Category Archives: Computer Science
Maryland Today | Mapping the Quantum Frontier – Maryland Today
But what if we dropped the requirement that a quantum computer be as reliable as a regular computer? What if we worked up to Everest by first climbing hills? Broadly, that describes the RQSs approach, said its director and principal investigator, Andrew Childs, a professor of computer science who also co-leads the Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science, a UMD-NIST partnership.
When quantum computers were first proposed in the 1980s, the idea was to use them to understand quantum systems too complex for classical computers, Childs said.
One approach to that is you build a large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer that you can program any way you want to simulate quantum mechanics, he said.
Since such computers dont yet exist, scientists at Maryland have led the way with an alternative approach that is already feasible: analog quantum simulation. In this case, instead of a digital computer you can use for anything, you build a system that will reproduce the features of the quantum system you want to study, he said. Maybe its somewhat programmable in that you have some knobs you twist to adjust the parameters, but its still mocking up a system rather than providing the complete flexibility of a full digital computer.
Kollr, who is focusing on developing a new kind of superconducting qubit, calls herself an analog hardware person at heart.
With a digital quantum computer, the goal is complete control, and the qubit does exactly what you want, she said. A quantum simulator is much more about letting nature run its course and figuring out what its doingbut trying to find an interesting course.
Even a modest knob-twisting simulator, Childs points out, is still a quantum processor, even if its not what he envisions in his theoretical work on algorithms for ideal systems. For now, its an accessible way to move forward and at the same time, understand some of the big-picture questions.
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Maryland Today | Mapping the Quantum Frontier - Maryland Today
Excellence In Liberal Arts And Sciences – wittenberg.edu
Wittenberg Universitys Phi Beta Kappa chapter recently marked its 30th anniversary as the prestigious honor society inducted a new class of members who have achieved outstanding academic excellence in the liberal arts and sciences.
Founded at the College of William and Mary in 1776, the international honor society is dedicated to honoring exceptional undergraduates in the liberal arts and advocating for liberal arts and sciences education. Wittenberg has one of only 290 chapters nationwide; just 10 percent of U.S. colleges and universities have Phi Beta Kappa chapters.
Having a Phi Beta Kappa chapter demonstrates that Wittenberg is an institution that values the liberal arts and sciences, that has high expectations of its students, but that also encourages and supports students to excel, Tune said.The process that a school goes through to receive a Phi Beta Kappa chapter is quite similar to the process of being accreditedan extensive site visit by Phi Beta Kappa examiners from other campuses, submission of extensive materials about the campus, etc.
In fact, Wittenbergs chapter was more than 75 years in the making.
President Emeritus William A. Kinnison 54 detailed the Universitys attempts at securing a chapter in his 2011 book Modern Wittenberg:
President [Charles G.] Heckert made Wittenbergs first inquiry in 1914. His letter was mislaid by the groups president until 1916. World War I cut the effort short since wartime restrictions prevented groups from holding national conventions. [President Rees Edgar] Tullosss efforts in the twenties went awry in a coaches war with Ohio University. The Depression deflected us again, and World War II brought more delay when the society did not meet. After the war, with the rapid expansion of higher education in America, the backlog of requests was so great that the fraternity postponed action until new procedures and standards could be refined. The process became ever more difficult and complex.
An application submitted by Wittenberg in 1974 was rejected two years later, even after the Phi Beta Kappa Committee on Qualifications had recommended to its Senate that the application be approved, which was the furthest Wittenberg had gotten in the process.
According to Professor Emeritus of Mathematics and Computer Science Brian Shelburne, efforts to establish a chapter were revived once again in the mid-1980s under the leadership of President Kinnison. Shelburne, Phi Beta Kappa member and then-president of the Wittenberg University Honor Society, oversaw the application process that began in October 1988 with submission of the preliminary application and that eventually involved completion of a longer application, a two-day site visit by a Phi Beta Kappa team, recommendation to the Phi Beta Kappa Senate, and final approval by the Triennial Council in October 1991.
It seemed to me that no effort was spared to write and submit the Preliminary Report, Shelburne reflected. Gary Gaffield [assistant provost for academic services at the time] pulled this together. His work and effort were crucial in getting us the PBK chapter. Jim Klenke [then assistant to the president] was another administrative figure who was also crucial to our success.
The former Wittenberg University Honor Society had established its guidelines to essentially match the PBK guidelines, with this very transition in mind, said Doug Andrews, Phi Beta Kappa member and professor of statistics and data science, who worked closely with Shelburne throughout the application process.
That made it a bit easier to satisfy PBKs requirements for establishing a chapter, because we had the fundamental structure already in place. We also needed to have a critical mass of PBK members here, and we eventually gathered enough members.
The Omicron of Ohio chapter at Wittenberg was installed on May 5, 1992, in ceremonies in Weaver Chapel. Inducted as charter members were 27 Wittenberg students and four alumni, including Timothy A. Bennett 78, associate professor emeritus of languages; Tamara J. Franks 90, former admission counselor; Nancy J. Saks 73, professor emerita of mathematics and computer science; and Earl F. Morris, class of 1930, former chairperson of the Wittenberg Board of Directors.
Each year since, the chapter has elected new members in late winter and inducted them in the spring. The newest inductees include: Alexa R. Bell 22, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Austin J. Brennaman 22, Cedarville, Ohio; Elizabeth H. Canright 22, Chesterton, Indiana; Maya K. Hagander 23, Stafford, Virginia; Monica A. Hosler 22, Columbus, Ohio; Tiana K. Hughes 23, Huntsville, Ohio; Kaitlyn M. McGee 23, Beavercreek, Ohio; and Lily A. Pederson 23, Springfield, Ohio.
These students distinguished themselves in their studies in the liberal arts and sciences, and met the high standards of academic integrity and personal conduct, said Andy Tune, recently retired Matevia Endowed University Pastor, Phi Beta Kappa member, and longtime president of Wittenbergs Phi Beta Kappa chapter.
These ceremonies are also high points of the year, Tune added.
At the ceremony, we teach students two secret signs of PBK reminders that it began in a private meeting of its three founders in Williamsburg, Virginia, on December 5, 1776 (in the midst of the Revolutionary War), as a society for the promotion of liberal education and intellectual fellowship.
Being in Phi Beta Kappa has meant a lot to me, because I so identify with its core values, said Zach Howe, a music (B.A.) and physics (B.S.) dual degree student from Lakewood, Ohio, who was inducted last year as a junior. It definitely is something that can show people that you are a serious student who is curious about a lot of things.
Putting Phi Beta Kappa on ones resume is an honor that is broadly recognized, Tune said.Also, in many large cities, there are active PBK associations, which can provide great social and networking opportunities.And theres always the benefit of being recognized for what you have achieved.That can give a person some confidence as she or he goes on from college to new opportunities.
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Cracking the code – uoflnews.com
Warning: Your password has been compromised. The computer pop-up message sends your head spinning; is your email account safe? Your banking information? Your Social Security number?
With more and more of our day-to-day lives happening online, never before has cybersecurity been so critical. According to the Identity Theft Resource Centers 2021 Data Breach Report, there were a record 1,862 data breaches last year, with more than 80% revealing sensitive personal information. Meanwhile, the demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals is high and growing, with some estimates for currently unfilled jobs ranging in the millions.
A new University of Louisville program is tackling both issues head-on through innovative online curriculum and research. Thanks to $8.3 million from the National Security Agencys (NSA) National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, UofL and its multidisciplinary Digital Transformation Center (DTC) are developing the next generation of cybersecurity tools and professionals to prevent future cyberattacks and keep your information safe.
Passwords are easily stolen perhaps you leave your computer unattended for just a moment, someone looks over your shoulder or its revealed in a company data breach.
But whats harder to steal is how you move the unique way you interact with your computer, how you move your mouse and tap, tap, tap on your keyboard. Researchers at UofL are using these unique movements, or haptics, to create a new security authentication method using neural network models.
Adel Elmaghraby, co-principal investigator for the NSA project and professor in the Speed School of Engineering, leads a research collaboration with Mississippi-based, historically Black institution Alcorn State University to conduct this pioneering research. The idea is to use those movements as a sort of digital signature which, along with your username and password, would provide an added layer of cybersecurity.
Those movements are uniquely you, and theyre very hard to replicate, Elmaghraby said. By adding this layer to existing user verification, we can create a more secure cyber environment, and continuously verify that you are you.
The researchers have already published two papers showing the security benefits of improved keystroke dynamics. While their research now focuses on desktop computers and laptops, they believe it may be possible to adapt the technology for tablets and smartphones, perhaps using your touchscreen interactions as your haptic signature.
This work, Elmaghraby said, builds on UofLs earned expertise in tackling the most pressing and emergent problems in cybersecurity through research and innovation. For example, UofL was recently selected by the U.S. Department of Defense to work on research and education to strengthen the countrys cyber defenses. UofL was the only school selected from Kentucky for both networks and one of only a handful to hold the competitive Carnegie Research-1 classification. These efforts, together with others backed by the U.S. departments of Homeland Security and Labor, create a hub of cybersecurity research, innovation and expertise at UofL.
The work were doing here at UofL is truly at the leading edge of cybersecurity research, he said. Were anticipating and addressing these major issues that affect safety and security on a personal and even global level.
UofL also is working to develop the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, via its NSA-backed Cybersecurity Workforce Certificate Program. The certificate leverages technology industry badging from Microsoft, IBM and Google as well as gamification and hands-on applied learning with use cases from industry partners to teach artificial intelligence, blockchain and other cutting-edge aspects of cybersecurity.
UofLs Digital Transformation Center leads the curriculum development for the online program, working with a coalition that now includes nine other institutions, including those serving diverse populations. UofL is currently piloting the six-month, instructor-led certificate program, but once completed, it will be made available to other institutions at no charge.
As technology continues to become more of an integral piece of our everyday lives, a strong cybersecurity industry and workforce are the most important protections we have to make our financial and health care systems secure, said Sharon Kerrick, a principal investigator on the NSA grant, associate professor and assistant vice president of the UofL Digital Transformation Center. We can fill that need with this focused, accelerated curriculum that prepares diverse students of all backgrounds for careers in cybersecurity.
Students are already graduating from the program, many of whom are alumni returning to campus to layer on a cybersecurity credential. Thats true for Kelly Kramer, who graduated in 2012 with a bachelors degree in psychology. He landed a job in law enforcement as a data analyst and legal assistant but grew increasingly interested in cybersecurity, where his interests in psychology, technology and protecting people converged.
This program has taught me quite a bit about securing not only those essential entities like hospitals, businesses, government agencies, but also ourselves, said Kramer, who now plans to return for his masters degree in computer science. It is a complex web of networks, nodes, servers, databases, and much more. We need people to understand each of these if we are to effectively secure them. I have no doubt that this program will open up opportunities for myself and others.
The same goes for JT Corcoran 14, who graduated with his bachelors and masters degrees in computer engineering and computer science. He joined the U.S. Air Force and spent seven years on active duty, working in data analytics, cyber incident response and network architecture planning.
When Corcorans service was ending, he started looking at new career opportunities. His mom, also a UofL alum, sent him a link about the certificate program; he decided to enroll.
Since I had prior background in cybersecurity, many of the topics were familiar but I havent done some of these things in a while, said Corcoran, who now works as a health care security analyst. The certificate provided a nicerefresher on doing things like writing firewall rules, configuring network infrastructure, integrating cloud services and conducting forensics in a lab environment. Additionally, the inclusion of newer technology topics like blockchain and post-quantum cryptography was fantastic to help brainstorm new ways of innovating in the security space.
UofL received an initial $6.3 million from the NSA to back the research and curriculum development in 2020. For the curriculum, UofL partnered with the University of Arkansas Little Rock, the University of North Florida, the Kentucky Community and Technical College System Bluegrass Community and Technical College and Owensboro Community and Technical College, and a coalition liaison from the City University of Seattle.
In 2022, UofL received an additional $2 million to add six more colleges and universities to the coalition: Kentucky State University and Simmons College, both historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs); The City College of New York, a Hispanic-serving institution; KennesawState University, Hood College and Northwest Missouri State University. Each of the schools in the coalition is an NSAdesignated National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense and contributes interests, experience and skills aligned with health care cybersecurity systems.
Its great that were getting to know our colleagues at neighboring universities were working together, and sharing ideas, said Richard Maiti, an assistant professor of computer science at Kentucky State University, who serves as the lead for the project for his institution. This is a great opportunity, and its helping to bring cybersecurity awareness and training to everyone our students, professionals and folks in the community.
More information on the Cybersecurity Workforce Certificate Program, including how to enroll, is available at louisville.edu/education/nsacybersecurity.
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This Ashburn Native Became the First Chinese American to be Crowned Miss Virginia – Northern Virginia Magazine
If Virginia is the state that can do it all, from picturesque mountains to bright cities to sandy beaches, then its only fitting that Miss Virginia does it all, too, and Victoria Chuah fits the bill. The 2022 Miss Virginia winner from Ashburn, who formerly held the title of Miss Arlington, is a contestant-of-all-trades, with a diverse range of passions and talents that set her apart from the crowd and propelled her to success in pageantry.
Chuah graduated summa cum laude from University of Pittsburgh in May with her masters in computer science, completing both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in just four years. While at Pittsburgh, Chuah was involved in ballet, a lifelong passion of hers, and played the lead role of Clara in the schools performance of The Nutcracker. The NoVA native was also able to juggle her roles as class president, president of the School of Computing and Information Graduate Student Organization, president of the improv club, and host of a student-run late-night talk show. Outside of her schoolwork and extracurriculars, Chuah also advocates for support systems for adults with autism, and in her spare time, she likes to sew, making her own alterations to ballet costumes and designing clothes for fun.
And if that isnt enough, Chuah was previously an intern at Morgan Stanley. She plans to start at the company as a software engineer once shes finished with pageantry, but shes not quite done yet. As her tenure as Miss Virginia begins, Chuah will be preparing for the Miss America pageant in December.(Miss Virginia USA, Kailee Horvath, also hails from Ashburn. She will compete for Miss USA this fall.)
One of the biggest things for Miss Virginia is the Miss Virginia School Tour. Miss Virginia partners with the Virginia ABC and she goes on a school tour talking to K-8 students about making healthy choices and substance abuse. And as well, Im able to talk about my personal platform, which is awareness for autism.
I never grew up doing pageants. It was never something that was really big in my family or in my area. But I saw an ad for a local pageant and that turned out to be a Miss Virginia preliminary. So I ended up entering that sort of on a whim. And at that time, I was a junior in high school, so that was just the teen [pageant]. But through doing it that one teen year, I just saw so much growth in myself.
All the things I was doing, I did because I loved [them]. It wasnt any sort of rsum padding or anything like that. I enjoyed all the different activities I had and I wanted to make time for them. And if I didnt [make time], then I wouldnt be able to do them. And that just was unfathomable to me. There were definitely times when it was a little more stressful than others, but I did it somehow.
One thing that I do want to do for Miss America is accomplish things as Miss Virginia that I can talk about that I can say, Hey, through the six months that Ive had this platform, Ive been able to accomplish X, Y and Z. I really, really want to push women in STEM. I was the only girl at my masters graduation, so Ive seen the lack of women in STEM, particularly in tech. And I really want to push that. I think that it starts with women seeing a role model and seeing, Oh, theres someone like me that is doing this. I know that was the case for me and I just want to be able to do that for someone else.
Just be yourself. I have all these different things that I love and I have no reason to hide them. Theres no reason for me to not want to advertise that Im so involved in computer science, or that I do ballet, or that I sew. You shouldnt have to be someone youre not.
And again, every pageant is a learning experience. You dont win every time. I didnt win every time. This is the first time that Ive won this Miss Virginia and its my third year competing. But theres so much that you can learn even when you dont win. Theres really so many skills that youre gaining from this pageant, regardless of the outcome. Just enjoy it and take everything for what it is.
Feature image by Kimberly Toney Needles and Rick Myers.
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Meet New Jersey’s 2022-23 County Teachers of the Year – New Jersey Education Association
NJEA is proud to join with students, school employees, parents and others in congratulating the 2022-23 New Jersey County Teachers of the Year.
We congratulate all of this years county teacher of the year cohort on this well-earned and well-deserved recognition. Their dedication to the profession and the passion involved in teaching our students is proof positive why New Jersey garners the distinction of number one schools in the nation, said NJEA President Sean M. Spiller.
When we talk about what makes a community a place one wants to call home, time and time again, our public schools are listed at the top of what families see as the best part of their community. Our families know that their educators are there for them and their students. As the NJEA officer liaison to the county teacher of the year program, I can say this years cohort is testament to our communities success, said NJEA Vice President Steve Beatty.
Our county teachers represent all of our educators working to make a difference in the lives of our students and their families. Despite crippling shortages of educators across the state, these teachers show up and make the absolute best inclusive education they can for the children they serve. And, they do it with love, care, compassion and courage, said NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Petal Robertson.
Bre Baker, a high school Biology teacher at Absegami High School in the Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District.
Gina DiMaggio, a high school English teacher at Lyndhurst School in the Lyndhurst School District.
Sarah Sherman, a high school English teacher at Rancocas Valley Regional High School in the Rancocas Valley Regional High School District.
Michael Weppler, a middle school mathematics teacher at Winslow Township Middle School in the Winslow Township School District.
Stephen Serano, a high school culinary arts teacher at Wildwood High School in the Wildwood City School District.
Jennifer Carbone, a high school science teacher in the ExCEL program in theBridgeton Public School District.
Kristen Dunleavy, a Special Education teacher for gradesK-5 atRedwood Elementary School inthe West Orange School District.
Lisa Dolby, a teacher of students with disabilities and high school English teacher atDelsea High School inthe Delsea Regional School District.
Ariel Babcock, a high school social studies teacher and media specialist atWeehawken High School inthe Weehawken Township School District.
Brian Smith, a high school English teacher at Delaware Valley Regional High School inthe Delaware Valley Regional School District.
Leigh Cline, a second grade teacher atthe Parkway Elementary School in the Ewing Township School District.
Leana Malinowsky, a second grade teacher atPrivate Nicholas Minue School inthe Carteret School District.
Kimberly Grigoli, a kindergarten teacher atSpring Lake Heights Elementary School inthe Spring Lake Heights School District.
Andrea Ritacco, a high school business education teacher atWhipanny Park High School inthe Hanover Park Regional High School District.
Christina Girtain, a high school science teacher and the director of Authentic Science Research atToms River High School South inthe Toms River Regional School District.
Emily Blumberg, a high school science teacher atPassaic Preparatory Academy inthe Passaic School District.
Erika Knoor, a kindergarten teacher atElmer Elementary School inthe Pittsgrove Township School District.
Ian Evans, a middle school English and language arts teacher atHillsborough Middle School inthe Hillsborough School District.
Christine OBrien-Mase, a high school art and photography teacher atSparta High School inthe Sparta School District.
Candice Testa, a first grade teacher atWilliam J. McGinn Elementary School inthe Scotch Plains-Fanwood School District.
Daryl Detrick, a high school computer science teacher at Warren Hills Regional High School inthe Warren Hills Regional School District.
County Teachers of the Year are encouraged to apply for the New Jersey State Teacher of the Year recognition. The New Jersey Teacher of the Year Program and the Governors Teacher/Educational Services Professionals Recognition Program have been integrated into the Governors Educator of the Year Program. This updated program highlights educational innovation, student achievement, the rewards of teaching, and important services outside the classroom environment that lead to student success. The educator chosen for this recognition is named at the New Jersey State Board of Education meeting in October. The 2021-22 recipient is Theresa Maughan, a high school history teacher in the East Orange school district.
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Meet New Jersey's 2022-23 County Teachers of the Year - New Jersey Education Association
Publisher Correction: An Artificial Intelligence-guided signature reveals the shared host immune response in MIS-C and Kawasaki disease – Nature.com
The original version of this Article omitted from the author list the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th authors Joseph Bocchini (Willis-Knighton Health System, Shreveport, LA), Soumita Das (Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego), Jane C. Burns (Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego and the Rady Childrens Hospital-San Diego, San Diego, CA) and Debashis Sahoo (Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego and the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Jacobs School of Engineering, University of California San Diego). Additionally, the original version of this Article omitted to indicate Jane C. Burns and Debashis Sahoo as co-corresponding authors together with Pradipta Ghosh. The contact information for the corresponding authors of this Article is Jane C. Burns, M.D.; Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Director, Kawasaki Disease Research Center, University of California San Diego; 9500 Gilman Dr. MC 0641, La Jolla, CA 92093-0641 Phone: 858-246-0155: Email: jcburns@health.ucsd.edu, Debashis Sahoo, Ph.D; Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego; 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0703, Leichtag Building 132; La Jolla, CA 92093-0703 Phone: 858-246-1803: Fax: 858-246-0019: Email: dsahoo@ucsd.edu and Pradipta Ghosh, M.D.; Professor, Departments of Medicine, and Cell and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego; 9500 Gilman Drive (MC 0651), George E. Palade Bldg, Rm 232, 239; La Jolla, CA 92093. Phone: 858-822-7633: Fax: 858-822-7636: Email: prghosh@ucsd.edu. Furthermore, the list of members of the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Kawasaki Disease Research.
Group provided at the end of the Article erroneously included Joseph Bocchini, Soumita Das, Jane C. Burns and Debashis Sahoo.
Finally, the Acknowledgements section erroneously reported the grants iDASH U54HL108460 and R01HL140898 being awarded to J.C.B. and A.H.T. The correct grants awarded to J.C.B and A.H.T. are PreVAIL R61HD105590 and R01HL140898.
These errors have been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
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Prediction of human movement during disasters to allow for more effective emergency response – EurekAlert
image:Two downtown apartment neighbors waving to each other during shelter-in-place orders due to the Coronavirus pandemic of 2020. view more
Credit: DutcherAerials
TROY, N.Y. The COVID-19 pandemic, bigger and more frequent wildfires, devastating floods, and powerful storms have become unfortunate facts of life. With each disaster, people depend on the emergency response of governments, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector for aid when their lives are upended. However, a complicating factor in delivering that aid is that people tend to disperse with such disasters.
In research recently published in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a team led by Jianxi Gao, assistant professor of computer science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Qi Ryan Wang, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Northeastern University, formulated a method to predict human movement during large-scale extreme events with the goal of enabling more effective emergency responses. The model also revealed great disparity in movement among different economic groups.
Despite many possible variables, we found that changes in human mobility behavior during various extreme events exhibit a consistent hyperbolic decline, said Gao. We call it spatiotemporal decay.
Typically, peoples movements follow predictable patterns. When an extreme event disrupts the pattern, scientists refer to it as a mobility perturbation. For example, people may stop commuting to work, or they may change their route, or even evacuate to a shelter. Not only do these mobility perturbations cause challenges when delivering aid, but they also lead to financial, medical, and quality of life repercussions. The nature, extent, and duration of mobility perturbations vary widely.
Gaos team tracked the anonymous movements of 90 million people in the United States over the course of six large-scale disasters including wildfires, tropical storms, winter freezes, and pandemics in order to develop a unified model.
Our model reveals the underlying uniformity across variables by incorporating heterogeneity across space and over time, said Gao. We found strong regularities in how much mobility behavior changes following extreme events and in how fast mobility behavior returns to normal, allowing us to predict complex human behaviors during large-scale crises.
Gaos team found that people living close to the nucleus of the crisis ground zero, or where a storm hits - limit their mobility significantly and quickly. Those living further away do not alter their movement patterns as drastically. This is what is referred to as spatial decay. Over time, mobility patterns either return to normal, inch towards normal, or become even more perturbed. The team accounted for these variables by considering temporal decay, as well.
When the team applied the model to the COVID-19 pandemic, it revealed great differences in movement among economic groups, which may help to explain the different infection rates. People from wealthy areas were more able to immediately reduce their mobility and maintain that change longer. People living in lower income areas exhibited a faster and greater hyperbolic decay.
In other words, wealthier people were able to socially distance, Gao said. Lower income people were forced to return to work.
If events of recent years have taught us anything, it is that we must do our best to prepare for crises, said Curt Breneman, Dean of the Rensselaer School of Science. This work by Dr. Gao and his team can inform enhanced and proactive emergency response planning to mitigate future extreme events. It also shines a light on persistent social inequities that we must find new ways to address.
About Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is Americas first technological research university. Rensselaer encompasses five schools, over 30 research centers, more than 140 academic programs including 25 new programs, and a dynamic community made up of over 6,800 students and 104,000 living alumni. Rensselaer faculty and alumni include upwards of 155 National Academy members, six members of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, six National Medal of Technology winners, five National Medal of Science winners, and a Nobel Prize winner in Physics. With nearly 200 years of experience advancing scientific and technological knowledge, Rensselaer remains focused on addressing global challenges with a spirit of ingenuity and collaboration. To learn more, please visit http://www.rpi.edu.
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Computational simulation/modeling
People
A spatiotemporal decay model of human mobility when facing large-scale crises
8-Aug-2022
Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.
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Zillow and UNCF open registration for HBCU Hackathon – PR Newswire
SEATTLE, Aug. 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Registration is now open for Zillow's second annual HBCU Housing Hackathon for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The program, in collaboration with United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and Amplify 4 Good, helps HBCU students develop critical tech and business skills as they compete for nearly $90,000 in cash and prizes, while also gaining the opportunity to interview for paid internships.
During the weeklong Zillow HBCU Housing Hackathon, beginning September 9, students will learn about the real estate industry, Zillow offerings, housing data, and various application programming interfaces. Then they will develop and pitch tech solutions to help consumers overcome obstacles on their journey to find a home. Student teams will present their ideas to Zillow and tech-industry leaders, with top teams receiving cash and prizes for themselves and their universities.
The first Zillow HBCU Housing Hackathon, in 2021, drew 150 students, representing 17 HBCUs. A team of four Morehouse College students won first place and a $20,000 prize for creating "Reliby," an app that uses machine learning to predict increases in rent and utility costs at a specific address over time, thus giving renters early warning about looming affordability challenges. Zillow also donated $25,000 to Morehouse College's computer science program as part of the first-place prize.
"The caliber of the tech solutions that the teams presented was impressive. Students leaned on their academic careers and life experiences to come up with some amazing ideas. It was great to be part of the program, and it made me excited for what's to come for our industry and tech as a whole with these future leaders," said David Beitel, Zillow chief technology officer. "We're thrilled to have the United Negro College Fund and Amplify 4 Good joining the event as co-hosts for the second year. Mentors from these organizations help our students further develop their skills through workshops, hands-on enrichment, mentorship and teamwork."
Teams can have as many as four members, and although registration is open to HBCU students in any degree program, each team must have at least two members enrolled in computer science, computer engineering or a related program. Students interested in participating in the Zillow HBCU Housing Hackathon should visit http://www.zillowhbcuhackathon.com to learn more and register.
At the end of the challenge, team finalists will pitch their solutions to a panel of judges. The first-place team will receive a $20,000 cash award, split among its members, and Zillow will donate $25,000 to its school's computer science program. Second- and third-place teams will receive $12,000 and $6,000 cash awards, respectively. Students from the top three teams also will receive new laptops and textbook gift cards. All eligible hackathon participants interested in a role at Zillow will have an opportunity to interview for an internship.
"It's awesome to conceptualize a project that could help a lot of people and not only win the hackathon and receive prizes that are great for my team, but also help earn a donation for our college," said Paul Lockett, a member of last year's winning team and a 2022 Morehouse College graduate. "We had a plan, we executed on it and we are so happy we had this amazing opportunity to work and learn with Zillow."
Chad Womack, Ph.D., vice president of National STEM Programs and Initiatives at UNCF, will be on the panel of judges for the HBCU Housing Hackathon. Womack also co-founded Black Tech Ventures, a venture tech firm created to empower African American tech innovators and startup entrepreneurs, with a focus on fostering an entrepreneurial mindset on HBCU campuses.
"The UNCF is proud to be back for a second year, partnering with Zillow on such an impactful program for our students," said Womack. "Our HBCU campus connections allow us to reach students who may not otherwise consider such a challenge. We're working to diversify the talent within STEM industries, and programs like Zillow's HBCU Housing Hackathon help us do just that."
Womack will be joined on the judging panel by Zillow and tech-industry leaders, including Eric Bailey, Zillow vice president, Experience Design; Jennifer Butler, Zillow head of Government Relations and Public Affairs; Aldona Clottey, Zillow vice president, Corporate Social Responsibility; Tiffany Dockery, Etsy director of Product Management; Damien Peters, founder, Wealth Noir; and Jonathan Rabb, founder and CEO, Watch The Yard.
Registration for the hackathon closes Sept. 6. To learn more or register, visit http://www.zillowhbcuhackathon.com.
About the United Negro College Fund
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students' education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 20% of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF annually awards $100 million in scholarships and administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized trademark, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." Learn more atUNCF.org, or for continuous news and updates, follow UNCF on Twitter,@UNCF.
About Zillow Group
Zillow Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: Z and ZG) is reimagining real estate to make it easier to unlock life's next chapter. As the most visited real estate website in the United States, Zillow and its affiliates offer customers an on-demand experience for selling, buying, renting or financing with transparency and ease.
Zillow Group's affiliates and subsidiaries include Zillow, Zillow Premier Agent, Zillow Home Loans, Zillow Closing Services, Trulia, Out East, ShowingTime, Bridge Interactive, dotloop, StreetEasy and HotPads. Zillow Home Loans, LLC is an Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #10287 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).
SOURCE Zillow
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Zillow and UNCF open registration for HBCU Hackathon - PR Newswire
University of Richmond adds new course opportunities for 2022-2023 school year – rvahub.com
The University of Richmond has announced curriculum changes that will provide new academic opportunities for students and faculty in the 202223 academic year. These changes include launching the Africana Studies program and adding minors in sustainability and data science and statistics.
Africana Studies
The Africana Studies program will launch this fall with a variety of courses and programming in the humanities, arts, and social sciences. The program explores the complex socio-political landscapes, economic structures, and cultural traditions that shape, impact, and stem from the African diaspora.
The push for this program was strong, and students will now be able to major, minor, and receive degrees in Africana Studies, said Ernest McGowen, Africana Studies program coordinator. It is a great opportunity to direct ones studies towards their interests and fulfill our liberal arts mission.
Africana Studies courses during the fall semester include Introduction to Africana Studies and a Rumors of War seminar, which will examine the history of slavery and colonization before and after 1492 and how they shape the African diaspora. The program is housed in the School of Arts & Sciences, but students may take elective courses across disciplines in A&S, the Robins School of Business, and the Jepson School of Leadership Studies.
Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science, and Statistics
This summer, the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science became two separate departments Department of Computer Science and Department of Mathematics and Statistics. The change is a result of growing interest in the fields of statistics, mathematical economics, and computer science. Students can now minor in data science and statistics, which focuses on collecting, understanding, and presenting data from a variety of different domains and contexts.
Within this minor, students explore everything from data-oriented programming to the ability to identify and address the ethical and privacy concerns regarding data analysis, said statistics professor Taylor Arnold, data science program coordinator.
Geography, Environment, and Sustainability
Starting this academic year, the Department of Geography and the Environment will become the Department of Geography, Environment, and Sustainability. Sustainability will also be offered as a minor, allowing students to explore sustainability through the lens of acting for positive change.
We have seen a surge of deep interest over the past few years with students interested in topics related to sustainability and the climate crisis, said Todd Lookingbill, department chair. So many of our students want to work toward improving conditions that foster the well-being of people and the environment, and this new minor will allow more of our students to explore this critical area.
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University of Richmond adds new course opportunities for 2022-2023 school year - rvahub.com
How I Learned to Code The Information – The Information
On my first day of class at Harvard, at the end of a lackluster economics lecture, I was shoving my stuff into my backpack when electronic music started blasting through the speakers. The beat seemed to shake the chandelier. A sans serif logo appeared projected at the head of the room: CS50, Introduction to Computer Science. I had nowhere to be, so I stayed. At seven minutes after the hour (on Harvard time) the lecturer, David Malan, tested the mic clipped to his black sweater and strode into the spotlight to teach us how to program.
He demonstrated our first algorithmbinary searchby looking for the name Mike Smith in a phone book. Malan flipped to a spot in the middle: too early in the alphabet. So what do we do? he asked. A row of teaching fellows onstage ripped tomes in half and threw them to the floor. The audience gasped. Malans assistants picked new pages and repeated the procedure. Finally, the head teaching fellow held up a single page, triumphant. The crowd applauded and hollered.
It took less than a minute, although Malan drew it out for dramatic effect. If the phone book had 1,000 pages, it only took an average of 10 tearings to find the right one: 500 pages, then 250, 125, 62, 31, 16, 8, 4, 2, then 1. He said something about logs1024 log base 2 is 10but I couldnt think about math, only about magic. I stared at the resulting single page slack-jawed, transfixed.
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