Department of Mathematical SciencesDiscrete Math SeminarTuesday, September 16th, 20254:00PM-4:50PMOlin Hall 126Speaker: Jane Coons, WPITitle: Quasi-Independence Models with Rational Maximum Likelihood Estimator Abstract: Let X and Y be random variables. Quasi-independence models are log-linear models that describe a situation in which some states of X and Y cannot occur together, but X and Y are otherwise independent. We characterize which quasi-independence models have rational maximum likelihood estimator, or MLE, based on combinatorial features of the bipartite graph associated to the model. In this case, we give an explicit formula for the maximum likelihood estimate. We also give a substantial introduction to algebraic statistics, which will be accessible to advanced undergraduate students.

Eat pizza, meet writing faculty, chat with other writing students, and learn about writing programs at WPI. We'll also be raffling away some WPI swag. Open to writing students and students who might be interested in pursuing writing at WPI as a major, minor, or HUA depth.Please RSVP through the registration link below if you plan on attending.

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Be well at home while celebrating Wellness Day on September 19th. Drop by the Center for Well-Being or the lobby of Gateway 1 (60 Prescott) starting on Wednesday, September 17th to pick up your Wellness @ Home Kit to help de-stress and relax. Kits will be available September 17-19 or until we run out. Get one before they are gone! Sponsored by the CWB.

Abstract: In recent years, there has been growing recognition that the physical bodies of animals play just as crucial a role in performing complex tasks as the control signals that drive them. In the field of robotics, this has given rise to the concept of “mechanical intelligence,” whereby desired behavior is embedded directly into robotic hardware rather than relying purely on active control. Though much work remains to match the level of performance found in nature, great progress has been made by both soft and rigid roboticists, alike. In this talk, Prof. Connor McCann will present his research at the intersection of these two fields, using a combination of experimental, theoretical, and numerical techniques to embed intelligent behavior into rigid robotic hands, soft wearable rehabilitative robots, and biomimetic soft-rigid structures inspired by stingray skeletons. As the director of the Principled Rigid-Soft Mechanisms (PRiSM) Lab at WPI, Prof. McCann’s ongoing research directions focus on the development of new paradigms to achieve mechanical intelligence through “hybrid-stiffness” mechanisms. By leveraging the benefits of both softness and rigidity, he aims to push the bounds of robotic hardware to enable complex and intelligent robotic behavior beyond what is currently possible.Bio: Connor McCann is an Assistant Professor in the Robotics Engineering department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. His research focuses on hybrid-stiffness mechanisms at the intersection of rigid and soft robotics. He is interested in the underlying mechanics that govern the non-trivial interactions between rigid and soft materials, and how these interactions can enable advanced, highly functional behavior in robots. His work combines first-principles physical modeling with application-driven design and prototyping, spanning multiple application areas including robotic grasping and manipulation, wearable robotics, and bioinspired robotics. Prior to joining WPI, he received his Ph.D. and M.S. from Harvard University and his B.S. from Yale University, all in mechanical engineering.