Always (a Bit) Wrong: The Art of Roguish Lies, Bent Truths... | Professor Vanessa Diaz

Introduction

UCL Engineering Inaugural Lecture Series | Professor Vanessa Diaz

Talk title: "Always (a Bit) Wrong: The Art of Roguish Lies, Bent Truths, and the Flawed Models That Help Clinicians Get It Right"

About the talk:

This talk is the story of the person - and the work. It’s about how mathematical models, while never quite right, can still be (kind of) useful. Vanessa invites you into a world where precision is (frankly) overrated, honesty is (non)negotiable, and being just a bit wrong might be the best way to do right by patients.

From clever assumptions to models that misbehave just enough to help clinicians make better decisions, Vanessa explores how embracing the occasional fib lets us design tools that serve humans - not perfect theories.

Expect cunning approximations, honest intentions, and deep respect for the clinical chaos we’re all trying to make sense of - one clever fib at a time.

About Professor Vanessa Diaz:

When Vanessa was little, she went through multiple iterations of being a vet, architect, diplomat, writer, linguist, medic, engineer, and artist. By 17, she’d settled on medicine - but wasn’t keen on spending too long at university (oh, the irony!). So, since she liked maths and physics (honestly, that was pretty much the whole push), she went for engineering instead.

Being a clever clogs, she absolutely did not plan to stick around - procrastination was supposed to be just a short-term hobby. But the Universe had other plans, and you can bet God was laughing the whole time. Many years later, that hobby turned into a PhD, then into a full-time gig as an Academic.

A clever kid with a trickster soul and a good heart, Vanessa was fascinated by lies, lying, and a good sleight of hand. Yet, she was determined to live an honest life. Then two things happened: first, a fateful encounter with a university professor who saw her (very raw) potential; second, the chance to study abroad. That’s when she embarked on her long career as a professional con artist - under the guise of research, of course.

Using mathematical models as decoys, Vanessa finally got to tell roguish lies to her heart’s content, all while helping doctors make sense of the chaos and mountains of data they face.

Whether you're part of the UCL community, a researcher, or simply curious about what’s next in sustainable engineering, this lecture will provide thought-provoking ideas and discussion.

Our Inaugural Lectures are free to attend for all students, staff and members of the public.

Lectures are typically one hour long. A drinks reception will follow, to which everyone is welcome to join.

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