The evolutionary computation class I have taken this semester is taught by
Dr. Annie S. Wu. I was so pleasantly surprised to learn that her Ph.D. thesis adviser was Dr. John.H.Holland, widely regarded as the father of evolutionary computation.
Dr. John H.Holland was awarded the first Ph.D. by the respected University of Michigan. I read this article wherein he states something that I believe in, sincerely, that
…According to Holland, development of theory involves such “nonscientific” things as metaphor, models, and cartoons. The scientist deliberately exaggerates what he or she wants to study and deletes other details in order to get to the essence of the question. Questions lead the way; then the scientist moves into metaphor.
and … The key to this radical reassessment, he said, is transdisciplinary thinking. “Scientists must have a broad background and education. They should not be too narrowly focused on science. Everything a person knows contributes to constructing rich metaphors, making mental leaps, discovering links between unlikely things, and finding new and creative ways to combine familiar ingredients.”
I am somewhat disappointed by the fact that scientific research communities are very isolationist, and even with the same department, such as mine, I would not know whats happening in Dr.X’s lab.
Wow!! I am a student of a student of Dr.Holland. I guess I cant get to learn Evolutionary computation from a better source than Dr.Wu!! U.C.F. has its little surprises 