David C. Poole

Canadian computer scientist

David Charles Poole is a prominent Canadian computer scientist known for his contributions to the field of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in the areas of probabilistic reasoning and knowledge representation. He is a professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he has been a faculty member since 1990.

Early life and education

David C. Poole was born in Canada. He pursued his undergraduate studies in mathematics and computer science at the University of Toronto, where he developed a keen interest in the theoretical aspects of computing and artificial intelligence. Poole continued his education at the University of Waterloo, where he earned his PhD in computer science. His doctoral research focused on the integration of logic and probability, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to AI.

Academic career

David C. Poole in 2022

David Poole joined the Department of Computer Science at the University of British Columbia in 1990. At UBC, he has been instrumental in advancing research in AI, particularly in the development of frameworks for probabilistic reasoning. His work has significantly influenced the way uncertainty is handled in AI systems.

Poole has authored numerous influential papers and books on AI, including "Computational Intelligence: A Logical Approach," which he co-authored with Alan Mackworth and Randy Goebel. This textbook is widely used in AI courses around the world and is known for its clear exposition of the principles of AI.

Research contributions

David Poole's research interests lie at the intersection of logic, probability, and decision theory. He is best known for his work on combining logical and probabilistic reasoning, which has applications in various AI domains such as robotics, natural language processing, and expert systems.

One of Poole's notable contributions is the development of the "independent choice logic," a framework that allows for the representation of uncertainty in a logical setting. This framework has been applied to model complex systems where decisions must be made under uncertainty.

Teaching and mentorship

As a professor, David Poole is highly regarded for his teaching and mentorship. He has supervised numerous graduate students who have gone on to make significant contributions to the field of AI. Poole is known for his ability to convey complex concepts in an accessible manner, making him a popular instructor among students.

Professional affiliations

David Poole is a fellow of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) and has served on the editorial boards of several leading AI journals. He is actively involved in the AI research community, frequently participating in conferences and workshops.

Related pages

• Artificial intelligence
• Probabilistic reasoning
• Knowledge representation and reasoning
• University of British Columbia