LINGUIST List 8.543

Fri Apr 18 1997

Jobs: NLP - Research Assistantships

Editor for this issue: Ljuba Veselinova <ljubalinguistlist.org>

Directory

  • Susan McRoy, Research Assistantships Available

    Message 1: Research Assistantships Available

     Date: Fri, 18 Apr 1997 17:44:30 -0500
    From: Susan McRoy <mcroytigger.cs.uwm.edu>
    Subject: Research Assistantships Available


    Natural Language and Knowledge Representation Research Group Decision Systems and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

    Research Assistantships Available:

    Our National Science Foundation sponsored research project focuses on integrating multiple knowledge sources for robust human-machine communication. Our research group has been investigating models of dialogue that can support robust and flexible interaction between people and computer systems. We are interested in building systems that can recognize user intentions and respond to them and that can formulate and act on intentions of their own. Specifically, we aim to address two important research issues:

    1. To provide a uniform representation of the different kinds of information that influences people's understanding of an ongoing dialog and that allow for the detection of potential problems, such as misunderstanding, misconceptions, and digressions. For example, we want to build a representation of the beliefs that have been expressed or entailed by the participants during a dialog.

    2. To provide reasoning methods for integrating and employing this information to achieve the following tasks: -- Interpreting utterances and identifying problems as they arise; -- Invoking a planner to produce relevant utterances and repairs; -- Deciding when and how to take control of the dialog, allowing that either the system or the user could be in control. For example, we want to provide methods for recognizing when communication is breaking down and for addressing the problem.

    Evaluation of the research will employ two intelligent tutoring systems that are under development. We aim to deploy these systems with end-users in the Milwaukee area.

    These positions require a M.S. or B.S. in Computer Science. It is anticipated that the research associated with these positions will lead to doctoral dissertations. (The master's program in CS also includes a thesis.)

    The starting date for these RA positions is anticipated to be fall 1997. Duration is contingent upon appropriate progress in both research and academic requirements.

    To apply for an RA, you should submit a copy of your academic transcript, a resume, a 1-2 page statement of interest, the phone number and email address of 2-3 people willing to serve as references, and copies of relevant publications. This information should be directed to the address below.

    For admission to UWM, a separate application to the graduate school will be required. UWM has "rolling" admissions. To receive notification about an RA in time to apply for admission to UWM starting fall 1997, RA applications should be received by June 1, 1997. (Applications received after that date will be considered in time for either the fall 1997 or spring 1998 semester.) To obtain an application, phone graduate admissions at (414) 229-4982.

    Questions about these positions should be directed to the following address.

    Professor Susan McRoy Computer Science, University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee 3200 North Cramer Street Milwaukee, 53211 URL: http://www.cs.uwm.edu/faculty/mcroy Email: mcroycs.uwm.edu Phone: (414) 229-6695