Computer Science Seminar: Tyler Derr

This event is open to all Illinois Tech faculty and students. 

Abstract

Most existing network analysis has solely focused on unsigned networks—or networks with only positive links. However, in many real-world systems, relations can be both positive and negative. For instance, social media users not only have positive links such as friends, followers, and those they trust, but also can establish negative links to those they distrust, block, or unfriend. These relations can be represented as networks with positive and negative links, or signed networks. On the one hand, the introduction of negative links in signed networks not only increases the complexity of the representation, but also presents tremendous challenges for traditional unsigned network analysis. Furthermore, it is evident from recent research that negative links in signed networks have distinct properties from positive links. In addition, the fundamental principles and theories of signed networks are substantially different from those of unsigned networks. Hence, signed network analysis cannot be carried out by simply extending unsigned network analysis. On the other hand, the existence of negative links also bring about unprecedented opportunities for network analysis. In this talk, Tyler Derr will highlight some of his research that has focused on the development of novel contributions to the four main directions of network analysis: measuring, mining, modeling, and applications. Derr will then conclude with providing insights and highlighting multiple future directions.

Bio

Derr will be receiving his Ph.D. in computer science and engineering from Michigan State University, and is a member of the Data Science and Engineering Lab. He has completed his M.S. in computer science (2015) and dual B.S. in computer science and mathematical sciences (2013) at Pennsylvania State University. His research is mainly focused on network analysis and network representation learning especially for signed networks and their applications in political science, health care, and education. He has published papers in these domains at some of the top conferences, and has received numerous travel awards to present his work. Derr actively serves as a reviewer/program committee member for many journals/conferences in his researcher domain. He was the recipient of various prestigious awards, such as the Best Reviewer Award at ICWSM2019 and Best Student Poster Award at SDM2019. Moreover, he is an Engineering Graduate Leadership Fellow and a core member of the Michigan State Teachers in Social Media project that aims to provide equitable education for all, especially removing barriers to offering educational opportunities to under-resourced teachers and learners.