lukeprog comments on Reaching young math/compsci talent - Less Wrong

6 Post author: lukeprog 02 June 2012 09:07PM

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Comment author: lukeprog 07 June 2012 12:03:07AM 4 points [-]

So, if Edward Witten (age 60)* called you up tomorrow and said he was interested in working on Friendly AI, you would tell him to get lost? I think not. At least, I hope not.

No, obviously not. We're targeting young people, but that doesn't mean we're closed to older people.

Comment author: Fhyve 17 June 2012 04:44:06AM *  5 points [-]

I am a young person (20) who is good at math and hasn't been entrenched in the system yet. I am also already on board with AI risk reduction. I would really like to work as a researcher.

However, I don't have much to show for myself, and I don't think I can substantiate my claims right now. I do not know enough about research to know if I am going to be good at it. At the moment, I have a pretty good topical view of math, but not a very good technical view - I am only into second year university math. Pure math and theoretical comp sci especially appeal to me.

How do I find out if I can be a researcher? How do I show you that I can be a good researcher if I find that I can in fact become a good researcher? What sort of math should I be studying - any textbooks to recommend?

Comment author: incariol 17 June 2012 09:52:11AM 2 points [-]

You can find a few suggestions here, for starters.

Comment author: DaFranker 20 July 2012 07:47:07PM 0 points [-]

I was reading this and preparing to post a questions-comment just like his, so thanks!

Comment author: lukeprog 17 June 2012 06:46:13AM 2 points [-]

Thanks for your interest! Please contact louie.helm [at] singinst.org.