Department of Mathematics and Computer Science Hobart and William Smith Colleges Colloquium and Seminar Schedule Fall 2009

The Department is sponsoring or co-sponsoring several colloquia and seminars this term as listed below. Click here for information about the next scheduled talk. Check this page regularly for the latest schedule as more talks are added.

October 2009

Breaking into the Puzzle Palace: Careers in Math at the National Security Agency Speaker: Deanna Perin Egelston '94 Thursday, October 1 at 4:00pm Napier 201 (Refreshments will be served at 3:45 in Napier 218) Abstract: Do you enjoy puzzles, problem solving and being on the cutting edge of technology? Are you looking for a job in mathematics? Curious to get the 411 on what it's like to work as a mathematician in the intelligence community? Then this is the event to attend! In this talk, we will discuss the National Security Agency (NSA) and its mission, where mathematics fits into this mission, career opportunities for mathematicians at the NSA, and one woman's journey from math major at Hobart and William Smith Colleges to mathematician at one of the most secretive intelligence agencies in the United States. Deanna Perin Egelston is a 1994 graduate of William Smith College and has been employed as an Applied Research Mathematician at the NSA for 12 years. She has been the head of mathematics hiring at the NSA for more than seven years. If you would like to have breakfast or lunch with Ms. Egelston, and talk to her in person about opportunities, please contact Professor King. Student Summer Research in Computer Science Speakers: Josh Davis '10 and Will Van Steen '09 Wednesday, October 28 at 4:15pm Napier 101 (Refreshments will be served nearby at 4:00pm) Abstract: Josh spent his summer here in Geneva working on a summer research project called Making Sense of Lake Data under the direction of Professor Stina Bridgeman. His summer consisted of designing and implementing a database as well as designing and implementing a website to provide access to the data stored. For the talk he will discuss the challenges he faced and how the project has come together since the end of the summer, as well as what it was like doing summer research at HWS. Will spent his summer working at Hobart and William Smith Colleges as a research intern for Professor Marc Corliss. He worked on one component of an educational compiler project for a language called Bantam Java. In his project, Will designed and implemented a translator tool for converting (some) Java programs into Bantam Java programs. This tool allows the Bantam Java infrastructure to work with a larger set of source applications and makes it possible to write a Bantam Java compiler in Bantam Java, itself. Although the translator is not fully complete, the goal is to make it operational within the next year.

November 2009

What Classes Should I Take Next Semester? Speakers: The Department! Thursday, November 5th at 7:00pm Napier 101 (Refreshments will be served starting at 6:45pm) Are you wondering what mathematics or computer science courses you should take next semester? Come hear all the interesting possibilities as the professors of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department introduce the courses they will be teaching! Algebraic Equations, Evariste Galois, and Hector Berlioz Speaker: Dr. Jeff Johannes from SUNY Geneseo Tuesday, November 10th at 4:30pm Napier 201 (Refreshments will be served at 4:15pm in Napier 218) Abstract: This talk will unfold in three distinct sections. We will begin with a light overview of the history of solving polynomial equations before the 18th century. In the middle part, we will consider the intuitive ideas of Galois and his consideration of the solvability of polynomial equations. The talk will conclude with an extended comparison of the lives of Galois and contemporary composer Hector Berlioz. It will be a wild ride through history, mathematics, and music, assuming almost no prior knowledge. Please join us. Student Summer Research in Mathematics Speakers: Alex Bryce '09 and Kristin Yerkie '09 Wednesday, November 18th at 5:00pm Napier 101 (Refreshments will be served starting at 4:45pm Abstract: Alex and Kristin spent the summer of 2009 at Hobart and William Smith researching under the direction of Professor Jaime Barrera on a project called "Modeling the Propagation of Chloride Ions in Concrete". The goal of the project was to devise two numerical methods to mimic and improve upon the results presented in the article "Propagation fronts during calcium leaching and chloride penetration" by Marc Mainguy and Oliver Cousey. During the talk, they will discuss the results of their work and what it was like to do research at HWS.

Past Colloquia Series Fall 2008  Spring 2008

If you have interest in giving a talk or know of someone who does, please contact Erika King at eking@hws.edu or at (315) 781-3355