Robert Egginton

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Research Interests

• Logic for Representation and Learning, Autonomous Systems and Multi-Agent Problems - These are the most central areas to my current research. My PhD is on Learning Logical Temporal Models. I am looking at using logical representations for asynchronous stochastic processes such as Generalised Semi-Markov Processes (GSMPs), in order to model asynchronous behaviours of agents. Learning of these models is performed by Inductive Logic Programming (ILP), modified to consider temporal consistency. Modelling such behaviour is useful for prediction in areas such as user-modelling, robotics and logistics.
• Reinforcement Learning - The extension of RL to handle larger and more realistic problems was the initial focus of my PhD. I spent some time researching the uses of logic for representation in RL.
• Planning and Scheduling - These are peripheral to my work, but one cannot consider learning and acting in a multi-agent environment without comparison to these areas
• Image Processing - I did my masters in the area of Image Processing, creating a system that allowed simple conducting movements (such as changing time, volume of sections etc.) to be recognised and recreated as audio. I am not active in this area currently, but I still like to follow the main developments

Other Interests

• FOAF information can be found in this file: foaf.rdf
• Improvised Comedy - Over the last three years, myself and a few others have introduced improvised comedy to the University of Bristol. It has just become its own society within the students' union. I have enjoyed my time coordinating workshops and training, but look forward to the time that will be freed up on relinquishing this reponsibility
• Everything theatrical from writing, directing, acting & producing to the technical side - lights, sound etc., especially panto. Currently editting the script for our last Christmas production with a view to publishing it. I have been involved in the UBU Pantomime Society in one way or another since 1999. I've also written about the student panto style in a guide to how to write it.
• I like to spin things that are on fire, including staff and poi. But I don't hold a torch to my talented sister in this respect
• Music - I recently performed my first comedy song at Jesters comedy club, accompanying myself on the keyboard. Getting back into playing and singing after a break of a few years.
• Sailing and Fencing - Just a couple of interests that I don't have time for at present.

Teaching / Administration

• Marking, Demonstrating and Lecturing for courses including COMSM0305 Learning & Adaptation in Autonomous Systems, Object Oriented Programming with Java and Introduction to Scientific Computing
• Previously: Ran two-day crash-course in Java
• Previously: Maintaining Machine Learning Group Pages
• Previouisly: Tutoring non-A-level background first year CS students