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Computer Science @ Rochester
Monday, October 20, 2008
11:00 AM
Computer Studies Bldg. Room 209
Dr. George Ferguson
University of Rochester
Intelligent Collaborative Assistants
Do you hate using computers? I know I do. Interfaces have barely changed since Xerox invented the GUI in the late 70's. More importantly, the only way to get computers to do anything is by programming them. While good for CS grads' job security, this solution doesn't scale.

In this talk I will describe the work we are doing to develop intelligent collaborative assistants--software systems that work with users to help them solve problems. Among the topics that may be covered are: speech recognition, natural language understanding, intention recognition, collaborative behavior, multi-agent systems, agent-oriented programming, and the role of knowledge. I'll present examples from our work with web applications, desktop computing, and personal healthcare.

Bio: George Ferguson is a Research Scientist in the Computer Science Department at the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York. He came to Rochester in 1989 after degrees at McGill University and the University of Alberta. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Rochester in 1995 and has continued his work on intelligent assistants ever since. Dr. Ferguson is also a founding member of the University's Center for Future Health, whose mission is to develop novel technologies and systems that empower people to take better care of their health.

Refreshments will be provided at 10:45am