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Novoseller+Shakevich

Robot Learning; Toad Navigation – Apr 27

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Wonderfest Science Envoys are early-career researchers with special communication skills and aspirations. Following short talks on provocative modern science topics, these two Science Envoys will answer questions with insight and enthusiasm:

• UC Berkeley computer scientist Dr. Ellen Novoseller on Machine Learning in Robots — How do robots use machine learning algorithms to behave properly in uncertain surroundings? Two examples highlight the issue: a household robot that learns to manipulate everyday objects, and a personalized robotic exoskeleton that helps mobility-impaired people to walk.

• Stanford organismal biologist Daniel Shaykevich on Toads in Space: Studying Navigation in Amphibians — While we know quite a bit about how mammals use their brains to understand their spatial surroundings, we know much less about how frogs and salamanders do it. What is going on inside the amphibian brain during navigation? And why would this be interesting to humans?

WHAT: Ask a Science Envoy: Robot Learning & Toad Navigation
WHO: Dr. Ellen Novoseller (UC Berkeley) & Daniel Shaykevich (Stanford), Wonderfest Science Envoys
WHERE: ONLINE, via Zoom [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89938577817]
WHEN: 2022-04-27 — 8pm, Wed, April 27th (1 hour)
HOW:

This event is free. But what value do these science insights have FOR YOU? Accordingly, please use the space below to contribute to nonprofit Wonderfest, and help to promote the scientific outlook broadly — as through our outstanding Science Envoy Program.


Collaborators:
Bay Area Science Festival [https://www.bayareasciencefestival.org]

Person+Seiler

Animal Behavior; Machine Learning – Apr 11

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Wonderfest Science Envoys are early-career researchers with special communication skills and aspirations. Following short talks on provocative modern science topics, these two Science Envoys will answer questions with insight and enthusiasm:

• UC Berkeley zoologist Erin Person on What's the Point? Animal Behavior and the Value of Niche Science — We share our planet with many strange and wonderful animals. As David Attenborough has taught us, their ways of life can be fascinating. But beyond satisfying our curiosity, studying animals can teach us about evolution, ecosystems, and even ourselves.

• Stanford statistician Ben Seiler on Understanding Machine Learning — Computers automate important decisions across our society. Unfortunately, we cannot always understand how and why complex algorithms and statistical models are making these decisions! How can we make such machine learning more transparent and interpretable?

WHAT: Ask a Science Envoy: Animal Behavior & Machine Learning
WHO: Erin Person (UC Berkeley); Ben Seiler (Stanford), Wonderfest Science Envoys
WHERE: ONLINE, via Zoom [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81656633476]
WHEN: 2022-04-11 — 8pm, Monday, April 11th (1 hour)
HOW:

This event is free. But what value do these science insights have FOR YOU? Accordingly, please use the space below to contribute to nonprofit Wonderfest, and help to promote the scientific outlook broadly — as through our outstanding Science Envoy Program.