"Yeah... do I look like your long-lost cousin or something?" I shot her a puzzled look.
"Haha, no, no family reunion here, but I'm majoring in software architecture with you," she spilled.
"I'm still lost. How do you know me?"
"Okay, my bad, I checked the student list and stalked your socials..." She trailed off, looking kinda sheepish.
"No biggie. What's your name, though?"
She flashed a grin, "I'm Casandra."
"I'm Max. Pleasure, but I got things on the agenda, ya know?"
"Right. Catch you during the classes or something then," she said, strolling into her room.
I cracked the door to my crib open and my roommate happened to be inside.
"Hey, Rick," I said as I sat down on my bed to take a break.
Rick turned his chair around and looked at me. "Hey, Max. I got back about an hour ago and noticed your stuff in the room. Was wondering where you've been."
"Yeah, just got back a couple of hours ago. Had to hit up a meeting,"
"A meeting, huh?" Rick glanced to the side, a smirk playing on his lips. I wasn't sure what he was getting at...
Following his gaze, I realized the pack of condoms had slipped out of my pocket. Damn...
Swiftly, I stashed it back, trying to play it cool as if nothing had happened.
Rick turned back to his laptop. "End of peace and quiet, huh? I just hope you changed that alarm sound. Otherwise, I might have to find a new roommate," he quipped.
"You don't know me at all. I'm a very quiet person. Don't stress it too much," I reassured him.
After a quick chat with Rick, I had zero energy left. I was so beat that I crashed out immediately, still fully dressed. Didn't even bother changing.
...
The next morning, I decided to dive into some extra research in the realm of genetic artificial intelligence.
I was aiming to craft a thesis exploring the link between genetic programming algorithms and pre-trained AI in the context of teaching computers mathematics.
Most existing solutions weren't flawless. Tackling math remained a puzzle for computers. Basically, people caught them lacking.
Most of the solutions are based on neural-network transformer models, which aim to understand the language and answer to their ability.
What if we could throw such models into a genetic population?
Every evolutionary algorithm follows three fundamental steps.
The initial one varies depending on the algorithm; it involves reproduction, recombination, or mutation.
However, at this stage, the number of models in the genetic pool becomes overwhelming. That's why the quantity of chromosomes needs to be trimmed down.
The second step entails population evaluation and final selection. The entire process then loops back and repeats.
This selection part is the most crucial. In some way, the fitness of a model must be measured.
In my previous product, the GAI Weather. I ended up having over a thousand variables that were a part of my statistical framework.
How should it be evaluated in case of proving mathematical theories, though?
With Rick out, I talked to myself. Sometimes, it just helped me think things through.
"If I'm dealing with two populations of potential models—one pre-trained with mathematical logic and the other with mathematical proofs—evaluating the fitness of the latter should likely revolve around how well it aligns with the concepts of the primary model," I mused.
"Maybe I should connect two types of evolutionary algorithms?"
I got back to thinking silently and noted down.
I could introduce a gradual cross-over and recombination as generations advance in each of the models.
Finally in the model that writes proofs, there would be an additional mechanism for sudden mutations triggered by misalignment with logic
With sufficient variation and solid rules for logic breaks, it could work.
I felt a surge of excitement as I considered it
Still, some of the initial legwork might need a manual check until both populations catch the drift.
After that, we could hit the reset button on evolution and cross our fingers for some solid results.
Of course, this will require huge processing power, as many neural network models would need to be tested at once...,
"Brrrrrrrr! Brrrrrrrr!"
As I mused over it, my new phone buzzed to life.
I fumbled for it, having already switched the SIM card.
It was Professor Milik. What could he possibly want from me?
"Professor?", I began
"Yes, Max, did you get any messages?", he said seriously.
"What kind of messages?", I was a bit worried there.
"From the International Journal of Applied Mathematics. Congratulations, Max. I have just checked their announced thesis for the next release and you're on the list"
Professor Milik was beaming with joy like it was his own thesis that got accepted.
"Does Professor know when they are releasing it?", I didn't know how to react, but I asked curiously.
"Yes, there is a new release every other Thursday. The next one is in 3 days."
"That's great then"
"Tell me, Max, ever thought about changing your major? It seems to me that your math is solid. I could even let you skip one or two years so you could just start working on your Ph.D."
"I'm sorry, Professor, but I would still like to work on computer science"
"But, didn't you write the thesis in mathematics and electronics?"
"Yeah... but I'm also working on a thesis in artificial intelligence"
Professor Milik: "..."
"OK, Max. Just be cautious not to spread yourself too thin. Personally, I think you should focus on one thing and really try to do some groundbreaking research"
"Wasn't my previous thesis decent?"
"I wouldn't call it groundbreaking. However, it could certainly be useful. Funny thing, I got a call from the Electronics department asking me about you. Otherwise, I wouldn't have known" - "Still, Max, believe me, try to focus on one thing at a time."
"I understand. Thank you, Professor"
"I wish you the best, Max"
"bipbop...bipbop...", he disconnected.
After the chat with Professor Milik, I glanced at the clock and realized it was already 12 PM. Five hours had slipped away while I scribbled notes.
Now, it was time to hit up my lawyer about that meeting he was supposed to arrange.
I quickly dialed the lawyer's number.
"Hello, this is Mr. Johnson speaking from DLE Paper. How may I assist you today?"
"Hi, Mr. Johnson, it's Max from Dreamland NET. I wanted to touch base regarding the meeting you're arranging with Adomi."
"Ah, Mr. Max, perfect timing. I was just about to call you. The meeting is all set. We've scheduled it for tomorrow at 1 PM."
"Great, that's good news. Where is it happening?"
"We've secured a conference room at the Royalton Hotel in Massachusetts. It's a quiet and private space, perfect for business discussions."
"Royalton Hotel, got it. And do you know how many representatives from Adomi will be attending?"
"Two of their top folks will be present. It should be a productive conversation."
"Excellent. Thank you, Mr. Johnson. I appreciate your help in arranging this. Do you need anything from my end before the meeting?"
"Just come prepared with your proposal. I'll prepare the relevant documents. I'll meet you there a bit earlier, so we can go over the strategy one last time before they arrive."
"Sounds good, Mr. Johnson. See you tomorrow at the Royalton Hotel at 12 PM, then?"
"12 PM it is. Looking forward to it, Mr. Max. We'll make sure this meeting goes smoothly. Have a good day."
"You too, Mr. Johnson. Goodbye."
For the rest of the day, I focused on writing mathematical expressions describing the mix of algorithms that I wanted to employ for my thesis.
Tinkering with the theoretical neural network models themselves, I made adjustments to how the weights would be estimated.
Normally, the mutation causes changes based on the normal distribution...
In my case, the distribution itself would evolve over time based on the results obtained.
After I had made some progress on that, I hit the hay, attempting to catch some sleep before an important day.
...
The next morning, I awoke at 10 AM. I felt rested, but I needed to get ready..
After a quick shower and a glance at my notes, I hailed a taxi to whisk me away to the Royalton Hotel.
Arriving at the hotel, I couldn't help but admire. It looked all fancy and grand.
The entrance was decked out in shiny marble, and them glass doors were spinning like crazy.
As I approached, a sharply dressed man, presumably hotel staff, greeted me with a courteous, "Good morning. What brings you to the Royalton today?"
"I have a meeting scheduled in the conference room," I replied,
The man, maintaining his professional demeanor, asked for my ID. A brief but necessary security measure. He inspected it carefully before extending an apologetic nod.
"My apologies, Mr. Maximillian. Please proceed. The conference room is on the third floor."
Inside, the hotel was oozing sophistication. Plush carpets under my shoes and the chandeliers filled the space with a warm, golden glow.