[CS] Xuefeng Liu Candidacy Exam/Jul 1, 2025

[via cs]

This is an announcement of Xuefeng Liu's Candidacy Exam.
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Candidate: Xuefeng Liu

Date: Tuesday, July 01, 2025

Time:  9 am CST

Remote Location: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://uchicago.zoom.us/j/93336610745?pwd=Vs3YThX1CPqSsJi0qNYKOEjcWezPts.1__;!!BpyFHLRN4TMTrA!8CQ6-6J9rpktAMrbWLuT5-UkUQRCszxaOts_iBwV93MoNSj2jbmdGnYnjSFdi9Ibz4oMwIU86wbooOJJRg5IkdA$

Location: JCL 298

Title:  Leveraging Generative Models and Active Reinforcement Learning for Molecular Design

Abstract: Molecular design plays a critical role across sectors—enabling breakthroughs in domains such as drug discovery, materials science, energy, and sustainability.  To push its capabilities forward, This collection of works focuses on developing novel generative models and active reinforcement learning algorithms with proven theoretical foundations, tailored to address the unique challenges posed by the distinct ”language” of chemical and biological sequence.  These challenges include enhancing controllability, safety and robustness; advancing multimodal representations; improving sample efficiency to accelerate policy learning; and developing effective exploration and exploitation strategies from initial lead discovery to optimization.

Advisors: Rick Stevens

Committee Members: Rick Stevens, Yuxin Chen, Jinbo Xu, Matthew Walter, and Ian Foster