USC Viterbi Launches Innovative PhD Program in Artificial…

USC Viterbi has introduced a groundbreaking interdisciplinary PhD program in AI and operations research, funded by a $2.9M NSF grant. Co-directed by Phebe Vayanos and Bistra Dilkina, the program aims to prepare future leaders in the intersecting fields. It will focus on integrating ethical practices while training at least 38 PhD students annually, harnessing both departments’ expertise.

The USC Viterbi School of Engineering is breaking new ground with its newly announced interdisciplinary PhD program in artificial intelligence (AI) and operations research (OR). This initiative shines bright with a hefty $2.9 million grant from the National Science Foundation, marking it as the first specialized graduate certificate in this developing field.

Co-directors Phebe Vayanos and Bistra Dilkina are set to lead this ambitious venture, which aims to cultivate a fresh wave of leaders, researchers, and educators at the crux of AI and OR. The integration of these two disciplines is no small feat, especially given their varying languages, techniques, and applications. Nonetheless, this is where the true potential lies.

As Vayanos stated, “AI and OR have complementary strengths.” AI thrives in environments filled with vast, unstructured data, while OR specializes in crafting models and tackling optimization issues. Marrying these strengths could lead to groundbreaking solutions—ones neither discipline could tackle alone.

Real-world examples illustrate this potential, such as using machine learning in concert with OR to address data-driven decision-making problems. The interplay can also enhance the development of responsible AI systems—those that are fair, interpretable, and robust against uncertainties.

This program is not just about research; it’s a collaboration between USC’s Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and the Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science. Both have a rich experimental history in intertwining AI and OR, and with a team of esteemed faculty, the horizon looks promising. Among them are experts like Yolanda Gil and Andrés Gómez, to name a few. Plus, Gigi Ragusa brings her expertise in engineering education to evaluate the program.

According to Dilkina, the objective is to create an educational model that others may aspire to replicate. The program anticipates graduating at least 38 PhD students in its initial five years, along with a cohort of master’s students, all guided by a focus on ethical implications of AI applications.

Reacting to the growing need for research, the ORAI program will dive deep into the intersection of OR and AI. Students will engage in rigorous research while benefiting from a suite of tailored graduate courses, merging the core technologies of both fields. Ethical considerations will be embedded within the coursework, paving the way for responsible decision-support systems.

Students will also have the advantage of utilizing case studies from premier USC research centers to bolster their learning experience. Research themes will span multiple leading centers, such as the Center for Artificial Intelligence in Society and the METRANS Transportation Consortium.

Additionally, the program emphasizes a well-rounded education—offering workshops focused on non-technical skills, like teamwork and equitable practices. Each academic year will conclude with a collaborative research symposium.

Vayanos highlighted the program’s broader ambition: crafting course materials that could inspire similar interdisciplinary PhD degrees at other institutions. “I am really excited that USC is at the forefront of training and research…to address some of the most challenging decision-making problems of our time,” Vayanos mentioned.

As for now, the ORAI program is welcoming applications. This might just be the groundbreaking educational experience many are looking for.

The USC Viterbi School of Engineering has launched a pioneering interdisciplinary PhD program merging artificial intelligence and operations research, backed by a significant NSF grant. With a focus on producing ethically-minded professionals and pioneering research, the program aims to bridge gaps between disciplines that have long been separated. Led by a dynamic team, it stands to create a new standard of interdisciplinary education while training the researchers of tomorrow.

Original Source: viterbischool.usc.edu