Conference on Systems Engineering Research (CSER) 2023

Dr. Victoria Coleman, Chief Scientist of the United States Air Force

Abstract: With the advancement of AI/ML capabilities in recent years, autonomy is quickly becoming realizable in many fields, from self-driving cars to autonomous aircraft. The Secretary of the Air Force has named un-crewed autonomous combat aircraft as key components defining the NGAD and the B-21 families of systems in his operational imperatives. This requires the development of Tactical Autonomy, which the DAF defines as autonomous systems acting with delegated and bounded authority of humans in support of tactical, short-term actions associated with a longer-term strategic vision. This talk will address the role of S&T in achieving Tactical Autonomy and the work needed to move this from the lab environment to a capability in the hands of Warfighters.

Dr. Rick Kazman, Danny and Elsa Lui Distinguished Professor of Information Technology Management

Abstract: In 1992 the political consultant James Carville coined the much-quoted phrase “It’s the economy, stupid”. I shamelessly borrow and adapt Carville’s line, in the context of software architecture to be: “It’s the people, stupid”. A software architecture is not merely a technical artifact; it is a socio-technical artifact. Architects who forget or neglect this critical aspect of their architecture are doomed to failure. An architect is the fulcrum between the world of technology on the one hand, and the world of individuals, groups, and business needs on the other hand. An architect therefore needs to be not just a technical leader, but also a community shepherd. In this talk I will outline some of the non-technical dimensions of a software architect’s job, and describe some of the ways in which these can cause a project to succeed or fail. In addition I will show how a socio-technical ecosystem–a network representation of the technical artifacts as well as the human artifacts–can be captured, modeled, and analyzed, and the ways in which a project can be made better through this analytic lens.

Ms. Emily Kagan Trenchard, Vice President, Digital and Innovation Strategy, Northwell

Abstract: At every step of a patient’s care journey, from finding a doctor on through to the moment when the bill arrives, a complex set of forces interact to make experiences feel at times miraculous and compassionate, and at other times infuriating and heartless. It’s left patients and providers alike demanding to know: why can’t we just fix this already? In an industry where the stakes are high, the tech is old, and the processes are byzantine, how can we effectuate change? And now how can we do so with an employee base still reeling from being on the frontlines of the pandemic? By pairing behavioral science and human-centered design with the tools of digital transformation, we can begin to heal the complexities that plague our health systems. In this conversation I’ll share examples of large-scale initiatives to redefine the digital patient experience at New York’s largest private health system, using multi-disciplinary teams to diagnose the underlying issues, identify solutions, and choose strategies to bring iterations of value through people, processes and technology.

Dr. Merve Unuvar, Director, AI Platforms and Automation, Thomas J. Watson Research Center

Abstract: The intersection of AI and foundation models with automation is poised to revolutionize the way businesses operate and drive unprecedented growth and efficiency. In today’s rapidly changing landscape marked by increased digitization, complex processes, and mounting pressure on cost structures, AI-infused intelligent automation is more relevant than ever. This keynote will explore the latest trends and innovations in the field and delve into the transformative potential of AI-infused automation.

The focus will be on the ways in which AI-infused automation can elevate the workforce, foster collaboration between business, IT, and AI, eliminate data and process silos, enhance speed and agility, and usher in new digital business models. By reducing skill barriers and proactively aligning company and individual goals, AI-infused intelligent automation has the capacity to drive the next era of business growth and efficiency. At IBM Research, we exploring the potential of low code no code solutions, goal oriented integration , Business and IT process optimization, AIOps and digital employees as key drivers of growth and efficiency.

Dr. Kathryn W. Jablokow, Program Director, National Science Foundation

Abstract: Whether the context is research, industrial application, or education, innovation is often described as searching for (and possibly stepping over) the leading edge of a domain. In charting this kind of unknown territory, we are challenged in choosing the best metrics to assess whether we have traveled far enough – and in the right directions. Are standard metrics like feasibility, desirability, efficiency, quality, usefulness, and novelty appropriate and sufficient when moving beyond existing boundaries is the goal? How might we leverage the natural human capacity to sense when something is pushing us beyond our “comfort zone”? And how far beyond that comfort zone should we go? In this conversation, we’ll consider the challenges of measuring progress and success when transformative innovation toward a smart and sustainable future is the goal.