Joe Albree, The 300th Anniversary of the Birth of Leonhard Euler : Euler’S Trigonometry and Some Followers.
Abstract: Euler’s introduction of the six basic circular trigonometric functions in his famous Introductio in analysin infinitorium (Introduction to the Analysis of the Infinite, 1748) was a tour de force. He began with what was then the usual definitions of the trigonometric lines (this approach has its own attractive strengths). Then in just one chapter, he carried the reader to the most modern concepts of the trigonometric functions, the understanding he was to use in his subsequent volumes in calculus (1755; 1768-1770) and the formulation taught in current graduate school courses in analysis. From this basis and as time will allow, we will explore some of the most influential English and American trigonometric works that followed Euler’s pioneering account, works by Robert Woodhouse of 1809 and 1827, by Ferdinand Rudolf Hassler of 1825, and by Benjamin Peirce of 1840 and 1854.
Mike Westall, The Texnh Project - Perspectives and Directions.
Abstract: The Texnh project provides an unusual alternative to the design of computing curricula for the bachelor's degree in computer science. The Texnh approach relies on problem-based instruction in the domain of computer generated visual media. Problem-based instruction is used as a vehicle, but the resulting curriculum differs from others in the depth, scope, and open-ended nature of the problems addressed. Student creativity is encouraged and is demonstrated in ray traced images produced by CS-2 students at Clemson. The first phase of the project was funded by the NSF in 2003, and the first two years (four courses) of the undergraduate computer science degrees at Clemson University are presently using the Texnh curriculum. A second round of funding, received from the NSF CPATH EAE program in 2007, will support experimentation with the Texnh approach by partners UNC-W and WCU, extension to senior division courses at Clemson, and the development of rigorous assessment mechanisms. This presentation will informally address the epistemological underpinnings of the Texhn approach and illustrate their application in the development of the Texnh curriculum.
Laura Martini, Universit\`a degli studi di Siena,
Abstract: During the first half of the nineteenth century, journals devoted to the mathematical sciences were founded in a number of national venues, especially in France, Germany, and Great Britain. On the contrary, in Italy, local societies and academies provided the primary publication outlets for mathematical research at this time. In addition, general interest periodicals, usually established and kept alive by small groups of scholars, occasionally published original mathematical research. The first mathematically oriented journal in Italy started only in 1850 when Barnaba Tortolini (1808-1874) founded the \textit{Annali di scienze matematiche e fisiche}. In subsequent decades, a number of specialized mathematical journals appeared in Italy.
This talk will discuss this evolution beginning with Tortolini’s \textit{Annali} and moving to the \textit{Annali di matematica pura ed applicata} (founded in 1858), the \textit{Giornale di matematiche} (founded in 1863), and the \textit{Rendiconti del Circolo matematico di Palermo} (founded in 1887). It will also outline the research interests of Italian mathematicians by analyzing the mathematical contributions to the three latter specialized journals from their respective foundations to the outbreak of the First World War.
Louis J. Gross, Managing Natural Resources: Mathematics Meets Politics, Greed and the Army Corps of Engineers
Abstract: An optimistic view of the potential for computational methodologies to aid in managing natural systems is tempered by the reality that factors other than scientific best practices are involved. The speaker will discuss a range of applications from relatively simple models for invasive plant control to models applied to long-term planning of an immense restoration effort in the Everglades of South Florida.
Louis J. Gross, Mathematics and Biology: Bears, Panthers, and Equations.
Abstract: In this presentation, the speaker explores how some mathematical applications are used to analyze ecological problems, such as in the Everglades and in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Darren A. Narayan, Applications of Graph Theory to 3-D Surface Reconstruction, Telecommunication Networks, and WWW Cybercommunities .
Abstract: We will give an overview of the NSF-CCLI STEM Real World Applications Modules Project which seeks to motivate mathematical concepts through cutting-edge real world applications. Technological applications which will be discussed in this talk include: 3-D surface reconstruction (Microsoft Research); analyses of airline flight routes (JetBlue Airways); fiber-optic telecommunications networks (Level 3 Communications); Minimal Steiner Trees (AT&T); and identification of WWW cybercommunications (Google).