Summary

Guest: Tommi Jaakkola

Profesor Tommi Jaakkola from the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) at MIT has repeatedly visited the department as the collaboration between HIIT and MIT is developing. Jaakkola and Esko Ukkonen want to promote this cooperation and the international contacts it brings in its wake.

Jaakkola studied neural networks at Helsinki University of Technology and completed his dissertation in Massachusetts , where his current research focuses on machine learning, computational biology and information retrieval. A robust system like a cell raises many questions about learning and adaptation, which can also be applied to information processing, so that understanding the cell may help us in the fields of both computer science and biology.

Jaakkola is satisfied with the atmosphere at MIT – a nice and challenging environment for students, supportive of new ideas, flexible both administratively and scientifically. The only drawback is that it is a private university, and as such, very expensive for undergraduates.

Gone fishing

The gulls flying over the water tells us there are small fish swimming near the surface. With any luck, larger fish will have followed them here.

These minuscule flies emulate insects. Larger, 15-25-centimetre-long flies that look like prey fish are needed to fish for pike. Pikes like clear, visible colours.

Angling requires skill and art. In the winter, fly-fishing clubs book themselves into games halls or public swimming pools to practice.

The catch of the day consisted of one smelt. This fish with its smell of cucumber was released back into the water to grow larger.

The webzine accompanied Jarmo Hurri and Pasi Rastas for a trip of fly-fishing on the still waters by the Museum of Technology , only a few minutes by bus from the department.