From Machine Learning to Large Language Models - An Introduction

Why Attend

Course Overview

This intensive one-day course is designed for individuals who are eager to deepen their understanding and application of machine learning technologies in their respective fields. By focusing on technical skills for real-world applications, this course will enable participants to implement machine learning models in a trustworthy and appropriate way using Python, Google Colab, and PyTorch.

The course offers not just upskilling opportunities to individuals who want to transition their career in AI and learn how AI can benefit companies and pioneer advancements in the field, but also serves as a platform to network and engage with experts and peers. Lunch will be served and there will be opportunities to meet and connect with other participants throughout the day.

This Course is for You if You

Want to start applying machine learning and AI in your career
Want to transition into a machine learning related field
Want to incorporate machine learning into your business models or products and leverage machine learning for better decision-making and insights
Are looking to expand your knowledge in machine learning and network with experts and peers in the field

In This Class You Will

Learn how to set up and cross-validate machine learning models
Demystify Large Language Models (LLMs) and run a local LLM
See how Pytorch is used for deep learning tasks
Understand models, weights, and fine-tune models on Google Colab

Course Prerequisites/Skills Needed

Basic ability to code in Python
Familiarity with linear algebra and statistics
Need access to Google Colab, typically via a Gmail account (Instructions for setting up and accessing Google Colab will be sent prior to the workshop. Technical support will be available before and during the workshop.)
Must bring a personal laptop

How to Register

Early Registration Fee: $275 (June 1 - September 18) Registration Fee: $305 (September 19 - October 19)

Dates and Location

October 20, 2024 from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Hilton Atlanta, Grand Ballroom B, 2nd floor. Address: 255 Courtland Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 U.S.

Meet the Instructor

Randy C. Paffenroth

Randy C. Paffenroth, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts, specializing in computer science, data science, and the mathematical sciences. Before WPI, he was a computational scientist and program director at Numerica Corporation. His research spans machine learning, signal processing, large-scale data analytics, and compressed sensing, with applications in cyber-defense, chemical sensor processing, finance, and materials science. His work has been supported by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Army NSRDEC, Nanocomp Corporation, MITRE Corporation, BBN/Raytheon, and others.

Prior to transitioning from academia to a data science role in industry, I participated in Randy Paffenroth’s data science workshop. He was a fantastic instructor. His course content selection provided a good introduction to the data science space, and he made the presentation of the material both engaging and understandable. And Randy was able to answer questions effectively on the broader context of how data science models are used in practice. The course certainly exceeded my expectations!

Elly Farnell Senior Research Scientist, Amazon Web Services

My overall experience with the "MAA - SIAM & TRIPODS Advanced Workshop in Data Science for Mathematical Sciences Faculty" was wonderful. Randy Paffenroth is an exceptional presenter whose expertise was evident in every session. He demonstrated a profound, detailed, and practical knowledge of data science, making complex concepts accessible and engaging. His approachable demeanor created an open and inviting learning environment.

Bree Ettinger Associate Teaching Professor, Mathematics Department, Emory University

I had the pleasure of participating in a PIC Math Data Science Workshop and I had a fantastic experience. The instructor, Randy Paffenroth, is an enthusiastic educator who is passionate about what he does. The skills and information that I acquired from this workshop have been invaluable to me in advancing my professional career. The workshop was truly a transformative experience!

Mihhail Berezovski Associate Professor of Mathematics, Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University

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Cancellation Policy

Requests for registration refunds must be sent by email to customer service and will be issued in accordance with the following:

Cancellation on or before September 18: $100 Cancellation Fee
After September 18: No Refund

Hotel Reservations

SIAM is holding a block of rooms at the Hilton Atlanta for course participants. These rooms are being held on a first-come, first-served basis at the following discounted rates. Please be aware the room block fills quickly, so we suggest you make your hotel and travel plans early.

The group rate is guaranteed until 5:00 p.m. ET on September 18, 2024, or until the room block is full. If rooms are available after the cutoff date, they will be offered at the best available rate.

Find more information about the hotel room block and reservations on the SIAM MDS24 webpage.

Room Rates

Single/Double Room Rate*

$199 per night plus 16.9% tax plus $5.00 per room night Georgia mandated Hotel-Motel fee.

*Additional fees of $25 per person apply to triple and quad occupancy.
Government Rate

$173 per night plus 16.9% tax (if applicable) plus $5.00 per room night Georgia mandated Hotel-Motel fee.
Student Rate

$149 per night plus 16.9% tax plus $5.00 per room night Georgia mandated Hotel-Motel fee.

Student ID must be presented upon check-in. SIAM has negotiated a limited number of special student rate rooms. Please book early as these rooms sell out quickly!

Contact Us

If you have questions or need additional information, contact SIAM.