Monday January 29, 2007

Colloquium

TIME: 3:35 p.m. -­ 4:25 p.m.
ROOM: Ayres Hall 214
SPEAKER: Dr. Maria Emelianenk, candidate for the position of Assistant Professor in Computational and Applied Mathematics
TITLE: Mathematical modeling and simulation of texture evolution
ABSTRACT: Preparing a texture suitable for a given purpose is a central problem in materials science, which presents many challenges for mathematical modeling, simulation, and analysis. In this talk, I will focus on the mesoscopic behavior of the grain boundary system and on understanding the role of topological reconfigurations during evolution. Several evolution equations based on pure probabilistic and stochastic descriptions will be formulated and compared against the results provided by simulation. Their advantages and limitations, numerical characteristics and possible extensions to higher dimensions will be discussed.

Refreshments will be available.

Topology Seminar
TIME: 10:10a.m. -11:00a.m.
ROOM: Ayres Hall 015
SPEAKER: Jerzy Dydak
TITLE: Properties of projective spaces

Wednesday January 31, 2007

GSEC Graduate Student Forum
TIME: 3:35 - 4:25 pm
ROOM: Ayres Computer Lab in the Basement
SPEAKER: Nicholas Gewecke
TITLE: An Introduction to LaTex
ABSTRACT: LaTex is the most common way that printed mathematics is communicated, and there are several advantages to using LaTex for writing mathematical documents over using a program such as Microsoft Word. The seminar is targeted towards those who have no to very little prior experience using LaTex. Nick will give us an overview of LaTex software (LaTex packages, editors, etc.), some helpful resources, the basics for using LaTex, including using LaTex to make exams, and incorporating images in LaTex files.

Algebra Seminar
TIME: 3:35 p.m. -­ 4:25 p.m.
ROOM: Ayres Hall 309B
SPEAKER: Professor Anderson
The topic this semester will be an introduction to homological algebra. This should be of particular interest to students in algebra or topology. The only prerequisite is some knowledge of module theory (as in Math 552). The first several meetings will be lectures by Professor Anderson.

Topology Seminar
TIME: 10:10a.m. -11:00a.m.
ROOM: Ayres Hall 015
SPEAKER: Jerzy Dydak
TITLE: Properties of projective spaces II
Note: If time permits N.Brodskiy will start his talk on axiomatized hyperbolic geometry.

Thursday February 2, 2007

Colloquium

Time: 4:00p.m.-4:50p.m.
Room: Ayres Hall 214
Speaker: Prof. Bruce Ayati, Southern Methodist University. Prof. Ayati is a candidate for the CAM position
Title: Computational Methods and Results for Structured Multiscale Models of Tumor Invasion
Abstract: We present multiscale models of tumor invasion with components at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. We provide justifications for the model components, present computational results from the models, and discuss the scientific-computing methodology used to solve the model equations. Because many of the features of the tumor invasion models, such as taxis, aging, and growth, are seen in other biological systems, the models and methods discussed also provide a template for handling a broader range of biological problems.

Friday February 2, 2007

Colloquium

TIME: 3:35 p.m. -­ 4:25 p.m.
ROOM: Ayres Hall 214
SPEAKER: Dr. David Sherman, UC St. Barbara, Candidate for the position of Assistant Professor in Analysis
Title: Operator algebras and relative operator theory
Abstract: The first half of this talk will advertise the subject of operator algebras, with basic concepts for the uninitiated and motivations for the skeptical. An operator algebra can be thought of as a ring of infinite-size matrices: improbably, this framework is broad enough to handle, and expand upon, the main concepts of several branches of mathematics. I will illustrate this by explaining why a C*-algebra is a noncommutative generalization of a topological space.
Operator theory may be narrowly defined as the study of elements of a very special ring, B(H). In the second half of the talk I will discuss the "relative" operator theory which results when B(H) is replaced with a different von Neumann algebra. Aside from the intrinsic interest in generalization, recent research in this direction has new things to say about operator algebras. I will provide many examples.

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