Graduation Year

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Ph.D.

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Degree Granting Department

Electrical Engineering

Major Professor

Ghulam Rasool, Ph.D.

Co-Major Professor

Mia Naeini, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Nidhal Carla Bouaynaya, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Ismail Uysal, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Paul Stewart, Ph.D.

Keywords

Deep Learning, Foundation Models, Graph, Neural Architecture Search, Pan-cancer

Abstract

This dissertation explores the intersection of graph theory and deep learning, focusing on enhancing the robustness of deep neural networks (DNNs) and applying these advancements to complex problems like cancer diagnosis and treatment. We investigate the structural properties of graphs and their influence on neural network performance, particularly in multimodal learning. The work delves into the design space of DNN architectures using graph-theoretic measures, transforming graphs into DNN architectures for various tasks, and examining their robustness against noise and adversarial attacks. The study extends to medical imaging, highlighting advanced DNN architectures like U-Net for brain tumor segmentation. It addresses the evolution of digital pathology, the challenges of task-specific AI/ML models, and the transformative potential of foundation models and generative AI. The integration of multimodal oncology data through Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) and Transformers is explored, showcasing their potential in improving diagnostic and prognostic models. The development of the Multimodal Integration of Oncology Data System (MINDS) and SeNMo, a deep learning model for multi-omics data, underscores the significance of harmonizing diverse data types for personalized cancer care. We also proposed a GNN-based hierarchical relational model, PARADIGM, that enhances survival predictions by integrating multimodal datasets. The compilation of articles is structured into eight chapters, each focusing on different aspects of learning, from theoretical foundations to practical applications, offering a comprehensive overview of the field and its implications for future research and clinical practice in oncology and computational pathology.

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