Genetic Algorithms and Genetic Programming

V. Rao Vemuri

University of California at Davis

Thursday, September 9, 2004
4:00pm - SENSQ 5317

Abstract

A genetic algorithm is a specialized kind of search procedure that uses a number of biological metaphors in the process of optimization. This introductory talk presents the highlights of the method using a simple example as a vehicle. Discussion then turns toward genetic programming, a paradigm whose goal is to automatically generate correct computer programs from a population randomly selected program segments.

This one hour talk is aimed at people who know nothing, or very little, about genetic algorithms and their potential as computational tools. Using biological metaphors, we start off with a brief introduction to the simple optimization problem of finding the minimum of a multimodal function. Then I will introduce fundamental properties of a simple genetic algorithm by walking you through a simple decision-making problem: how to run a profit-making restaurant. Then I will spend some time talking about genetic programming.

Biography of Speaker

Professor Rao Vemuri received his Ph. D. from UCLA. He worked at RCA and TRW. He taught at Purdue University, West Lafayette, SUNY Binghamton prior to his current assignment. Now he holds a joint appointment in the departments of Applied Science and Computer Science. He also holds a half-time position at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Professor Vemuri published several books and well over one hundred papers. His research areas include modeling, simulation, numerical methods, neural networks, genetic algorithms and their applications to signal processing, digital communications, optimization, control systems and user interface design. He is a member of ACM, senior member of IEEE and a former Editor-in-Chief of CS Press.

ACM Distinguished Lectureship Program

The ACM Distinguished Lectureer Program is one of the premier technology outreach programs in the computing industry. In the United States, several dozen distinguished computing professionals serve as current ACM Distinguished lecturers each year. These Lecturers give talks to over one hundred ACM chapters and regional magnet events. The Lectureship Series is administered by the Lectureship Advisory Committee as a free-standing project within the ACM Technology Outreach Program which, in turn, operates under the auspices of the ACM Membership Activities Board.