Math Club Colloquium

Welcome to the Math Club Colloquium pages! Here you will find a record of colloquium talks dating back to 2010. Talks are accessible to a broad audience of students and faculty in mathematics and related disciplines. It is usually held during common hour on Tuesdays from 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm, but the day, time and location does change so please note the details listed by each talk. 

Academic Year 2016 - 2017

Sep 27, 2016: Alexander Gindes (Brooklyn College, CUNY)

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

1146 Ingersoll Hall

Title: Four Proofs of the Infinitude of Primes

Abstract: Here is the abstract provided by Prof. Gindes for his talk: We will discuss one of the most beautiful theorems in all of mathematics—the infinitude of primes. We will give four proofs with variations: Euclid's indirect proof, Euler's analytic proof, Furstenberg's topological proof, and Chaitin's complexity proof. These proofs reflect the evolution of techniques in number theory and in mathematical proofs in general.

Nov 1, 2016: David Aulicino (Brooklyn College, CUNY)

12:30 pm - 1:30 p.m.

1127 Ingersoll Hall

Title: Billiards in Polygons

Abstract: We will begin by considering a square billiard table and ask, "When is a billiard trajectory periodic?" We will give an answer to this question, and explain how this relates to a surface with a "flat geometry." We will generalize this setting to other polygons and investigate some of their properties. We will conclude by stating an unsolved problem about triangles.

Nov 15, 2016: Jeffrey Suzuki (Brooklyn College, CUNY)

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

1146 Ingersoll Hall

Title: Linear Algebra—The Fourth Wave of Mathematics

Abstract: Big ideas in mathematics often lead to fundamental changes in human culture. Thus the invention of written numbers allowed the rise of cities and central government, while calculus played a key role in the scientific and industrial revolution. Some mathematicians believe that over the next 50 years, linear algebra will bring about profound changes in our society. We'll take a look at how some very simple ideas from linear algebra are already beginning to change how we live, work, and play.

Nov 29, 2016: Noson Yanofsky (Brooklyn College and the Graduate Center CUNY)

12:30–2:00 pm

1127 Ingersoll Hall

Title: Category Theory by Example

Abstract: Category theory started as a branch of mathematics that studied various types of structures. Over the past few decades, category theory has arisen in almost every branch of mathematics, theoretical physics, and theoretical computer science. We give the basic definition of a category and discuss the relationships between categories. We then show the ubiquity of category theory by describing ten simple examples of categories from various fields of science. We conclude by showing how category theory is a unifying language of science by describing the relationships between these categories.

Feb 21, 2017: Sandra Kingan (Brooklyn College, CUNY)

12:30–1:30 p.m.

1141 Ingersoll Hall

Title: Pagerank

Abstract: PageRank is Sergey Brin and Larry Page's algorithm that launched Google, Inc. It is based on concepts from Linear Algebra and Graph Theory covered in undergraduate courses. This algorithm along with the background required to understand it were discussed at this event.

Feb 28, 2017: Marty Lewinter (Purchase College and Learn America)

12:30–1:30 p.m.

1141 Ingersoll Hall

Title: Fun With Number Theory

Abstract: Lewinter examined classes of numbers including squares, triangular numbers, primes, Fibonacci numbers, and more. Various beautiful properties and identities were presented. The only prerequisite was high school algebra.

 Apr 25, 2017: Christian Benes  (Brooklyn College, CUNY)

12:30–1:45 p.m.

1141 Ingersoll Hall

Title: Random Fractals

Abstract: One of the hottest topics of research in probability of the past few decades is a random fractal called the Schramm-Loewner Evolution (SLE). In recent years, two mathematicians were awarded Fields Medals for showing that SLE is related to well-known random processes such as loop-erased random walk and percolation. In this talk, Benes explained what fractals are and how random fractals appear naturally in a number of physical phenomena.

May 16, 2017, Paul Mucciarone, (St. John's University)

12:30–2 p.m.

1141 Ingersoll Hall

Title: Establishing Your Career as an Actuary: M.S. in Actuarial Science at St. John's University

Abstract: The actuarial profession is consistently ranked as a top career path. Mucciarone's talk explored why people with strong quantitative skills should consider pursing this lucrative and rewarding career. He defined the job functions of an actuary and the various skill sets needed to be successful in the field. He concluded the talk with details about the M.S. in Actuarial Science, including the curriculum, internship opportunities, career coaching, and scholarships.