Math Dept 2013-2014 Newsletter 25 (last of semester)

Monday, 5 May 2014

Past newsletters can now be reached via the department website<http://www.coas.howard.edu/mathematics/index.html> now.
Click on “News” in the sidebar.

Wish you all a great summer.
—Ed.

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Newsletter is sent out when there is something new.
Please send entries by the end of the week  --Ed

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MEETINGS AND SEMINARS IN THE DEPARTMENT

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Tuesday May 6
2-4 pm, Room 213

Special Departmental Meeting

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Wednesday May 7

4.10 to 5 pm, ASB-B 213

SPECIAL COLLOQUIUM

Edinah Gnang Ph. D.  Postdoc
Institute of Advanced Study
Princeton University

Title: Hypermatrix Algebra and their spectral decomposition

Abstract: In this talk we will present an overview of the hypermatrix generalization of matrix algebra proposed by Mesner and Bhattacharya in 1990. We will discuss a spectral theorem for hypermatrices deduced from this algebra as well as connections with other tensor spectral decompositions. Finally if time permits we will discuss some applications and related open problems.

Joint work with Vladimir Retakh and Ahmed Elgammal.

FYI: Dr. Gnang's interests are in "theoretical computer science, currently leaning towards computational number theory and algebraic combinatorics with application to vision."

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TALKS AND EVENTS OUTSIDE THE DEPARTMENT

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1. (From Katie Gursky)

1st Mason Modeling Days workshop at GMU

June 9-14, 2014 here. We have invited 4 industry participants to present applied mathematics problems which will form the basis for a week-long brainstorming activity culminating in an oral presentation at the end of the workshop. The 4 project areas for this year's workshop are: biology, finance, climate science and physics. No prior research experience and advanced math skills are required.

This is an teamwork and networking opportunity that will expose participants to a wide array of applications and will help them enhance their mathematical and modeling skills. Written report generated as a result of this activity can be potentially used for further collaboration on the subject leading to a scientific publication. Non-local participants will receive funds to cover travel and local expenses including per-diem.

Non-math majors (preferably with a math minor) will be considered depending on space availability. Applications received by April 15 will receive priority in terms of funding.

For further details, including project descriptions and application procedures, please check out the website:
https://sites.google.com/site/masonmodelingdays2014/

2. STEM Summer Professional Development Institute

Talitha Washington is co-organizing a conference, the STEM Summer Professional Development Institute, that will be held June 2-3, 2014 at Winston Salem State University. This two-day professional development institute will prepare faculty members from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to deliver evidence-based instruction in STEM and STEM education courses which will increase student engagement, performance levels, and success of students.

Registration is free and is done online at:  http://capstoneinstitutehowardu.eventbrite.com<http://capstoneinstitutehowardu.eventbrite.com/>

For more information, please see: https://sites.google.com/site/capstoneinstituteathu/

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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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SCHOLARSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES (from various sources)

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1.  Mathematics of Planet Earth 2013 Workshops.

Please visit the website
(http://dimacs.rutgers.edu/Workshops/index-mpe.html) for additional information.

Upcoming workshops in 2014:

  Workshop on Global Change
  Location: UC-Berkeley
  Dates: May 19-21
http://dimacs.rutgers.edu/Workshops/GlobalChange/

  Workshop of Data-aware Energy Use
  Location: UC-San Diego
  Dates: September 2014
http://dimacs.rutgers.edu/Workshops/EnergyUse/

We are looking to involve Early Career Researchers, which are defined as faculty or researchers who have earned their doctorate within the previous three years, postdocs, graduate students, and upper-level undergraduates with research experience. Opportunities to apply for financial support are included on the websites for each workshop.



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INTERESTING ARTICLES AND WEBSITES
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1. (From Louise Raphael)

this is so cool!

Scientists characterize a new shape using rubber bands

http://www.seas.harvard.edu/news/2014/04/scientists-discover-new-shape-using-rubber-bands?utm_source=SilverpopMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=04.29.daily%20(1)



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