Master Calendar

Abstract:Machine learning (ML) is a powerful tool for data analysis, although it struggles in many applications where training data are expensive or scarce.Here I present a set of works designed to use available data efficiently. First, I introduce a method for symbolic regression of implicit equations. Symbolic regression is useful for uncovering knowledge of the underlying mathematics of a system. Implicit equations are difficult to discover due to the challenge of distinguishing between meaningful implicit relationships and trivial solutions. We enable symbolic regression for implicit equations with a simple probabilistic representation, that enables effective comparison between equations, even with few and noisy training data.The second work focuses on enhancing ensemble methods based on bootstrap aggregation, such as Random Forests (RF) by using a sampling scheme that reduces the number of out-of-bag samples, while maintaining variability among bootstrap datasets. We achieve this by implementing a weighting vector drawn from a multinomial distribution to apply random weights to training data. This is mathematically equivalent to duplicating the data multiple times prior to drawing a bootstrap sample. Our approach works particularly well to improve the performance of RF on heavily imbalanced datasets.The final project is the development of an automated ML pipeline for the analysis of experimental small angle scattering (SAS) data.SAS curves are useful in studying the structure of nanoparticles (NPs), but are difficult and time-consuming to interpret. We have developed a novel hierarchical approach for classifying NP morphology, and a suite of regression models for predicting corresponding structural parameters.The hierarchical classification is designed to learn decision boundaries at interpretable junctions along underlying manifolds. Selectively sampling data from parameter ranges near these junctions emphasizes them, allowing the model to learn the desired decision boundaries, and uses biased sampling near these junctions to more effectively learned the desired decision boundaries. Our method independently tunes the hyperparameters for binary classifiers at each node of the hierarchical trees, achieving performance comparable to neural networks with an order of magnitude fewer data.This automated method for rapid analysis of SAS data enables new experimental design such as time-series analysis, real-time visualization and automated feedback for active learning.In summary, by carefully considering how data are represented and model selection is implemented, the performance of ML can be significantly enhanced in small data scenarios.

In this introductory workshop, we will provide an overview of instructional design, a systematic process for planning a course. You will begin to build a course design framework and walk away with tools and resources to customize your course plan. Please come prepared with a course or instructional topic to work on during the session. Objectives: As we discuss five key elements of course design, you will begin to: *Recognize how ID can help you and your students.​ *Identify situational factors impacting your course.​ *Write your learning objectives.​ *Plan your assessments.​ *Plan your learning activities/instructional materials.​ *Check your design plan for alignment.​August 25, 2:00 – 3:00 Presenters: Betsy Guala and Tim Stubbs Register – https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3543 (https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3543)

Registration is required https://cetl.uconn.edu/programs-and-events/new-ta-orientation-programs-and-services/

The exhibiting artists are Marsha Borden, Helena Chastel, Kathryn Frund, Phoebe Godfrey, Hugh MacDonald, Bob Pavlik, Dan Potter, and R. Douglass Rice. Open Air 2025 is open daily and will remain on view through October 6, 2025. June 19, 2025 iis the last day to visit indoor art exhibitions. Exhibitions inside the AVS Gallery will resume on September 11, 2025

The UConn Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (i.e., UConn Pepper Center), plans to submit an application for competitive renewal to the National Institute on Aging at NIH. At this time, the UConn Pepper Center Pilot/Exploratory Studies Core (PESC) seeks letters of intent (LOIs) for studies to be included in the application. Studies selected for inclusion in the application will be funded contingent upon continued funding of the UConn Pepper Center. We are seeking Letters of Intent (LOIs) for 1-year pilot and exploratory studies that focus on enhancing function and independence in older adults while also advancing knowledge in the UConn Pepper Center theme of Precision Gerontology, and that will support future grant applications. We welcome a variety of research approaches, ranging from biological to clinical/behavioral to health services/community-based research. Projects focusing on cognition and behavior, host defense and immunity, voiding and continence, and mobility and falls are of particular interest. For proposed studies involving human subjects research, secondary data analysis-based projects are encouraged. Projects involving primary data collection are allowed but must be sufficiently feasible to complete within 1 year. LOIs are due by September 10, 2025 Full-time UConn and JAX faculty are eligible to apply for PESC funding. Priority will be given to junior faculty/early-stage investigators as well as established investigators pursuing aging-related research (relevant to Precision Gerontology) as a new area of research. Investigators may request up to $50,000 (direct costs) for a 1-year pilot project. Those interested in submitting an LOI are strongly encouraged to contact the PESC Co-Leaders Dr. Lisa Barry (libarry@uchc.edu) Dr. Blanka Rogina (rogina@uchc.edu) and to visit the UConn Pepper Center website to learn more about the theme of Precision Gerontology and the UConn Pepper Center Research Resource Cores. https://health.uconn.edu/pepper-center/ Those seeking to apply for UConn PESC funding must submit the following by September 10, 2025: 1. A 1-page Letter of Intent (LOI) that includes:Brief description of the Specific Aims, Significance, and Approach; Statement as to how the proposed study aligns with the UConn Pepper Center theme of Precision Gerontology; Statement of how the proposed study will utilize applicable UConn Pepper Center Research Resource Cores. 2. On a separate page, a brief budget and timeline 3. NIH Biosketch for Principal Investigator. Please send LOIs to Ms. Laura Masi (masi@uchc.edu) Individuals selected to submit full proposals will be notified by the PESC Co-Leaders.

Identify three ways icebreakers support learning; Describe one or more limitations of icebreakers; Practice participating in 4-5 icebreakers; Plan icebreakers for the first 2 classes, the mid-semester, and week 10.August 26, 9:00-10:00 Register – https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3536 (https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3536)

Responding to an Active Threat: A Survival Mindset In a classroom and group discussion setting, this course includes commonalities in active threat situations, pre-attack indicators, instilling a survival mindset, survival options (Run, Hide, Fight), law enforcement responses, and reporting behaviors of concern. Workplace Safety This classroom presentation is designed to give employees basic safety guidelines in the workplace. Participants will learn to identify and report suspicious behavior. Specific topics include safe cash handling procedures, responding to and reporting suspicious packages and threatening phone calls, as well as evacuation protocols. Participants will learn how to deal with disruptive people and when to call 911. A brief introduction to the "Run, Hide, Fight" model of active threat scenarios will be discussed. Specific language as delineated by the Office of Emergency Management and used in alert messages will also be discussed.

The Course Facilitation Plan (CFP) is a to-do list that outlines the key steps to take before, during, and after your course implementation, presented in the recurring course life-cycle. This webinar will recognize the four roles of an online instructor while reviewing key aspects of the CFP checklist. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss checklist items and customize their own CFP. Objectives: Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to: *Address online implementation concerns.​ *Identify the four major roles of an online facilitator throughout the delivery of an online course.​ *Discuss best practices in preparing and managing an online course.​ *Develop a customized course facilitation plan (CFP).​ *Locate technical and pedagogical resources for online faculty and students.August 26, 10:00-11:00 Presenters: Kelsey Keefe and Zack Goldberg Register - https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3537 (https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3537)

Starting in the upcoming Fall 2025 academic term, all academic courses will use the new Ultra Course View (UCV) of HuskyCT. This workshop will provide an overview of UCV and we will cover creating & organizing content, copying content from previous semesters, communicating with students, assessment tools, basics of the Gradebook, and other useful features.August 26, 11:00-12:00 Presenter: Jordan Vinikoor Register - https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3551 (https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3551)

The meeting will explain what NDRS is, what we look to achieve, the resource we are for students, and the events that we put on. In addition, the meeting will heavily focus on the Annual Fall Intramural Negotiation Competition (AFINC) that will be hosted two weeks after the meeting.

In this session, you will learn to set up and manage your Gradebook to accurately record and calculate student grades in the new Ultra Course View of HuskyCT. We will cover specific settings and features such as the different types of calculations, using categories, and working with the different Gradebook views that are available to instructors. We will also cover how to send a grade column to Student Admin for midterm and final grade submission. Register - https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3562 (https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3562)

Interested in joining a fraternity or sorority? Come meet members from all the fraternities and sororities on campus! 

Registration Required https://cetl.uconn.edu/programs-and-events/new-ta-orientation-programs-and-services/

Required orientation for foundation year students in the Stamford and Online Program. This orientation is virtual; the Practicum Education Office will email the invite to students.

The exhibiting artists are Marsha Borden, Helena Chastel, Kathryn Frund, Phoebe Godfrey, Hugh MacDonald, Bob Pavlik, Dan Potter, and R. Douglass Rice. Open Air 2025 is open daily and will remain on view through October 6, 2025. June 19, 2025 iis the last day to visit indoor art exhibitions. Exhibitions inside the AVS Gallery will resume on September 11, 2025

The UConn Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (i.e., UConn Pepper Center), plans to submit an application for competitive renewal to the National Institute on Aging at NIH. At this time, the UConn Pepper Center Pilot/Exploratory Studies Core (PESC) seeks letters of intent (LOIs) for studies to be included in the application. Studies selected for inclusion in the application will be funded contingent upon continued funding of the UConn Pepper Center. We are seeking Letters of Intent (LOIs) for 1-year pilot and exploratory studies that focus on enhancing function and independence in older adults while also advancing knowledge in the UConn Pepper Center theme of Precision Gerontology, and that will support future grant applications. We welcome a variety of research approaches, ranging from biological to clinical/behavioral to health services/community-based research. Projects focusing on cognition and behavior, host defense and immunity, voiding and continence, and mobility and falls are of particular interest. For proposed studies involving human subjects research, secondary data analysis-based projects are encouraged. Projects involving primary data collection are allowed but must be sufficiently feasible to complete within 1 year. LOIs are due by September 10, 2025 Full-time UConn and JAX faculty are eligible to apply for PESC funding. Priority will be given to junior faculty/early-stage investigators as well as established investigators pursuing aging-related research (relevant to Precision Gerontology) as a new area of research. Investigators may request up to $50,000 (direct costs) for a 1-year pilot project. Those interested in submitting an LOI are strongly encouraged to contact the PESC Co-Leaders Dr. Lisa Barry (libarry@uchc.edu) Dr. Blanka Rogina (rogina@uchc.edu) and to visit the UConn Pepper Center website to learn more about the theme of Precision Gerontology and the UConn Pepper Center Research Resource Cores. https://health.uconn.edu/pepper-center/ Those seeking to apply for UConn PESC funding must submit the following by September 10, 2025: 1. A 1-page Letter of Intent (LOI) that includes:Brief description of the Specific Aims, Significance, and Approach; Statement as to how the proposed study aligns with the UConn Pepper Center theme of Precision Gerontology; Statement of how the proposed study will utilize applicable UConn Pepper Center Research Resource Cores. 2. On a separate page, a brief budget and timeline 3. NIH Biosketch for Principal Investigator. Please send LOIs to Ms. Laura Masi (masi@uchc.edu) Individuals selected to submit full proposals will be notified by the PESC Co-Leaders.

For the full class schedule, descriptions, and to register, please visit the UConn Recreation website (https://recreation.uconn.edu/group-fitness-schedule/).

For the full class schedule, descriptions, and to register, please visit the UConn Recreation website (https://recreation.uconn.edu/group-fitness-schedule/).

For the full class schedule, descriptions, and to register, please visit the UConn Recreation website (https://recreation.uconn.edu/group-fitness-schedule/).

Dissertation Title: Effects of Collagen Peptide Supplementation on Bone Metabolism, Inflammation, and Recovery in Female Endurance Runners Doctoral Field: Nutritional Sciences