Robin Walters

Research interests

• Deep learning
• Equivariant neural networks
• Representation theory
• Algebraic geometry

Education

• PhD in Mathematics, University of Chicago
• AB in Mathematics, Harvard University

Biography

Robin Walters is an assistant professor in the Khoury College of Computer Sciences at Northeastern University, based in Boston. 

Walters’ research focuses on the role of symmetry in deep learning. By exploring ways of building a problem’s symmetry into a deep learning model as hard mathematical constraints, Walters has discovered it’s possible to improve not just that model’s data efficiency, but its generalization and trustworthiness as well. Now, as director of the Geometric Learning Lab, Walters is pushing the limits of these methods, making use of approximate symmetry and exploring everything from the theory of underlying symmetry in neural network structure to the subject’s range of practical applications.  

Walters also brings his background as a mathematician into the classroom, where he teaches computational theory. He enjoys watching his students develop the ability to think rigorously and communicate clearly about the complex topic, and he particularly enjoys mentoring graduate students. Walters is a visiting fellow at the Boston Dynamics AI Institute, where he develops equivariant neural networks for sample efficient robot perception and manipulation. 

In his free time, Walters enjoys sailing, hiking, swimming, playing board games, and spending time with his partner, Angela, and two children, Sidney and Sally. 

Recent publications