Speakers

Image of LEAP 2024: Exploring Complexity: Intersections of Cognitive Science, Technology, and Finance - Abstracts

LEAP 2024: Exploring Complexity: Intersections of Cognitive Science, Technology, and Finance - Abstracts

Panel 30: Exploring Complexity: Intersections of Cognitive Science, Technology, and Finance

This panel aims to combine neuroscience, mathematics, and economics through the lens of coding and computer science. You will learn about how electroencephalography (EEG) can measure reading comprehension and how neural networks could predict child engagement during communication with robots to learn. You will discover how Cocalc and Unity experiments simulate the trajectory and angles of reflection of billiards, and how to apply a topological indicator to measure chaos. Afterwards, you will look at how NetLogo programming can enhance traditional Triangular Growth Model by integrating dynamic visualizations through color changes, bond thickness and more. You will also learn about independent research in conversational recommendation systems. This presentation will cover tips on leading and designing your independent research project -- from drafting proposals to conducting user studies. Finally, you will learn about economics summer research in assisting with financial planning and analysis, including for building financial models, running various financial scenarios, and more.

Moderator: Audrey Saint John, Professor of Computer Science

Translating Knowledge Into Direct Action, My Experience at Groundwork Hudson Valley
Janna Parrot ’26, Computer Science and Russian and Spanish Translation double major

Financial Insights in a Nonprofit Environment
Hema Motion ’25, Computer Science and Mathematics double major

Model Abstract Researcher
Ayesha Peer ’26, Data Science & Economics double major & Data Analytics & Society Nexus

Coding for Mathematical Billiards
Bria McKinley-Nicastro ’26, Mathematics major

From Ideas to Impact: Crafting a Path in Recommender Systems Research
Mumtaz Fatima ’25, Computer Science major

Speaker name: Janna Parrot
Title: Using Electroencephalography and Neural Network Models to Interpret Child Behavior
“This presentation discusses my two research assistant positions at Mount Holyoke College this summer. The research I was part of in the Cognition, Attention, Perception, and Speech Lab with Professor Mara Breen aimed to find connections between the reading ability of children and their musical rhythm recognition. In this lab, I learned about the MATLAB code behind electroencephalography (EEG) data cleaning and I created a website to make data evaluation easier. Additionally, I trained in protocols for eye tracking and EEG administration with human participants.

My research in the Interactive Computing Research Lab with Professor Heather Pon-Barry began the implementation of a neural network which will predict the engagement of children interacting with a NAO robot. I spent time learning about using TensorFlow in Python to create machine learning models and reading papers about using models to predict human emotion from video and audio files.”

Speaker name: Bria McKinley-Nicastro
Title: Coding for Mathematical Billiards
Over the summer after my sophomore year at college, I participated in a research project on Mathematical Billiards. During the research, I learned how to edit code to apply a recently developed topological indicator to a specific table type that restricts the bounds of simulated billiards. I ran Cocalc and Unity experiments that simulated the trajectory and angles of reflection of billiards with different values for three parameters that defined the bounds to see how the chaos of the billiards was affected. My experiences with coding during the summer research inspired me to pursue computer science in addition to mathematics when I had no prior background in computer science. In my presentation, I endeavor to relate to you some technical aspects of the research I participated in, but also the transformative impact the summer had on my future trajectory.

Speaker name: Mumtaz Fatima
Title: From Ideas to Impact: Crafting a Path in Recommender Systems Research
As I embarked on my Lynk project, I found myself asking: How do you design an independent research project? What does it mean to be an interdisciplinary student researcher? This presentation will explore my journey in NLP and recommender systems research, from initial concept to drafting research papers. I’ll share how my past research experiences at UMass and a think tank in D.C. shaped my ability to lead and design my own CS research. My goal is to offer practical advice on how you can design your project, not being afraid to self-advocate, and cover tips on effective outreach.

Speaker name: Ayesha
Title: Model Abstract Researcher
This research focused on enhancing the traditional Triangular Growth Model (TGM) by integrating dynamic visualizations, including color changes, bond thickness variations, and controlled particle placement. It investigated two variations of the TGM, with each model exploring different aspects of growth dynamics, aiming to either demonstrate or predict further possibilities within the current TGM framework. By incorporating these dynamic visualizations, we enhanced the model’s interpretability, making it easier to analyze and predict growth behaviors and the stability of the triangular structures formed through particle bonding. These contributions push the boundaries of the TGM framework, deepening the understanding of complex growth dynamics and expanding possibilities for further exploration.

Speaker name: Hema Motiani
Title: Financial Insights in a Nonprofit Environment
“The Cambridge Women’s Center is a nonprofit organisation in Cambridge, dedicated to providing a safe, supportive environment for women in need. It offers a range of services, including workshops, and resources aimed at helping women navigate challenges related to legal and financial matters. The Center also provides material goods such as food, clothing, and hygiene products.

During my internship at the Cambridge Women’s Center, I contributed to the organization’s mission of supporting women in need by assisting with financial operations. My role involved building financial models, running scenario analyses, and gathering data to improve financial efficiency. I also helped develop internal controls and supported audits to ensure financial accuracy. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and creative problem-solving in a resource-constrained nonprofit setting. It has inspired me to explore how finance can drive social impact, with a focus on creating sustainable solutions for organizations like the Women’s Center."