Leif R
- Research Program Mentor
PhD candidate at Northwestern University
Expertise
Machine Learning, Evolutionary Computing, Genetic Algorithms, Agent-based Modeling, Mechanism Design, NLP Data Science
Bio
I am very interested in evolutionary processes in general and I study them from a computational perspective. Evolutionary computing is a field that employs concepts from biological evolution and uses them to solve or study computational problems. Genetic algorithms are a related concept which lets us encode computer programs in a way that we can allow them to reproduce, and also mutate from generation to generation, like biological organisms, so that they can progressively adapt to a given task. We can start with random algorithms that don't do anything particularly interesting or useful and end up with algorithms that have interesting behavior and/or perform useful tasks through this processes. My hobbies include playing video games, woodworking, making electronic music with computers and synthesizers, designing 3D objects and 3D printing, bike riding, swimming, boxing and comedy.Project ideas
Evolving Algorithms to Play Classic Video Games
Some techniques from deep reinforcement learning have already been used to train neural networks to play classic Atari video games at above human level proficiency. I could advise a student in developing a platform for training evolutionary algorithms or classical reinforcement learning agents to attempt to learn to play a video game that they are familiar with.
Investigating Potential Slowdowns in Scientific Progress
Some prominent scientists and innovators have recently suggested the possibility that we have become less efficient at generating new scientific ideas. There are many factors that are claimed to be contributing to this. A recent study has shown that our language (used in books) has been becoming progressively less rational since the 1970s. I could advise a student in using natural language processing tools and data visualization to investigate these claims and perhaps develop new metrics for measuring scientific progress in a given field of interest they have.
Developing a Web-based Educational Game or Interactive Curriculum
I could advise a student in developing a web-based educational game or a related form of interactive curriculum that helps demonstrate and reinforce a particular subject matter to other students.