Week of Events
Markov Chains and Emergent Behavior in Programmable Matter given by Prof. Sarah Canon (CMC)
Markov Chains and Emergent Behavior in Programmable Matter given by Prof. Sarah Canon (CMC)
Markov chains are widely used throughout mathematics, statistics, and the sciences, often for modelling purposes or for generating random samples. In this talk I’ll discuss a different, more recent application of Markov chains, to developing distributed algorithms for programmable matter systems. Programmable matter is a material or substance that has the ability to change its […]
Differential spectra of power permutations (Daniel Katz, CSUN)
Differential spectra of power permutations (Daniel Katz, CSUN)
If $F$ is a finite field and $d$ is a positive integer relatively prime to $|F^\times|$, then the power map $x \mapsto x^d$ is a permutation of $F$, and so is called a power permutation of $F$. For any function $f: F \to F$, and $a, b \in F$, we define the differential multiplicity of $f$ with respect to […]
Paper Strip Knots (David Bachman)
Paper Strip Knots (David Bachman)
I will discuss joint work with Jim Hoste, where we prove that a unique folded strip of paper can follow any polygonal knot with odd stick number. In the even stick number case there are either infinitely many, or none.
Science for the Greater Good: How a Math Professor Saved the Italian Coastline from Big Oil
Science for the Greater Good: How a Math Professor Saved the Italian Coastline from Big Oil
In 2007, Dr. Maria D'Orsogna learned of proposed oil activities in her home region of Abruzzo, Italy. Century-old wineries were to be uprooted to build clusters of oil wells, refineries and pipelines, turning scenic Abruzzo into an oil district. Although based in California, 6,000 miles away, Dr. D'Orsogna took it upon herself to raise awareness […]