School of Computer Science PGR Seminar Kamyar Babazadeh and Julia Dreiling

Kamyar Babazadeh will present Multi to multi object near-neighbour search

Abstract: Previous work has introduced the idea of polyadic query similarity search as a multi-query generalisation of single query similarity search, enabling retrieval based on the joint characteristics of multiple query arguments. The initial work on polyadic query search has focused solely on searching over a collection of singular objects. In this work we aim to expand this idea to search over a collection of sets of objects and assess its effectiveness. Through the means of practical examples on image embeddings generated from the mirflickr dataset, we demonstrate that polyadic query search over a collection of sets of objects is feasible and somewhat effective.

Bio: I am a first-year PhD student in the School of Computer Science, supervised by Prof Richard Connor and Prof Graham Kirby. My research focuses on scalable methods for similarity search in large, high-dimensional datasets, particularly on developing efficient and accurate multi-object similarity search techniques by exploring the potential applications of the Multi-way Structural Entropic Divergence (MSED) function.

Julia Dreiling will present Tangible Programming Systems: reframing programming

Abstract: While commonplace in many scientific circles, programming, and the ability to program well has often been considered a mystic talent, reserved for the “hackers” of the world. With a re-framing of programming and a consideration of tangible user interfaces, perhaps programming can be open to more than just the select few. Rather than cramming our digital world into a two dimensional space, tangible programming systems considers expanding the digital world into our own, making it easier to understand and interact with.

Bio: Julia Dreiling is a first year PhD Student jointly supervised by Dr. Miriam Sturdee and Dr. Michael Young. Her research focuses on Tangible Programming Systems and how to make them more adoptable, affordable, and accessible. She is part of the St Andrews Programmable Spaces Group run by Mr. David Morrison, Dr. Michael Young, and Dr. Miriam Sturdee.