Current: Fall 2026
■ October 7, 4pm-5pm, Room UP 222
Trang Nguyen, South Dakota State University
Title: Optimization of free-time controlled constrained sweeping processes and applications
Abstract: This talk is devoted to advanced optimal control problems governed by discontinuous constrained differential inclusions of
the sweeping type, in which the duration of the dynamic process is optimized. To address these problems, we employ the
method of discrete approximations together with advanced tools from variational analysis to derive necessary optimality
conditions for the original continuous-time problem. These results are applied to several practical models, including
nanoparticle dynamics and robotic systems. Key contributions also include the development of numerical algorithms to solve
these optimization problems, using the Python Dynamic Optimization library GEKKO to simulate solutions to the posed
robotics problems for an arbitrary fixed number of robots.
■ October 28, 4pm-5pm, Room Up 222
Alan Donsig, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Title: The Complete works of John Von Neumann ( abridged )*
Abstract: John Von Neumann (1903-1957) was a modern-day Renaissance man who made major contributions to mathematics, computer science, economics,
and other academic subjects. Wikipedia lists more than 60 things named after him. As a professor at Institute for Advanced Study in the 1930’s, he was famous for hosting
parties until late at night. He would also show up to teach at 8:30am the next morning. During World War Two, he was one of the key scientists in the Manhattan Project
and in the 1950’s, he played a major role in setting American defense policy before his untimely death from cancer at the age of 53.
This talk will survey his life and a few of his mathematical contributions, big and small, pure and applied, aiming to give a sense of both his intellect and his personality.
* - with apologies to The Reduced Shakespeare Company