Colloquium and Seminar Schedule
Spring 2017This is the schedule of colloquia and seminars inthe Department of Mathematics and Computer Science for the Spring semester, 2017.
February 2017
- "Classifying Well-Covered Graphs"
Speakers: Mark Curiel H'17 and Jacque Kane WS'18
Date: Thursday, February 23
Time: 4:45 PM
Location: Napier 201
Refreshments will be served at 4:30.
Abstract:
Last summer, we spent eight weeks researching Graph Theory as part of the Summer Science program on campus. A graph is a mathematical structure used to show relationships between objects, and they arise in many areas of study. These graphs are usually depicted with vertices and edges connecting them. In our research in Graph Theory, we focused on two main properties of graphs: independent sets and dominating sets. In general, it is difficult to determine the maximum and minimum size, respectively, of these sets for a general graph, G. However, for certain classes of graphs called well-covered graphs and well-dominated graphs, these parameters become easy to discover. We searched for ways to classify subclasses of well-covered graphs that shared properties such as connected, 4-regular, and claw-free. In this talk, we will introduce you to graphs and describe to you our journey discovering new theorems about them, as well as share our experiences participating in the Summer Science program.
March 2017
- "At the Nebraska Conference"
Speaker: Yu (Phoebe) Cai, Taylor Mancini, and Zhaoyi (Mandy) Ren
Date: Thursday, March 9
Time: 4:45 PM
Location: Napier 201
Refreshments will be served at 4:30.
Abstract:
The Nebraska Conference for Undergraduate Women in Mathematics (NCUWM) is held annually. The Conference is open to undergraduate women mathematicians at all stages of their careers. The goal of the conference is to arm participants with knowledge, self-confidence, and a network of peers to help them become successful mathematicians through providing role models, insider knowledge and an opportunity to present original research. With support from the Metzger Fund, the William Smith Deans' Office and the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Phoebe, Mandy and Taylor were able to attend the 2017 NCUWM. This talk will be about their experiences at the conference including some of the mathematics they learned.
April 2017
- "Research in Mathematical Phylogenetics"
Speakers: Allison Doherty '19 and Qingyi Lu '19
Date: Wednesday, April 26
Time: 4:15 PM
Location: Eaton 110
Refreshments will be served at 4:00.
Abstract:
A phylogenetic tree is a branching diagram displaying the inferred evolutionary relationships among various biological species, and or other entities based upon similarities and differences in their physical or genetic characteristics. In this talk we will first focus on some general definitions dealing with phylogenetic trees and how they are constructed. We will then discuss the two separate computer programs we developed and worked with this semester that deal with building and analyzing the structures of phylogenetic trees. Additionally, we will demonstrate what our projects are aiming to accomplish, and how our projects relate math and computer science to simplify an otherwise extensive and complicated process. To conclude, we will discuss the mathematical phylogenetics research application and program requirements, and offer some advice on applying to the program.
Past Colloquia Series
Fall 2016 Spring 2016 Fall 2015 Spring 2015 Fall 2014 Spring 2014
Fall 2013 Spring 2013 Fall 2012 Spring 2012 Fall 2011 Spring 2011
If you have interest in giving a talk or know of someone who does,
please contact Professor Jocelyn Bell at bell@hws.edu