The 2008 Sehnert Lecturer
J. M. Cushing
Professor of Applied Mathematics
The University of Arizona
7:30 p.m.
Otto Budig Theatre (University Center)
Scholars have remarked that the chaos theory ranks in the top ten scientific discoveries of the 20th century. Some have said it lies in the top three. What is chaos theory? And why is it considered so important? Why did it disturb and reshape the thinking of many scientists from virtually all disciplines? One fundamental reason (of several) is that mathematical chaos is an example of how complexity—indeed extreme complexity—can result from quite simple rules and mechanisms. We'll have a quick look at the history of chaos theory and at some of the basic concepts and mathematics involved. Using a decade long, inter-disciplinary biomathematics/experimental research project (involving the dynamics of cannibalistic beetles!) as a context, we’ll explore some of the mysteries and surprises of chaos. And we’ll ponder whether chaos is a good thing or a bad thing, and whether it is a troublesome problem or can be put to good use.
We encourage math educators and students to join us for these special events!
High school teachers: At 6:00 pm, come yourself, bring a few students, and join us for a free dinner in the University Center Ballroom. If you can make it for dinner, please call the Mathematics Department office at (859) 572-5377 by noon on Monday, November 3, so that we may plan accordingly.
Note: if you wish to bring more than two students, be sure to call and check on availability of space for dinner (space may be limited).
Sponsored by the NKU Department of Mathematics and
the NKU Center for Integrative Natural Science and
Mathematics. For further information, contact Dr. Andy Long at longa@nku.edu or by phone at (859)572-5794. A campus map is available at
http://www.nku.edu/campusmaps.
The annual James Sehnert Lecture was established in memory of, and endowed by the estate of, the late
Professor James “Duke” Sehnert, a member of the NKU Department of Mathematics and Computer Science from 1970 to 1999.
Previous Sehnert Lectures:
2007:
Rose Mary Zbiek, “Making Essential Ideas a Focal Point of Our Mathematics”
2006:
Brian Winkel, “Cipher Busting by Edgar Allen Poe, Jules Verne, William F. Friedman - and Beyond”
2005:
V. Frederick Rickey, “Isaac Newton: Man Myth, and Mathematics”
2004:
Robert V. Hogg, “The Importance of Understanding Variation”
2003:
Edward B. Burger, “Magic with Mathematics”
2002:
Ivars Peterson, “Moebius Madness”
2001:
Underwood Dudley, “Why Mathematics?”