ATLAS Students Discover the Depths of AI at Northeastern University

The world of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning has captivated the minds of ATLAS students during their global immersion experience at Northeastern University. Led by Associate Professor Alexandros Koliousis, a masterclass on the intricacies of AI models unfolded, unravelling the mysteries and potential limitations of these cutting-edge technologies. This blog takes you on a journey through the insightful session and highlights the key takeaways that shed light on the fascinating world of AI.

Understanding AI Models and Mechanisms

Professor Koliousis, an esteemed faculty director at Northeastern University, immersed the students in the realm of AI by providing a comprehensive overview of different AI models and their functionalities. The class explored the role of models in processing human tasks and the significance of software in implementing AI. As the students delved deeper into the topic, they learned about the process of building a classifier, specifically examining how one could design a classifier to distinguish between images of dogs, cats or mice.

Unveiling the Inner Working

To grasp the inner workings of AI models, Prof. Koliousis introduced concepts such as one-hot encoding, which allows the representation of possible outputs without a specific order or index. He explained the Argmax operation, enabling decision-making by selecting the most likely category based on assigned probabilities. The discussion expanded into exploring the inputs that contribute to the functioning of black box systems, shedding light on the mysterious nature of some AI models.

The Role of Image Processing

In the realm of image processing, the students were exposed to the importance of input features and the representation of data using pixel values. Professor Koliousis demonstrated matrix multiplication operations and elucidated the structure of connected neural networks, emphasising the relevance of score similarity and parameters. The students gained a deeper understanding of how AI systems process and analyse images, enabling them to appreciate the capabilities and limitations of these technologies.

Delving into Deep Learning

The masterclass took a deep dive into the concept of deep learning, a transformative approach involving a series of input transformations. Professor Koliousis addressed the challenges associated with achieving 100% accuracy in AI systems, emphasising the iterative process of learning weights. The students were captivated by a video demonstration that showcased the taming of neural networks, highlighting the process of minimising a high-dimensional non-convex function. This demonstration provided valuable insights into why machines learn to pay attention, especially in the context of image captioning.

Embracing the Potential of AI

In conclusion, Professor Koliousis emphasised that AI is a tool for everyone and that experts are continuously improving its capabilities. He encouraged the students to embrace the purposeful use of AI and appreciate its potential across various fields. The session at Northeastern University not only expanded the students’ knowledge of AI but also inspired them to explore new horizons and harness the power of these technologies in their own academic and professional journeys.

Campus Exploration

Following the enlightening masterclass, the students had the privilege of exploring the vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment of Northeastern University. Led by Professor Dan, the Head of Admissions, they embarked on a campus tour, discovering notable places such as the library, laboratories, student centers and research facilities. This hands-on experience allowed them to envision themselves as part of the dynamic community at Northeastern University, fostering a sense of excitement and inspiration.

The ATLAS students’ global immersion experience at Northeastern University provided them with an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of AI and deep learning. Through Professor Koliousis’s masterclass, they gained valuable insights into AI models, their mechanisms, and the ongoing advancements in the field. This immersive experience, combined with the campus tour, left the students inspired to explore the potential of AI in their own academic and professional pursuits. As they return to ATLAS SkillTech University, they carry with them a newfound appreciation for the transformative power of AI and the possibilities it holds for the future.