Causeway Seminars
May 8: Inayah Brown, Rivkah Moshe
A mirror into the higher dimensional world
Catherine Cannizzo, University of California at Berkeley
Friday, May 3, time TBD
Location TBD
Abstract
I will give an overview of my life trajectory and math communities I am part of. Then I will motivate my research in mirror symmetry from theoretical physics. We will see how different types of geometry and algebra interplay, for example how a numerical invariant, genus, can topologically classify surfaces. Generalizing to higher dimensions, this will lead into an overview of research on the genus 2 surface with my collaborators Haniya Azam, Heather Lee, and Chiu-Chu Melissa Liu.
Causeway Seminars
May 1: Caroline Snell
April 17: Xzavier Herbert
April 11: Sonja Mapes
The Power of Moving from Showing the Data to Telling a Dara-Driven Story
Liz Durango-Cohen, Illinois Institute of Technology
Monday, November 6, 2023, 4 p.m.
Lunt 104
Abstract
In this talk, we will explore the ways our brains work, how we perceive patterns, and how we draw meaning from data as a mechanism to choose effective visuals that transform data into actionable information. We will discuss how to build a narrative structure that incorporates both written words along with visuals to tell compelling stories that provide context (“what”), make sense (“why it matters”) and get the audience moved to action (“now what”). We will also explore potential graduate school and career paths for students with a background in Applied Math.
Personal Statement Workshop
Wednesday, October 25, 2023, 4:10 p.m.
Locy 106
Get help with drafts of personal statements.
Causeway Student Seminar
Wednesday, October 18, 2023, 4:10 p.m.
Locy 106
Causeway students will share their stories!
Causeway/NESP Lunch
Thursday, October 12, 2023, 1:00 p.m.
Allen Center
Causeway lunch with participants in the Northwestern Emerging Scholars Program.
Comparing the topological and the smooth 4-genus of satellite knots
Juanita Pinzón-Caicedo, Notre Dame University
Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 5:10 p.m.
Locy 106
Abstract
The study of 4-dimensional objects is special: a manifold can admit infinitely many non-equivalent smooth structures, and manifolds can be homeomorphic but not diffeomorphic. This difference between topological and smooth structures, can be addressed in terms of the study of knots as boundaries of surfaces embedded in 4D space. In this talk I will focus on some knot operators known as satellites and will show that satellites can bound very different surfaces in the smooth and topological category. This is joint work with Allison Miller and Peter Feller.
Causeway Graduate School Panel
Bryna Kra, Northwestern University
Dave Chopp, Northwestern University
Alexander Furman, University of Illinois at Chicago
Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 3:00 p.m.
Locy 314
Abstract
How do I apply to graduate school? What programs should I consider? What goes into a personal statement? Whom do I ask for a letter of recommendation? We will be joined by panelists Bryna Kra, Dave Chopp, and Alexander Furman in a discussion about the process of applying to graduate school. Come prepared with your own questions!
What is math really? How do I do it? And what do I want from a graduate program?
Causeway Organizers
Wednesday, August 30, 2023, 4:00 p.m.
Lunt 104
Abstract
We will have an informal conservation about what it means to “do math” and share how we each approach learning mathematics. In addition to helping you further develop skills you’ll need in coursework, the aim is also to use this to get a sense for what types graduate programs you might consider applying to.
How can we use probability to count?
Marcus Michelen, University of Illinois at Chicago
Wednesday, August 9, 2023, 4:00 p.m.
Lunt 104
Abstract
Often when we first learn probability, we learn how counting can be used to compute probabilities. For instance, this is how one can compute the probability that five random cards from a standard deck are the same suit. This idea can also go in reverse, where ideas and tools from probability can be used to count mathematical objects. The main mantra is that large random structures should display some kind of predictability. I’ll walk through some of the greatest hits of this phenomenon, culminating in work of mine about counting “degree sequences” of graphs. No knowledge of probability or graphs will be assumed.
Hyperbolic geometry and how I came to learn about it
Santiago Canez, Northwestern University
Wednesday, July 26, 2023, 3:00 p.m.
Lunt 102Abstract
I will give a brief introduction to the subject of hyperbolic geometry, driven by trying to generalize properties of lines and triangles you’re already familiar with in Euclidean geometry. Along the way I’ll share some things about my own mathematical journey, and highlight some key events which shaped my own approach to mathematics.