Allyssa Ward ’12: Case studies in actuarial science Tuesday, September 22nd @ 5pm in Olin 266

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If you like the concept of applying mathematics in a business setting, actuarial science may be the perfect career path for you. To learn more, please join Cigna on Tuesday, September 22 at 5 PM in Olin 266 for an actuarial case study to see a preview of what healthcare actuaries do on a daily basis. Snacks will be provided and you can enter to win a gift card to the bookstore just by attending!

Internship, externship and full-time opportunities in Cigna’s Actuarial Executive Development Program will also be discussed. Please visit our website http://www.cigna.com/careers/aedp​ or contact Allyssa Ward (Bucknell 2012) at allyssa.wardATcigna.com to learn more.

Student Information Session: Dr. John MacCarthy, Systems Engineering Education Program University of Maryland, College Park, Thursday, September 17th in Olin 372 @ 4 pm

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  • Learn about the career field of systems engineering.
  • Learn why a technical liberal arts degree (e.g., in engineering, science, mathematics, or computer science) provides an excellent foundation for a career in systems engineering.
  • Learn how the University of Maryland’s Master of Science in Systems Engineering (MSSE) can prepare you for such a career.
  • Development of large, complex systems requires the integration of a broad range of engineering disciplines.
  • Systems Engineering provides tools, techniques, and processes for managing the development of such systems.
  • Systems Engineers guide and coordinate the work of teams of engineers from a variety of disciplines to develop such systems.
  • Systems Engineers are in demand, well-compensated, and have opportunities for advancement.
  • In 2009, Money magazine rated Systems Engineer as the best job in America because of its high salaries, opportunities for advancement, and inherently interesting and creative work.

Student Talk Series: Dr. John MacCarthy, Systems Engineering Education Program University of Maryland, College Park, Thursday, September 17th in Olin 268 @ noon

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Title: The Use of Markov State Models in Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM) Analysis

Abstract: Three of the most important attributes of a system are its availability, reliability, and maintainability. A large portion of a typical system’s life cycle cost is driven by its reliability and maintainability. Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM) analyses are performed as a part of the development of almost all large-scale systems. Conceptually, there is a simple algebraic relationship between these three parameters that may be derived from a simple Markov state model. For complex systems, the models can become quite challenging. This seminar will provide 1) a discussion of why availability, reliability, and maintainability are important characteristics of a system; 2) definitions for each characteristic and their associated metrics; 3) an example of a simple system and how a simple Markov state model may be developed and used to derive the algebraic expression for the relationship between the three metrics; 4) an example of how the expression may be used to perform trade studies and sensitivity studies; and 5) a discussion of the simple analytical framework may be extended to address more complex systems.

Student Talk Series: Kelly Bickel, Bucknell University, Thursday, September 3rd in Olin 268 @ noon

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Title: Geometry, Meet Origami

Abstract: In this talk, we will go back in time to the ancient Greeks (or at least your high school geometry class) and take a good look at what we can draw with a compass and straight-edge. The answer is “Not Much!,” at least when compared to what a little paper folding will get us. Come prepared to trisect some angles, double some cubes, and scoff at the circle squarers.

Student Talk Series: Carl D. Garthwaite, Vencore Inc., April 16th in Olin 268 @ noon

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Title: So You Think Your Errors Are Random…

Abstract:

In the development of radio frequency systems for digital communications, great attention is given to achieving low error rate performance.

Oversimplification of assumptions, however, such as treating bit errors as independent, identically distributed (iid) events may lead to seriously flawed

projections of performance.  An examination of the statistical behavior of error sequence correlation shows how reasonable observation schemes supported by

computer-based models can yield useful insight into likely system performance.

Distinguished Visiting Professor Talk Series: Constanze Liaw, Baylor University, April 14th @4pm in Olin 372

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Title: Perspectives on Rank 1 Perturbations

Abstract: 

The central question in perturbation theory is as follows. Let A and B be linear transformations; think of (NxN)-matrices or differential operators.

we know the eigenvalues of A and have partial information about B. What can we say about the eigenvalues of A+B?

The perturbation is said to be of rank 1, if we assume that B is a vector projection. This seemingly simple example (a) exhibits a surprisingly rich theory with connections

to harmonic analysis and operator theory; and (b) arises naturally in mathematical physics via a change of boundary conditions of a second order differential operator.

Distinguished Visiting Professor Talk Series: Constanze Liaw, Baylor University, April 16th @4pm in Olin 372

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Title: Finding Cyclic Vectors

Abstract:  In perturbation theory, the cyclicity (i.e. completeness of the forward orbit for some vector) of an operator is often a natural assumption

in the hypothesis of many results. We discuss two sets of results. (a) We consider rank one perturbations and some applications concerning the

locations where functions of the Payley-Wiener class are allowed to have zeros. (b) We study so-called Anderson-type Hamiltonians (a

generalization of random Schroedinger operators) and state that under mild conditions, every non-zero vector is cyclic almost surely. This result is

related to the long-standing problem of Anderson localization.