in commercial OLEDs are PVD glasses of organic semiconductors. Ultrastable glasses of organic semiconductors make longer-lasting OLEDs and in-plane orientation of emitter molecules produces more efficient OLEDs.  Co-deposition of two organic semiconductors often produces a homogeneous ultrastable glass but\, in other systems\, component separation occurs in the plane of the sample\, on a controllable length scale.
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/lrsm-seminar-expanding-our-vision-of-glasses-physical-vapor-deposition-prepares-ultrastable-and-anisotropic-materials/
LOCATION:Glandt Forum\, Singh Center for Nanotechnology\, 3205 Walnut Street\, Philadelphia\, PA\, 19104\, United States
CATEGORIES:Seminar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250128T101500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250128T111500
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20241216T165419Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241216T165419Z
UID:10008198-1738059300-1738062900@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:MEAM Seminar: "Robots that Evolve on Demand"
DESCRIPTION:Soft robots have the potential to adapt their morphologies and behavioral control policies to changing tasks and environments. Inspired by the dynamic plasticity of living organisms and the general adaptability of animals\, this talk will discuss several shape-shifting soft robot platforms for multi-task performance and multi-environment locomotion—for example\, robotic skins\, robotic fabrics\, and robots with morphing limbs. The talk will also explore the active material components\, such as stretchable electronics and computation\, soft actuation\, and variable stiffness materials\, that enable predictable robot morphology changes. By harnessing these engineered materials and mechanisms\, we aim to unlock a wide range of capabilities for increasingly adaptive\, evolving robots.
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/meam-seminar-robots-that-evolve-on-demand/
LOCATION:Wu & Chen Auditorium
CATEGORIES:Seminar
ORGANIZER;CN="Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics":MAILTO:meam@seas.upenn.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250128T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250128T163000
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20250122T183325Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250122T183325Z
UID:10008230-1738078200-1738081800@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:CIS Seminar: "Decentralized Mechanism Design: Cryptography Meets Game Theory"
DESCRIPTION:In classical auction design\, we take it for granted that the auctioneer is trusted and always implements the auction’s rules honestly. This assumption\, however\, no longer holds in modern auctions based on blockchains\, or those mediated by third-party platforms such as Google. For example\, in blockchain-based auctions\, the consensus nodes that partly act as the auctioneer are incentivized to deviate from honest behavior if profitable. Third-party auction platforms such as Google have also been involved in high-profile anti-trust lawsuits for manipulating their auctions.\n\n\n\n\nIn this talk\, I will describe our recent work on decentralized mechanism design\, where we aim to build a new scientific foundation for emerging auctions that are not backed by a trusted auctioneer. I will characterize the mathematical landscape of decentralized mechanism design\, by showing several infeasibility and feasibility results. I will also highlight how cryptography can play an essential role for bypassing impossibility results in decentralized mechanism design\, leading to a new class of auctions that not only incentivize bidders to act honestly\, but also incentivize the auctioneer to play by the book.
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/cis-seminar-decentralized-mechanism-design-cryptography-meets-game-theory/
LOCATION:Wu & Chen Auditorium
ORGANIZER;CN="Computer and Information Science":MAILTO:cherylh@cis.upenn.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250129T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250129T131500
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20241119T143600Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241119T143600Z
UID:10008181-1738152000-1738156500@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:ASSET Seminar: "Efficient Sharing of AI Infrastructures with Specialized Serverless Computing"
DESCRIPTION:Abstract: \nThe efficient sharing of AI infrastructures is becoming increasingly important in both public and private data centers. This demand is driven by two key factors: the proliferation of specialized AI models tailored for different users and applications\, and the highly dynamic nature of requests\, which are often on-demand. Dedicated GPU allocation in such scenarios results in prohibitively high costs and inefficient resource utilization. \nIn this talk\, I will introduce serverless computing as a promising paradigm for addressing these challenges by enabling efficient\, on-demand sharing of AI infrastructures. I will highlight its use cases and discuss key barriers to broader adoption. Following this\, I will present ServerlessLLM\, a state-of-the-art system designed to tackle key challenges in serverless large language model (LLM) inference\, particularly cold-start latency. Specifically\, I will cover ServerlessLLM’s novel contributions\, including its checkpoint format design\, locality-aware scheduling\, and inference request live migration. Finally\, I will outline open challenges beyond efficiency\, such as fairness\, privacy\, and sustainability\, which are critical for the future of serverless AI systems. \nZoom Link (if unable to attend in-person): https://upenn.zoom.us/j/95090162762
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/asset-seminar-yao-fu-university-of-edinburgh/
LOCATION:Amy Gutmann Hall\, Room 414\, 3333 Chestnut Street\, Philadelphia\, 19104\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250129T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250129T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20250116T205359Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250116T205359Z
UID:10008226-1738162800-1738166400@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:Spring 2025 GRASP SFI: Guandao Yang\, Stanford University\, “Toward Spatial Intelligence with Limited Data”
DESCRIPTION:This will be a hybrid event with in-person attendance in Levine 307 and virtual attendance on Zoom. \nABSTRACT\nModern artificial intelligences (AIs) rely heavily on internet-scale data with unified representations. However\, such large-scale homogeneous data isn’t readily available for spatial computing applications involving 3D geometry\, hindering the development of spatial intelligence— AIs that can generate and understand 3D spatial data. In this talk\, I will present ideas toward building spatial intelligence systems with limited 3D data. I will discuss my work combining existing mathematical models in graphics with foundation models in machine learning to generate and analyze 3D shapes. Finally\, I will conclude with a discussion about the future opportunities and challenges in developing data-efficient AIs for spatial computing and beyond.
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/spring-2025-grasp-sfi-guandao-yang/
LOCATION:Levine 307\, 3330 Walnut Street\, Philadelphia\, PA\, 19104\, United States
ORGANIZER;CN="General Robotics%2C Automation%2C Sensing and Perception (GRASP) Lab":MAILTO:grasplab@seas.upenn.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250129T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250129T163000
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20250114T215134Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250114T215134Z
UID:10008218-1738164600-1738168200@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:CBE Seminar: "Engineering Technologies for Enhanced Modeling\, Detection\, and Treatment of Neurological Disease" (Alice Stanton\, MIT)
DESCRIPTION:Abstract: \nNeurological conditions are the leading cause of illness worldwide\, though over 92% of clinically tested CNS drug candidates fail to become treatments. Contributing to this high failure rate is a lack of understanding of human disease mechanisms\, technologies to address them\, and the restrictive blood-brain barrier (BBB)\, which most compounds fail to cross. New models are critically needed that more faithfully recapitulate human neurological disease\, providing a tool for enhanced discovery of biomarkers and targets\, effective therapeutic development\, and personalized drug screening. In this seminar\, I will present my work in (1) developing biomaterials-based platforms to mimic physiological conditions\, probe fundamental questions\, and utilize as cell-carrying scaffolds\, (2) establishing a multicellular human cell-based model of the brain\, miBrain\, that incorporates neuronal\, glial\, vascular\, and immune components into 3D brain tissue with structural organization\, combining the power of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology and tissue engineering\, and (3) utilizing the multicellular brain model to interrogate disease pathogenesis and delivery across the BBB\, harnessing a microfluidic platform I developed to enable 3D vascular perfusion within the miBrain. In my doctoral work\, I developed biomaterials-based platforms to probe fundamental questions of stem cell mechanotransduction and to utilize as cell-carrying scaffolds in tissue engineering approaches. In my postdoctoral work\, I applied these engineering tools to develop an advanced preclinical brain model\, extensively characterized and validated the platform\, and leveraged this system to model disease and BBB transport. I differentiate iPSCs into each of the six major brain cell types and assemble them in the Neuromatrix Hydrogel I developed to incorporate brain-niche cues and support cell network co-formation\, and culture them in high throughput well format or perfusable chip format. miBrains form integrated 3D immune-glial-neurovascular units with enhanced cell- and tissue-scale phenotypes inclusive of myelinated neuronal networks\, microglial immune cells\, and BBB. To enable perfusable vasculature within the miBrain\, I developed a novel microfluidic platform\, the GelChip\, via a 3D printing fabrication strategy\, that supports 3D network formation within complex co-cultures and engineered hydrogels to form the miBrain-on-Chip. Harnessing iPSCs from patient lines and genome editing to isolate the functional consequences of specific mutations\, I can form multicellular brain models across patient cohorts\, assess disease susceptibility\, probe mechanisms\, and screen putative interventions. I have harnessed the miBrain to model APOE4 risk for Alzheimer’s Disease\, recapitulating canonical disease hallmarks of increased reactive astrocytes\, amyloid aggregates\, and neuronal tau phosphorylation. Further\, I found that APOE4 astrocytes are sufficient to increase neuronal tau phosphorylation via crosstalk with microglia. I have thus established a novel preclinical brain model with broad utility for dissecting disease mechanisms\, assessing delivery to the brain\, and probing barrier function and other hallmarks in contexts of disease. In the conclusion of this seminar\, I will explore how multicellular human cell-based brain models and their underlying technologies and approaches can be leveraged to accelerate mechanistic understanding\, therapeutic target identification\, and drug candidate optimization for treatment delivery and efficacy.
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/cbe-seminar-engineering-technologies-for-enhanced-modeling-detection-and-treatment-of-neurological-disease-alice-stanton-mit/
LOCATION:Wu & Chen Auditorium
CATEGORIES:Seminar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250130T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250130T120000
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20250109T172210Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250109T172210Z
UID:10008212-1738233000-1738238400@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:MSE Seminar: "Tuning Nanostructured Materials for Combustion Applications" (Kerri-lee A. Chintersingh\, Ph.D.\,  New Jersey Institute of Technology)
DESCRIPTION:Metals powders like aluminum and boron are attractive potential fuel additives for pyrotechnics\, propellants and explosives due to their high energy release upon oxidation. However\, they tend to agglomerate\, have lengthy ignition delays\, and low combustion rates/efficiencies. This work aims to design metal powders with tuned surface\, micro-structure\, morphology\, or chemistries to mitigate these challenges and favor the formation of desired products and high energy release; without jeopardizing thermochemical performance\, safety\, and stability. One approach used is to incorporate elements (like Fe) that can act as oxygen shuttle catalysts for surface reactions or to introduce elements to form exothermic intermetallic products (like Zr). Ball-milling allows a simple one pot technique to incorporate these elements to form metastable nanocomposite powders with lower ignition thresholds and improved combustion efficiencies. Novel experimental and diagnostic tools like x-ray phase contrast imaging (XPCI) and snapshot hyper-spectral imager for emissions and reactions (SHEAR) have been coupled to capture condensed phase/internal particle features and external optical emissions\, temperatures\, and gas phase species from combustion reactions\, respectively. Machine learning is also used to obtain quantitative data: identify trends\, detect anomalies\, and classify particle events from the videos produced from combustion scenes. Results show that surface modification to boron reduces ignition delays and doping boron with as low as 1wt% Fe improves surface reaction rates in air. Other additives like Bi and Co also help to change boron’s oxidation mechanism. For aluminum\, powders can be modified by emulsion assisted milling to produce spheres of various sizes by changing the milling parameter space with process control agents like acetonitrile and hexane\, and the addition of Zr can accelerate combustion in thermite formulations and allow Al powders to burn in multiple phases with improved combustion efficiencies.
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/mse-seminar-tuning-nanostructured-materials-for-combustion-applications-kerri-lee-a-chintersingh-ph-d-new-jersey-institute-of-technology/
LOCATION:Wu and Chen Auditorium (Room 101)\, Levine Hall\, 3330 Walnut Street\, Philadelphia\, PA\, 19104\, United States
CATEGORIES:Seminar
ORGANIZER;CN="Materials Science and Engineering":MAILTO:johnruss@seas.upenn.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250130T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250130T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20250129T180656Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250129T180656Z
UID:10008244-1738238400-1738242000@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:IDEAS/STAT Optimization Seminar
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/ideas-stat-optimization-seminar/
LOCATION:Amy Gutmann Hall\, Room 414\, 3333 Chestnut Street\, Philadelphia\, 19104\, United States
CATEGORIES:Seminar,Colloquium
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250130T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250130T164500
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20241106T164653Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241106T164653Z
UID:10008166-1738251000-1738255500@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:Herman P. Schwan Distinguished Lecture: "Engineering Proteins\, Genomes\, Viruses & Organs" (George Church\, Harvard & MIT)
DESCRIPTION:Our exponential technologies for reading\, writing genomes and epigenomes combined with AI-ML has enabled large libraries and selections for radical new functions — e.g. resistance to all viruses\, novel delivery vectors for gene therapies\, xeno-transplantation\, de-extinction\, and de-aging. \nThis lecture will be held remotely. \nZoom Link: https://upenn.zoom.us/j/94497096918?pwd=5qeoyMcmEyDboMW3bKgSCmWKYBMCbP.1 \n 
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/herman-p-schwan-distinguished-lecture-engineering-proteins-genomes-viruses-organs-george-church-harvard-mit/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Seminar,Distinguished Lecture
ORGANIZER;CN="Bioengineering":MAILTO:be@seas.upenn.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250131T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250131T114500
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20250124T163724Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250124T163724Z
UID:10008235-1738319400-1738323900@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:Spring 2025 GRASP Seminar: Nat Trask\, University of Pennsylvania\, "Geometric structure preservation in probabilistic digital twins"
DESCRIPTION:This will be a hybrid event with in-person attendance in Wu and Chen and virtual attendance on Zoom. \nABSTRACT\nMotivated by the ever-increasing success of machine learning in language and vision models\, many aim to build AI-driven tools for scientific simulation and discovery. Contemporary techniques drastically lag behind their comparatively mature counterparts in modeling and simulation however\, lacking rigorous notions of convergence\, physical realizability\, uncertainty quantification\, and verification+validation that underpin prediction in high-consequence engineering settings. One reason for this is the use of “off-the-shelf” ML architectures designed for language/vision without specialization to scientific computing tasks. In this work\, we establish connections between graph neural networks and the finite element exterior calculus (FEEC). FEEC forms the backbone of modern mixed finite element methods\, tying the discrete topology of geometric descriptions of space (cells\, faces\, edges\, nodes and their connectivity) to the algebraic structure of conservations laws (the div/grad/curl theorems of vector calculus). By building a differentiable learning architecture mirroring the construction of Whitney forms\, we obtain a de Rham complex supporting FEEC\, allowing us to learn models combining the robustness of traditional FEM with the drastic speedups and data assimilation capabilities of ML. We then introduce a novel UQ framework based on optimal recovery in reproducing Hilbert spaces\, allowing the model to quantify epistemic uncertainty\, providing practical notions of trust where the model may be reliably employed.
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/spring-2025-grasp-seminar-nat-trask-university-of-pennsylvania-geometric-structure-preservation-in-probabilistic-digital-twins/
LOCATION:Wu & Chen Auditorium
CATEGORIES:Seminar
ORGANIZER;CN="General Robotics%2C Automation%2C Sensing and Perception (GRASP) Lab":MAILTO:grasplab@seas.upenn.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250204T101500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250204T111500
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20250127T143135Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T143135Z
UID:10008238-1738664100-1738667700@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:MEAM Seminar: “Digital Twins for the Earth System”
DESCRIPTION:Reliable forecasts of the Earth system are crucial for human progress and safety from natural disasters. Artificial intelligence offers substantial potential to improve prediction accuracy and computational efficiency in this field\, however this remains underexplored in many domains. Here we introduce Aurora\, a large-scale foundation model for the Earth system trained on over a million hours of diverse data. Aurora outperforms operational forecasts for air quality\, ocean waves\, tropical cyclone tracks\, and high-resolution weather forecasting at orders of magnitude loss computational cost than dedicated existing systems. With the ability to fine-tune Aurora to diverse application domains at only modest computational cost\, Aurora represents significant progress in making actionable Earth system predictions accessible to anyone.
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/meam-seminar-digital-twins-for-the-earth-system/
LOCATION:Wu and Chen Auditorium (Room 101)\, Levine Hall\, 3330 Walnut Street\, Philadelphia\, PA\, 19104\, United States
CATEGORIES:Seminar,Colloquium
ORGANIZER;CN="Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics":MAILTO:meam@seas.upenn.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250204T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250204T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20250127T174804Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T174804Z
UID:10008239-1738666800-1738674000@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:CBE Doctoral Dissertation Defense: "A molecular understanding of the structure-property relationships of model end-linked polymer networks" (Han Zhang)
DESCRIPTION:Abstract: \nPolymer networks\, including thermoplastics\, thermosets\, elastomers and gels\, are among the most versatile and widely utilized polymeric materials\, with applications spanning drug delivery systems\, membranes and implantable devices. A comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between the macroscopic properties and the structure and topology of polymer networks is crucial for advancing their utilization and facilitating the design of new materials. Molecular simulations have proven invaluable in exploring the structure-property relationships across various material systems. However\, compared to other polymeric systems\, such as polymer melts and glasses\, polymer networks have received comparatively less attention in molecular simulation studies. A primary challenge lies in the inherent inhomogeneities of polymer networks\, such as loop defects and dangling ends. Nevertheless\, many fundamental theories about polymer networks are based on idealized network models assuming homogeneous and defect-free structures. The understanding of polymer networks from a molecular perspective has remained limited\, as methods for construct models that accurately reflect real polymer network topologies have only recently begun to emerge. \nThis dissertation presents a computational framework that integrates molecular dynamics simulations\, Monte Carlo simulations and network analysis to explore the structure-property relationships in model end-linked polymer networks containing topological defects. We demonstrate that constructing networks from engineered tapered copolymers significantly expands the composition range in which co-continuous morphologies form. These co-continuous morphologies exhibit great potential to combine typically incompatible material properties within a single sample\, unlocking exciting opportunities for advanced materials design. Additionally\, we investigate the elastic properties of these networks\, providing valuable physical insights into how these properties are influenced by the key structural parameters of the networks\, including polymer mole fractions\, chain lengths and solvent quality. \nAdvanced computational tools are also employed to investigate the fracture process of end-linked polymer networks from a molecular perspective. Network analysis proves to be a simple yet powerful approach for identifying potential failure locations within polymer networks based solely on their initial undeformed configurations. Furthermore\, by leveraging molecular simulations\, we deliver a quantitatively refined\, molecular-level understanding of the fracture process\, tracking energy storage and dissipation at the bond\, chain\, generation and tree levels within the networks. These findings offer a molecular-level perspective on the influence of structure parameters and topological defects in the networks\, providing valuable insights for the mechanism behind the failure process and the inverse design strategies of network materials with tailored properties. \nMeeting ID: 966 7815 7284\nPasscode: 809660
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/cbe-doctoral-dissertation-defense-a-molecular-understanding-of-the-structure-property-relationships-of-model-end-linked-polymer-networks-han-zhang/
LOCATION:Room 35\, Singh Center for Nanotechnology\, 3205 Walnut Street\, Philadelphia\, PA\, 19104\, United States
CATEGORIES:Doctoral,Graduate,Student,Dissertation or Thesis Defense
ORGANIZER;CN="Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering":MAILTO:cbemail@seas.upenn.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250204T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250204T163000
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20250130T181928Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250130T181928Z
UID:10008251-1738683000-1738686600@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:CIS Seminar: "Thinking Outside the GPU: Systems for Scalable Machine Learning Pipelines"
DESCRIPTION:Scalable and efficient machine learning (ML) systems have been instrumental in fueling recent advancements in ML capabilities. However\, further scaling these systems requires more than simply increasing the number and performance of accelerators. This is because modern ML deployments rely on complex pipelines composed of many diverse and interconnected systems.  \nIn this talk\, I will emphasize the importance of building scalable systems across the entire ML pipeline. In particular\, I will explore how large-scale ML training pipelines\, including those deployed at Meta\, require distributed data storage and ingestion systems to manage massive training datasets. Optimizing these data systems is essential as data demands continue to grow. To achieve this\, I will demonstrate how synergistic optimizations across the training data pipeline can unlock performance and efficiency gains beyond what isolated system optimizations can achieve. While these synergistic optimizations are critical\, deploying them requires navigating a large system design space. To address this challenge\, I will next introduce cedar\, a framework that automates the optimization and orchestration of ML data processing for diverse training workloads. Finally\, I will discuss further opportunities in advancing the scalability\, security\, and capabilities of the hardware and software systems that continue to drive increasingly sophisticated ML training and inference pipelines.
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/cis-seminar-thinking-outside-the-gpu-systems-for-scalable-machine-learning-pipelines/
LOCATION:Wu & Chen Auditorium
ORGANIZER;CN="Computer and Information Science":MAILTO:cherylh@cis.upenn.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250205T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250205T131500
DTSTAMP:20260403T154757
CREATED:20250123T200000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250123T200000Z
UID:10008233-1738756800-1738761300@seasevents.nmsdev7.com
SUMMARY:ASSET Seminar: "Steering Machine Learning Ecosystems of Interacting Agents"
DESCRIPTION:Abstract:  \nModern machine learning models—such as LLMs and recommender systems—interact with humans\, companies\, and other models in a broader ecosystem. However\, these multi-agent interactions often induce unintended ecosystem-level outcomes such as clickbait in classical content recommendation ecosystems\, and more recently\, safety violations and market concentration in nascent LLM ecosystems. \nIn this talk\, I discuss my research on characterizing and steering ecosystem-level outcomes. I take an economic and statistical perspective on ML ecosystems\, tracing outcomes back to the incentives of interacting agents and to the ML pipeline for training models. First\, in LLM ecosystems\, we show how analyzing a single model in isolation fails to capture ecosystem-level performance trends: for example\, training a model with more resources can counterintuitively hurt ecosystem-level performance. To help steer ecosystem-level outcomes\, we develop technical tools to assess how proposed policy interventions affect market entry\, safety compliance\, and user welfare. Then\, turning to content recommendation ecosystems\, we characterize a feedback loop between the recommender system and content creators\, which shapes the diversity and quality of the content supply. Finally\, I present a broader vision of ML ecosystems where multi-agent interactions are steered towards the desired algorithmic\, market\, and societal outcomes. \nZoom Link (if unable to attend in-person): https://upenn.zoom.us/j/95467348262
URL:https://seasevents.nmsdev7.com/event/asset-seminar-meena-jagadeesan-uc-berkeley/
LOCATION:Amy Gutmann Hall\, Room 414\, 3333 Chestnut Street\, Philadelphia\, 19104\, United States
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR