Abstract: Traditional questionnaires remain the primary method for assessing psychological outcomes and beliefs, capturing individuals' and populations' inner states. This dissertation presents an alternative computational method that overcomes key limitations in current mental health monitoring, particularly in spatiotemporal resolution, responses to major events, and automatic belief identification. By analyzing ∼1 billion Tweets from 2 million geo-located users, we created a big data pipeline for estimating depression and anxiety at the county-week level. These Language-Based Mental Health Assessments (LBMHA) demonstrated higher reliability and validity than traditional survey measures. Our approach effectively captured mental health trends and highlighted significant increases in mental illness following major events. Using the LBMHA pipeline, we conducted quasi-experiments, research designs that simulate randomized control trials, to generate explanations for mental health changes due to COVID-19 incidence/death. Utilizing these time-series analyses, we conducted discontinuity forecasting for community-specific anxiety shifts using statistical learning via ensemble and contextual models. To likewise investigate individual internal states, we created a novel task and annotated dataset for self belief language identification. Our fine-tuned language model for self-belief classification, despite its relatively small scale, outperformed GPT-4o. The self belief topics identified by our model successfully predicted depression, anxiety, and stress, offering insights into the relationship between self-conceptualization and mental health. The adoption of scalable language-based assessments with modern distributed computation presents a promising avenue for advancing community and individual mental health research.

Speaker: Siddharth Mangalik

https://stonybrook.zoom.us/j/91251321639?pwd=faggV5jZ7ByFDCFmnLXD3HiYxjQ1Eb.1&jst=2
DeepMath Conference on the Mathematical Theory of Deep Neural Networks Recent advances in deep neural networks (DNNs), combined with open, easily-accessible implementations, have made DNNs a powerful, versatile method used widely in both machine learning and neuroscience. These advances in practical results, however, have far outpaced a formal understanding of these networks and their training. The dearth of rigorous analysis for these techniques limits their usefulness in addressing scientific questions and, more broadly, hinders systematic design of the next generation of networks. Recently, long-past-due theoretical results have begun to emerge from researchers in a number of fields. The purpose of this conference is to give visibility to these results, and those that will follow in their wake, to shed light on the properties of large, adaptive, distributed learning architectures, and to revolutionize our understanding of these systems.​​​

You are cordially invited to attend the biweekly Brookhaven AI Mixer (BAM). BAM includes one short talk on AI research happening at BNL, followed by an open mixer over coffee and snacks for everyone to network and discuss all things AI. The first half hour will consist of presentations that will be available via ZOOM, and the second half hour will be for in person only networking.

Join us every other Tuesday at noon in CDSD's Training Room (building 725, 2nd floor) to learn about interesting AI methods and applications, engage with potential collaborators, prepare for pending FASST funding calls, and build a community of AI for Science at BNL.

Abstract: The increasing complexity and volume of data from electron microscopy necessitates advanced computational tools for timely and accurate analysis. In this talk, I will present several machine learning (ML) models developed to interpret diverse datasets from transmission electron microscopy (TEM). First, I demonstrate segmentation models for labelling regions of interest from in situ TEM images, such as atomic column positions or reaction sites that allow atomic-level quantitative analysis of data. Second, I introduce a self-supervised CNN model for denoising of low-dose HRTEM images, enabling clearer visualization of atomic features without sacrificing temporal resolution. Finally, a transformer-based model trained to predict copper oxidation states directly from their electron energy loss spectroscopy spectra will be introduced. Together, these projects showcase the power of tailored ML solutions to extract quantitative insights from complex microscopy data.

Biography: Brian Lee is a research associate working for the Electron Microscopy group and Theory and Computation group at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials. Previously, he has received PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Duke University and worked as a postdoc at Purdue University. His research focuses on applying machine learning and simulation techniques for materials science.

Location: CDS, Bldg. 725, Training Room

Join ZoomGov Meeting: https://bnl.zoomgov.com/j/1604383624?pwd=ffQ5cUPNxTI7nzClKQO6cnsNbhF9Vf.1

Meeting ID: 160 438 3624
Passcode: 558449

As artificial intelligence continues to transform higher education and the world beyond, how are students engaging with this change? Join us for a student-led discussion that explores how AI is influencing academic integrity, learning practices, and students' perspectives on its role in future workplaces.

Our panelists will share their experiences and reflections on questions such as:
1. What counts as appropriate and inappropriate use of AI in coursework?
2. How do faculty approach AI and talk about its implications in class?
3. What does AI mean for students' learning and ethical decision-making?
4. How are students building their understanding of AI tools and their potential uses in professional contexts?

This conversation offers an authentic look at how students are navigating the promises and challenges of AI--both in their studies and as they look ahead to applying these technologies responsibly in their fields.

Register here.
Spring 2025, Mondays 3.30 to 4.50 pm, NCS 220.

The seminar will be jointly taught by Prof. Chao Chen, chao.chen.1@stonybrook.edu and Prof. Dimitris Samaras samaras@cs.stonybrook.edu

The overall purpose of this seminar is to bring together people with interests
in Computer Vision theory and techniques and to examine current research issues. This course will be appropriate for people who already took a Computer Vision graduate course or already had research experience in Computer Vision.

To enroll in this course, you must either: (1) be in the Ph.D. program or (2) receive permission from the instructors.

Each seminar will consist of multiple short talks (around 15 minutes) by multiple students. Students can register for 1 credit for CSE656. Registered students must attend and present a minimum of 2 talks. Registered students must attend in person. Up to 3 absences will be excused. Everyone else is welcome to attend.

Join here. Meeting ID: 927 2069 8658. Passcode: 130934.
.

The Office for Research and Innovation at Stony Brook University invites you to attend the inaugural Wolf Den, an evening designed to bring together members of the regional innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Meet investors, researchers, startup founders, and business leaders to exchange ideas, foster collaboration, and strengthen connections that drive technology development and economic growth across Long Island.

Agenda

4:30 - 5:00 PM | Grab some cheer & mingle
5:00 - 5:40 PM | Welcome remarks and AI Panel
5:40 - 6:00PM | Featured lightning pitches
6:00 - 7:00 PM | Food, drinks and great conversations!

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about Stony Brook's entrepreneurship ecosystem, hear company pitches from emerging startups, and engage in meaningful networking with innovators, investors and community partners.

Refreshments will be served. Registration is required.

In partnership with Accelerate Long Island.

https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/innovation/_events/wolfden.php



Time:
Sep 7, Tue, 11:00am EDT

Place:
NCS 220 or on Zoom (info below)

Title: Data-Driven Document Unwarping


Abstract:
Capturing document images is a common way to digitize and record physical documents due to the ubiquitousness of mobile cameras. To make text recognition easier, it is often desirable to digitally flatten a document image when the physical document sheet is folded or curved. However, unwarping a document from a single image in natural scenes is very challenging due to the complexity of document sheet deformation, document texture, and environmental conditions. Previous model-driven approaches struggle with inefficiency and limited generalizability. In this thesis, I investigate several data-driven approaches to tackle the document unwarping problem.

Data acquisition is the central challenge in data-driven methods. I first design an efficient data synthesis pipeline based on 2D image warping and train DocUNet, the pioneering data-driven document unwarping model, on the synthetic data. A benchmark dataset is also created to facilitate comprehensive evaluation and comparison. To improve the unwarping performance by training on more realistic data, I introduce the Doc3D dataset and DewarpNet. Supervised by 3D shape ground truth in Doc3D, DewarpNet is significantly better than DocUNet. DocUNet and DewarpNet depend on the synthetic data for the ground truth deformation annotation. To exploit the real-world images, I propose PaperEdge, a weakly supervised model trained with in-the-wild document images with easy-to-obtain boundary information. PaperEdge surpasses DewarpNet by utilizing both the synthetic data and weakly annotated real data in the Document In the Wild (DIW) dataset. Finally, I propose directly predicting the $uv$ parameterized 3D mesh of the document with 3D constraints and using the accessible 3D presentations like depth maps as training targets. Predicting the 3D mesh of the document solves the unwarping task and also benefits VR/AR applications.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://stonybrook.zoom.us/j/96440592912?pwd=ZU5waTdyUzRFNW5SRHM5ME84TWdFQT09

Meeting ID: 964 4059 2912
Passcode: 793149
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OVERVIEW


This workshop, Expanding Horizons in AI with HPC, aims to explore the dynamic intersection of AI and HPC, focusing on how advanced computing can accelerate AI research and applications. As AI models become more complex and data-intensive, traditional computing systems struggle to meet the demand for scalability, efficiency, and speed. HPC offers a solution by providing the necessary infrastructure for training large-scale models, enhancing AI algorithms, and enabling breakthroughs in fields such as deep learning, natural language processing, and autonomous systems.

Through a combination of expert presentations and panel discussions, participants will gain insights into the latest developments in AI-HPC integration. Attendees will also engage in discussions on the future trends, challenges, and ethical considerations surrounding the use of HPC in AI.

The workshop is designed for AI researchers, data scientists, engineers, and HPC professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of how high-performance computing can drive innovation and expand the potential of AI in solving complex, real-world problems.

The workshop will be held at the Wang Center at Stony Brook University.

https://you.stonybrook.edu/hpcai/

PROGRAM

The program features sessions on HPC Architectures for AI, AI Applications in HPC, LLM's in HPC, and AI in HPC Workflows, and open student presentations. The tentative program and list of confirmed speakers is available at https://you.stonybrook.edu/hpcai/program/.

CALL FOR STUDENT PRESENTATIONS & PARTICIPATION

We are excited to offer students the opportunity to present their work in the area of high-performance scientific computing and artificial intelligence at the workshop. We are calling for students to submit their talk proposals (Name + Title) by April 15 to hpc_ai_workshop@stonybrook.edu. The committee will select the best submission to be presented at the workshop. Accepted speakers will be notified by April 22, 2025.

All students, regardless of whether they are presenting, may reach out to hpc_ai_workshop@stonybrook.edu for financial support to cover travel and lodging costs.

REGISTRATION

Registration is available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/expanding-horizons-in-ai-with-hpc-tickets-1256469978529?aff=oddtdtcreator until May 2nd. The registration fee covers the workshop participation and the social event in the evening of May 9.

Regular registration: $200
Student registration: $100


IMPORTANT NOTE

The registration fee was meant to cover the room rent, catering, and dinner. Thanks to an RF seed grant, we are able to drop the registration fees for SBU students and staff/faculty. We still ask for an informal registration via email to hpc_ai_workshop@stonybrook.edu until April 27, so we can plan for catering and dinner.
Please get in touch with us if you have already registered as an SBU student/faculty/staff member for the workshop so we can handle any reimbursement.

The program is now online at https://you.stonybrook.edu/hpcai/program/.

The Vedanta Forum is devoted to one of humanity's oldest and most profound pursuits -- thinking. Thinking about who we truly are: the one that remains constant through childhood and old age, through waking, dream, and deep sleep. Thinking about the source and cause of creation, and its relationship to what inheres in us.

Across history, such thinking, both meditative and scientific, has been aimed at these questions. The ancient Upanishads proclaimed, Tat Tvam Asi -- Thou Art That -- revealing the non-dual identity of the individual and the ultimate reality. Centuries later, modern scientists such as Schrödinger and Bohr echoed similar intuitions about the unity of existence.

Over time, many philosophical approaches, traditions, and interpretive schools have arisen from such inquiry, each offering unique perspectives. The Forum will:

  • Focus on universal approaches and traditions and examine their teachings,

  • Foster comparative studies, and

  • Explore the practical benefits to society from such thinking,

through scholarly studies, dialogue, and debate also promoting accessibility to all qualified seekers. Additionally, the Forum will explore how these reflections can enrich life, education, and even technology.

Location: NCS 120 (New Computer Science), Engineering Dr, Stony Brook, NY 11794.

The program is available at: https://www.vedantaforum.org/events/program