Author: Jennifer Berg

Mathematics Department Student Colloquium Series

Thursday September 1 at noon in Olin 268.

Pizza will be served before the talk!

You’re Gonna Need A Bigger Boat (or: How math & computation are changing professional game playing)
presented by Peter Brooksbank, Professor of Mathematics, Bucknell University

ABSTRACT: Those of a mathematical bent have always been drawn to games in which their natural predilections give them an edge over their opponents. Pioneers of computation, such as Alan Turing and John von Neumann, pondered whether machines could compete with, or even outperform humans in games such as Chess, Go, and Poker… even before the first computer was built! In the present day, where almost everyone has hand-held access to more powerful computers than Turing and von Neumann could have possibly imagined, their questions have largely been answered.

In this talk I will give a brief history of the interplay between mathematics, computation, and games. Along the way, some cool math tools will be provided to use in games of chance! I will talk about the state of the art in computer-assisted Chess, Go, and Poker, and sketch the mathematical ideas upon which these programs are founded. Mostly what I want to do in this talk is convince you that blending mathematical reasoning with tools from modern computing makes a powerful cocktail. From playing games with your friends to looking for a job, you’ll be sailing in a bigger boat!
Arrive early for free pizza!

Welcome and welcome back from the Mathematics Department to our majors and fellow math and stat enthusiasts!

Come say hello to Math. Dept. faculty & meet fellow students
Play outdoor games & pick up a welcome back pack

Tuesday, August 24
4:00-5:30
Olin Science Quad
(outside main doors of Olin)

Rain date Tues. Aug. 31, 4:00-5:30

The Mathematics Department Virtual Student Colloquium Series will present talks by Bucknell Students Thursday, November 12 at 12:30 PM on Zoom! Students will discuss “What Did You do Last Summer?”

The panel will feature

• Kaitlin Bonacci ’21 – technology consulting at Ernst & Young
• Jack de la Parra ’22 – REU on sports analytics at Carnegie Mellon University
• Claudia Shrefler ’21 – analytics internship at Geisinger
• Callie Valenti ’21 – internship at Goldman Sachs as a global investment analyst
• Sarah McDougall ’21 – REU on ”Data Science Across Disciplines” at Marquette University

and will be moderated by Brendan Matthys ’21.

Abstract: There are many exciting summer opportunities for students in the mathematical sciences! These range from internships in financial companies, to research experiences at other universities, to leadership development programs, and more! A panel of your peers will tell you their experiences. What did they enjoy? When did they apply? There will also be ample time for questions and answers. These varied opportunities, as well as being terrific fun, are also immensely valuable as you begin to think about your careers after Bucknell!

Zoom Link: https://bucknell.zoom.us/j/95413936042

Video: https://mediaspace.bucknell.edu/media/1_77a53jhz (Bucknell login required)

Slides:

https://bucknell.zoom.us/j/95413936042
Student Colloquium Talk by Professor Sanjay Dharmavaram

Abstract: Ever wonder why  mathematics classes focus so much on linear problems? In Calculus we learn about linear approximations. In Differential Equations, after classifying differential equations as linear and nonlinear, we mostly focus on linear problems. Linear Algebra focuses exclusively on systems of linear equations. There are two reasons for this: 1) nonlinear problems are hard!! Unlike linear equations, there is no unified theory that works for all nonlinear equations. 2) linear approximations are often a good starting point to study nonlinear problems.

In this talk, we will make a foray into the marvelous world of nonlinear systems and discuss techniques under the umbrella of “Bifurcation Theory” to analyze them. Bifurcation theory is a branch of mathematics that investigates, albeit qualitatively, nonlinear equations containing a tunable parameter. Such equations routinely arise in biology, engineering, physical and social sciences. Some examples include models for understanding cardiac arrhythmia, synchronization of fireflies’ flashing, pattern formation in reaction-diffusion systems, and buckling of structures under mechanical loads. In this talk, we will also see how the tools of bifurcation theory can be used to analyze some of these problems.

Watch on Mediaspace: https://mediaspace.bucknell.edu/media/1_gzca3xpq